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International Students

Application Process

  1. Submit the online Savannah Technical College Application for Admission.  Choose “Apply Now” and follow instructions for creating account and completing the application. 
  2. Pay the $25 Application Fee when submitting the application for admission.
  3. Attach transcripts to the application for admission or mail to:
    Savannah Technical College
    Office of Admissions
    5717 White Bluff Road
    Savannah, Georgia 31405 
  4. Attach official transcript evaluation of all foreign institutions attended to the online application for admission.  Evaluation must be from a NACES accredited evaluator (refer to https://www.naces.org/members). World Education Services (www.wes.org) is recommended. 
  5. Attach an English translation of all transcripts not in English to the online application for admission.
  6. If English is not your first language and you are abroad, submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS.   
  7. Attach a photocopy of current passport (ID page) to the online application for admission.  If you are currently in the United States, attach a copy of your passport and I-94. 
  8. Attach financial certification documentation to the online application for admission (this information will be separated following submission of the application and is not considered in the review of the application for admission).  

After Acceptance

  1. After your application has been reviewed and you are offered admission, your financial certification documentation will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20).  You must provide documentary evidence of financial support in the amount of the cost of attendance for the first year of attendance.  This funding should reliably be available for the duration of your program of study.  Documentation should include bank statements, affidavits or letters of support from sponsors. 

    Note:  All bank correspondence should be written on official bank stationary and certified or notarized by an officer of the bank with the bank address and telephone number printed clearly. Financial documentation must be dated within the last three months, and funds must be stated in the U.S. currency equivalent. 
  2. Upon successful review, the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) will be created and sent to you. 
  3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.  This is a required fee which must be paid before the US Department of State issues you a visa.  To pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee visit: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/.  For additional information see:  https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/paying-the-i-901-sevis-fee.  
  4. Find the U.S. Embassy or Consulate closest to your home: US Embassy
  5. Review the following informational websites:

Procedures for Obtaining a Visa

All students issued an Initial Attendance I-20 form, either abroad or while in the U.S., must apply for a visa outside the U.S.  You must apply for an F-1 student visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and then be admitted to the U.S. as an international student in F-1 status at a U.S. port of entry. 

  1. The Visa Appointment:  Take your Form I-20 issued by Savannah Technical College, acceptance notification, and documentation of financial support to the U.S. embassy or consulate at which you have made a visa appointment and have applied for the student visa. If your dependents are requesting dependent visas (F-2), then a dependent I20 form, a marriage license, birth certificates (family records), if applicable, and additional financial documentation will be needed.
  2. The Visa Interview: You may be required to speak with a consular official who has to review many visa applications every day. The consular officer will review your documents and ask about your plans of study. The officer will verify that you have the academic ability, English language skills, and the financial resources to study at Savannah Technical College. Because you are applying for a non-immigrant visa, the officer will require you to prove that you intend to return to your home country at the end of your program of study. The officer will then give you instructions about when to return to pick up your documents and your visa or when to expect them in the mail. You may receive a request to submit additional information at the discretion of the consular officer. 

    Note:  Do not apply for or enter the U.S. using a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) or using the WT/WB – Visa Waiver process if you are from a visa waiver program country.  You cannot legally enroll as a full time student if you enter the U.S. in one of these statuses.    

Entering the United States

Do not make your flight arrangements until you receive your student visa from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. You cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 form. Carry your immigration documents with you onto the plane because you will be required to present your passport and these documents to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

When you arrive at the U.S. port of entry, you will be inspected for admission into the U.S. During this inspection, you will present your passport, I-20 form, and financial information to the U.S. Immigration Officer.  Put these documents in a safe place because you must provide copies during your immigration check-in process with Savannah Technical College once you arrive in the U.S. Losing these documents will cost you significantly in time and money to replace.

Note: You are required by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to attend the institution whose Immigration documents you use to enter the United States.

Resources to review

  1. Port of Entry Fact Sheet
  2. Travel Security Administration

Immigration Check-In at Savannah Technical College

All new and transfer F-1 international students are required to check-in at the Office of Admissions at Savannah Technical College after arriving in the United States. You must bring your passport, I-20 and a copy of your I-94.  You can obtain the I-94 document ONLY after you arrive in the U.S. by visiting CBP I-94. The college’s Designated School Official (DSO) will review your immigration documents, make copies, and register your SEVIS record.

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