Immigration
Obtaining your Student Visa
Obtaining a visa for studying at Spokane Community College is getting easier!
The International Students office of Spokane Community College manages all visa-related issues, including:
- Visa issues related to application for enrollment
- Issuance of I-20 and other required forms
- Coordination with U.S. Government SEVIS officials
- Student advising related to maintenance of proper visa status
Our staff is dedicated to working with students, education advising professionals, international academic
institutions, and our own U.S. Embassy personnel to facilitate obtaining your F-1 Visa.
After you have been issued an I-20 (F-1) from SCC, please take the following items with you to the U.S.
Embassy office:
- A current, valid passport
- The I-20 issued to you by Spokane Community College
- Evidence of financial support for the period of time listed on the I-20
- Proof that you have a permanent residence outside the U.S.
- One or more passport-type photographs
- A nonimmigrant visa application
A Student Visa FAQ is available to answer some questions about student visas.
For questions not covered in the FAQ, please contact us so we can address
any concerns you may have.
International students can also find help in preparing for the visa application and interview by contacting
the local Education USA offices in
their home country. The Education USA office will help prepare for the visa interview, and answer any questions related
to rights and status as a student at Spokane Community College.
Staying IN STATUS
The International Students office will help you stay in status while you are a student at
Spokane Community College.
To maintain F-1 status, a student must:
- Maintain a valid passport for a minimum period of 6 months
- Attend the school (s)he is authorized to attend
- Pursue a course of study - A full course of study is to complete 12 credits per quarter
for fall, winter, and spring. Summer session is optional.
- Apply for extensions of programs before the expiration date on the current I-20 if necessary
- Follow INS procedures for transferring from one school to another
- Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours a week while school is in session
- Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization
- Report a change of address to INS within 10 days of the change
Each F-1 student must take personal responsibility for his or her immigration status. In case of questions,
contact the Program Coordinator at SCC as soon as possible.
Transferring IN or OUT
Many international students study initially at a Community College, then transfer to a four-year institution to
complete a bachelor's degree. Transferring between institutions is an easy process, and our staff will help.
- Step ONE – Select the college or university to which you would like to transfer.
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- Step TWO – Apply for admission to the new institution.
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- Step THREE – When your acceptance letter is received, bring it to the International Students office and
complete a TRANSFER OUT form. Your I-20 will be transferred to the new institution.
Employment
International students are permitted to work on-campus. Off-campus employment is normally not possible.
Contact the Program Coordinator to apply for on-campus work, or to discuss the regulations regarding work off campus.