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The steps involved in beginning your studies at TCC are listed below. We have done our best to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact the International office with any questions you have about the application process. Thank you for applying to TCC! We look forward to meeting you.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION NEWS

TCC’s Pre-Payment Policy for International Students - Effective November 1, 2011

In order to ensure that international applicants have the ability to finance their education in the U.S., Tacoma Community College (TCC) reserves the right to require pre-payment of 1/3 of annual tuition and fees (USD $5,512) from regions that have demonstrated a  high default rate in paying tuition at TCC within the last 3 years. 

Step 1. Apply

It is easy to apply to TCC! There are 3 simple steps:

1. Apply Online using our secure web form
2. Send supporting documents to us by fax, mail or email - Please use only one method to send your documents!
3. Pay the application fee and other fees, if applicable

How to send us your bank statement and supporting documents:

• Our fax number is +1-253-566-5190
• Email address for submitting supporting documents is Linh Bracking
• Our mailing address is:
  Tacoma Community College
  International Programs
  6501 South 19^th Street - Building 11, second floor
  Tacoma, WA 98466 - USA

A complete application has 4 parts:

1. Online Application Form – be sure to answer each question completely!
2. Bank Statement in English showing $16,536 available for the first year of study – may be submitted by fax, mail or email; be sure to indicate your relationship to the person listed on the bank statement, as well as the student's name and date of birth.
3. Copies of High School or College Transcript in English
4. Applicable Fees – includes mandatory $55* application fee and other optional fees. Fees are payable by credit card, money order from the postal service (not Western Union), bank draft, or check from an American bank. If you would like to pay by credit card, please download and send us the credit card authorization form.

* $55 application fee starting applications for summer quarter 2011. This includes a blank bus pass from Pierce Transit.

Notes and Additional Forms

• If you have a relative or agency with whom you would like us to share information about you, you will need to print a release of information form and send it to us. This form is required in all applications submitted through educational agencies.
• Students under the age of 18 must send a completed parental consent form to TCC.
• If you are already studying at a different school in the US, you will also need to submit a transfer form after you have had it signed by the International Advisor at your current school.
• Paper versions of all our forms are available. Please call +1-253-566-5190 to request paper forms.

Application Re-Issuance

1^st re-issuance = FREE
2^nd & final re-issuance = $25

For help with the application, see our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Linh Bracking.

Step 2. Receive I-20 Form

After we receive a complete application from you, we will send you an I-20 form within 48 hours.  The I-20 is a document which says you have been accepted as a student at TCC.  The US consulate in your home country will require that you bring the I-20 to your F-1 visa interview.  We will also send you a consulate letter telling the consulate that we support your application to study in America. Keep your I-20 and consulate letter safe! If you lose your I-20, tell us immediately so that we can cancel it and send you a new one.

Step 3. F-1 Visa Interview

You will need to make an appointment for an interview at the US consular office nearest your home.  The US government requires that all F-1 visa applicants do an interview and pay a SEVIS fee and a visa fee. Check here to see how long you will have to wait for an interview – the wait time varies from country to country. 

Have a look at this website to prepare for your visa application.

For more information about F-1 visas and interviews, please see the US State Department website.

Step 4. Arrival in the USA

As soon as you receive your F-1 visa, please let us know so that we can plan for your arrival. The Housing Coordinator will need to know your travel plans, including flight number, date and time of your arrival, so she can set up an airport pickup if needed. Homestay students need to pay the $250 housing placement fee before the housing coordinator can place you with a host family.

When you enter the US, you will need to show the immigration officer:

• Your I-20 form
• Your passport with a valid F-1 or M-1 student visa
• Your I-94 form (you will be given this form to fill out on the airplane)

Please plan on arriving no more than one week before New Student Orientation begins. Students that need an airport pickup have to schedule their flights for one of the plan to arrive dates on our Academic Calendar page.  Remember to have the TCC International office’s phone numbers with you when you travel so that you can get a hold of us if you have any problems. You can find the office phone number on your I-20 form.

Congratulations!

You have completed all the steps required to study in the USA. We hope to see you soon!