Change of Status (COS) to F-1 Visa
Individuals in certain nonimmigrant statuses are not eligible to change status to F-1 from within the US: C, D, K and M-1
Admission Information
(This information is for International Students only. If you are a Permanent Resident Alien, please complete standard application by clicking here.)
Required Documents
You must submit the following items to the International Student Services Office at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the term for which you are applying:
Note: Please keep in mind the following when completing your application:
An admissions application and all required documents must be received before an I-20 can be issued. Your permanent foreign address is required. Students must have completed secondary school (high school).
Minimum total scores of 79 on the Internet-based, 213 on the Computer-based and 550 on the paper-based test or 6 hours of college English is required if the native language is not English.
International students should plan to take the TOEFL at least three (3) months prior to the intended term of enrollment in order to assure the official test score report is received at least thirty (30) days before the beginning of the term.
Students must be able to bear the cost of study and living expenses. A Statement of Financial Responsibility must be completed and notarized. An official bank statement with funds available to you in excess of $15,000 (US currency) must be attached to the statement of financial responsibility. Students should know that $15,000 is needed each year to cover living expenses, tuition and fees.
Statement of Financial Responsibility of financial resources
Documentary evidence of means of financial support must be provided to the College for admission purposes and issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20).
The Statement of Financial Responsibility indicates that you have or your sponsor has an account of at least $15,000 (USD) and that this money is to be used to support you while you study at Gulf Coast State College. The Statement of Financial Responsibility must be certified authentic (notarized) and an official bank statement must be attached. The statement must be dated no more than 6 months from the term deadline date.
Federal financial aid is not available to international students. Tuition and fees must be paid by the beginning of each term.
Transcripts from foreign institutions must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES). It is the responsibility of the student to bear all associated costs and fees. Gulf Coast will determine transferable credits. If the academic institution you attended does not issue documents in English, you must submit precise word for word translations of all your credentials. To have your documents translated, you may contact University Language Services (ULS) by using the link below.
Submit copies of all VISA’s and Passport.
Original I-94 card is required.
Application fee: money order payable to: US Department of Homeland Security (do not abbreviate) for $290.
Letter from student explaining why they are requesting a change of status
GCSC letter of acceptance
Student pays SEVIS fee (I-901) http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm
GCSC issues I-20
GCSC mails all originals to USCIS
If you have questions about this process please contact me at your convenience.
Gulf Coast State College
Enrollment Services
5230 W Hwy 98
Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-913-3282
Fax: 850-913-3308
Contact person: Alice Walls
Email: awalls@gulfcoast.edu
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