Transfer F-1 Visa or I-20

Transfer wishing to obtain an F-1 Visa / I-20

Admissions Requirements – Transfer wishing to obtain an F-1 Visa or transfer your current I-20

Students that have completed one or more courses at the college level after graduating from secondary school and wishing to attain an F-1 Visa or transfer your current I-20

Application Deadlines

• Spring Semester: November 15 of previous year
• Fall Semester: July 15 of same year

International Student Application Steps

Admissions Requirements – Transfer wishing to obtain an F-1 Visa or transfer your current I-20

• Complete Online Application

• Submit English Proficiency Test (TOEFL or the Michigan test)

  • All applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the Michigan test. A minimum score of 500 paper based, 173 computer based or 61 Internet based is required for TOEFL and a minimum of 80 on the Michigan exam. Scores more than two years old are not acceptable. Test scores must be requested from the testing agency by the student to be sent directly to our office. Our TOEFL code is 1081. Student copies of test scores are not acceptable. Additional institutional placement assessment may be required of all international students.

• Request your official secondary school transcripts be sent directly to Enrollment Services. (Must be certified English translations.)

  • Official copies of academic records from secondary schools accompanied by notarized or certified English translation of these documents. Minimum admissions require completion of the secondary school. Official evaluations of transcripts may be required and are always encouraged.

• Request an official evaluations be done on all your foreign college(s) and be sent directly to Enrollment Services accompanied by notarized or certified English translation of these documents. 

  • Evaluations are required for all foreign colleges – acceptable international services can be found here.

  • A syllabus and/or course descriptions for each class to be considered for course substitution should accompany college transcripts. (English)

• Complete and submit Medical Form

  • Provide documentation of two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and two doses of Varicella (chickenpox).

  • Provide verification of freedom from tuberculosis (TB) through a TB skin test and/or chest X-ray. The certificate must be from a licensed physician or other medical authority and submitted within 30 days from the first day of classes to continue enrollment.

• Provide proof that you can pay Declaration Form.

  • Please read Financial Information.

  • International applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees and living expenses while they are a student at Columbia State. All documents must be in English with balances specifically stated in U.S. dollars (USD).

  • There is no financial aid available for non-immigrant students. Also, there is no deferment plan at Columbia State, therefore full payment is expected by due date per semester.

• Copy of Passport

• Submit official ACT or SAT scores – optional not required for admission

  • ACT/SAT is not required for admissions. If you have taken the ACT/SAT please submit those scores to Enrollment Services. Scores more than five years old are not acceptable.

Additional Documents for students currently attending a U.S. college on a F-1 Visa and wanting to transfer their I-20 to Columbia State

• Request an official transcript from your U.S college(s) be sent directly to Enrollment Services

• Complete and return the Transfer Verification Form.

• Copies of all I-20’s (front and back) that have been issued to you from all institutions

• Copy of your current I-94 (front and back)

F-1 Visa students are required to purchase student health insurance through the TBR’s Student/Scholar Health and Accident Insurance unless covered by other adequate coverage.

F-1 Visa students are required to maintain legal non-immigrant status, students must register for a minimum of 12 semester hours. Courses must be taken on the Columbia, TN campus only.