Frequently Asked Questions - F-1 International Students

What is the application process?

• All new international students must print out the application forms and submit the required documents on the checklist to the campus they wish to attend. To review the application requirements, click here.

Once I apply, how long before I hear from Cuyahoga Community College?

• Once you submit your application, you should receive an email from the International Student Services office within a few days to let you know we received your application. If everything is complete, a decision should be made within two to three weeks.

What makes my documents official?

• Official documents must be issued directly from the authorizing institution, such as a bank, school or testing agency. Official/certified copies are acceptable. This means a photocopy of the original has been made, then stamped/signed/sealed by an official, such as a notary or magistrate. All official documents must have a stamp, a seal or be printed on official letterhead paper from the authorizing institution. Photocopies and scans cannot be accepted if they are not copied by an official.

Can I send a scanned application or bank documents by email?

• You may email your application documents to the campus you wish to attend, however all bank documents must be original, on bank letterhead and sent by mail or dropped off in person at the campus.  We do not accept scanned and emailed bank documents.

How can I check the status of my application?

• If you have questions about your application, please email the International Student Services Coordinator at the campus to which you applied.

What financial documents must I submit?

• The financial documents required for the application process include a financial support form, which must be completed by you and all sponsors financially supporting you, and an official and original bank statement on letterhead. You must submit either a recent official bank statement or letter on bank letterhead (translated into English) for each person listed as a sponsor. A total of $29,539 must be available in a checking, savings or other “liquid” account. The bank statement must be less than six months old from the start of the semester you wish to attend. Bank statements are accepted in all currencies, but must be written in or officially translated into English.  We do not accept scanned and emailed bank documents.

Do I need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or SAT test?

• We require only one of these tests be submitted during the application process. Cuyahoga Community College requires all entering students to provide evidence of English proficiency as part of our admission criteria. We were required to do this to meet federal regulations since we are not a language institute, but a degree-granting institution. Full-time ESL studies is an option for F-1 students to start with, but we must have proof of language proficiency from one of the tests we authorize from the list below. Students who have met the required scores of English language proficiency may be admitted to the college for Academic Studies to study on an I-20 for their declared major. Students studying with an I-20 in Academic Studies may be approved for up to 36 months.
  • TOEFL (iBT, online test): 79 (no sub-score can be lower than 18)* or above
  • TOEFL (computer-based test): 213* or above
  • TOEFL (paper test): 550* or above
  • IELTS (academic test): 6.0* or above
  • ACT: 18 or above (in Reading)*
  • SAT: 480 or above (in Reading)*
  • Cuyahoga Community College placement exam (If currently in U.S.) ― Placement into ENG-1010
  • Transfer credit in College-level English with a grade of "C" or better from an accredited U.S. college or university*

TOEFL /IELTS scores are only valid for two years.

*Successful completion of fewer than 15 credit hours of college-level coursework from an accredited college in the United States, including the equivalent of ENG-1010 and 1020, may require placement exam, TOEFL or IELTS testing.

What is the minimum score that I need on the TOEFL or IELTS in order to be accepted to Tri-C?

• TOEFL (computer, paper or online): Minimum score of 16 (no sub-score lower than 4)
• IELTS (academic test only): Minimum score of 4.0

I have received advanced degrees from institutions of higher education in my country. Will Cuyahoga Community College accept my foreign credentials so that I may receive transfer credit?

• Yes, however, we must receive an evaluation report. Students who have completed college-level coursework outside the U.S. must have their transcripts evaluated by the transcript evaluation agency listed below. A request must be made for a Catalog Match Report for courses to be eligible for review by the College. The cost of the evaluation is the responsibility of the student. The evaluation should be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar at Cuyahoga Community College at the address below.

Educational Perspectives
Cuyahoga Community College
Office of the Registrar
P.O. Box 5966
Cleveland, OH 44101

How can I check the status of my application?

• If you have questions about your application, please email the International Student Services Coordinator at the campus to which you applied.

Do I have to declare a major or a program of study?

• You must select a major on your application; however, it is possible to change your selection at a later time.

Can I just study English as a Second Language?

• Cuyahoga Community College is not a language school. Students must apply to the school and will then be placed into ESL courses (if necessary) based on their scores.

What is the cost to study at Cuyahoga Community College?

• The estimated cost for tuition and fees is about $7,189 per academic year; however, students are required to show at least $29,539 in their financial documentation.

Is financial aid (FAFSA) available to F-1 visa holders?

• No. International students do not qualify for state or federal financial aid programs.

Are there scholarships available to F-1 visa holders?

• Please check the scholarship website here, to find out which scholarships you may qualify for.  F-1 visa holders are not allowed to apply for any scholarships that are funded by local, state or federal funding.

How many credits do I have to take?

• F-1 students must register for and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, of which 9 credits must be seated in a classroom on campus, at Cuyahoga Community College in order to maintain their F-1 visa status.  F-1 visa holders are not permitted to take 8-week or 12-week courses.

Can I take courses online?

• At least 9 of your 12 credits must be taken as in-person, face-to-face courses seated in a classroom on campus. You are permitted to take 1 online course equivalent to 3 credits.

After I register for classes, how soon do I need to pay my tuition bill?

• Tuition payment is due at the time of class registration.  If payment is not made, your classes will be dropped.  

Do I have to take all my courses at one campus?

• No, you are permitted to take courses at any Cuyahoga Community College location.

Can I work while in the United States?

• While you hold F-1 visa status, you are only allowed to work on campus. While classes are in session, you are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. Any other employment is considered unauthorized and is a violation of your visa status.

What is the deadline for submitting an application?

• Please see the application page for international students for the exact dates here.

How do I get a student visa?

• After you are accepted by the College and receive the Form I-20 from the College, you must apply for your nonimmigrant student (F-1) visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest your home. You must bring the necessary supporting documentation to your visa appointment, including your College acceptance letter, proof of payment of SEVIS fee, passport, your I-20 Form and appropriate financial documentation. Required documents depend on the country, so it is recommended that you check with the U.S. consulate or embassy to determine what you need before your appointment.

How do I apply for a change of status?

• You must submit the items found on the change of status checklist to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It can take the government anywhere from four to six months to make a decision. If you have a B-1/B-2 tourist visa and are changing your status, you cannot begin classes or study until your case is adjudicated. Visit Study in the State’s website for more instructions regarding the change of status procedure here.

What is the weather like in Cleveland?

• As the fall semester begins in August, temperatures will likely range from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (21-32 degrees Celsius). In November and December, temperatures can drop to 17-40 degrees Fahrenheit (-8-4 degrees Celsius) and are usually accompanied by rain, snow and ice. These temperatures sometimes last until March. As springtime approaches in March and April, temperatures begin to rise again to about 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit (7-15 degrees Celsius) and can last throughout the spring semester. Cleveland experiences all four seasons of weather.