Steps to Enroll for F-1 International Students

Begin here, go anywhere!

HCC is a global community and welcomes students from around the globe. If you are an international student intending to study in the United States on an F-1 student visa and consider whether HCC is the place for you, check out the Center for International Education pages.  

The Center’s dedicated staff provides specialized services for F-1 international students from more than 80 countries. This includes guidance on admissions, visas, orientation, academics, housing and transferring to a four-year college or university.

Learn how you can become an F-1 student at HCC!

Learn about the admission requirements for F-1 visa students and complete the International Student Application, including proof of high school graduation, proof of English proficiency and financial support.

Congratulations! You have been admitted to HCC! What are the next steps?

If you received a new “initial” HCC I-20 with your official HCC admissions letter, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Make an appointment for an F-1 visa interview with the nearest U.S. Consulate in your home country. 

If you are transferring from another U.S. institution to HCC, arrange for the release of your SEVIS record from your current school to HCC upon receiving your official HCC admissions letter. You will be issued a “transfer pending” I-20.

Report to the Center for International Education by the I-20 program start date. Bring your immigration documents and submit official SAT or ACT scores, if available. Meet with your International Student Advisor to determine if you need to take the college placement test.   

Attend a New International F-1 Student Orientation at the Center for International Education. This is a mandatory event for all new F-1 students (initial and transfer).

Students will receive an email from the CIE with available orientation dates upon admission to HCC. During the orientation, new students will meet their CIE advisors and learn about F-1 immigration regulations, academic advising and student services at HCC.  

After the orientation, students can begin the registration process, provided they have submitted proof of health insurance and taken a placement test.

Submit proof of health insurance. All international F-1 students must provide proof of health insurance before enrolling in courses at HCC. Visit insuranceforstudents.com/hcc to enroll in the HCC-endorsed health insurance plan.

Meet with your International Student Advisor to register for courses. Pay for your courses or enroll in the Tuition Installment Plan (TIPS).