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Step 1. Apply

It is easy to apply to TCC! There are 3 convenient ways to apply:

• Apply Online using our secure web form, then mail supporting documents to the International Office
• Print the Application Form and Mail it with supporting documents to the International Office at:
  Tacoma Community College
  International Student Services and Programs
  6501 South 19^th Street - Building 11
  Tacoma, WA 98466 - USA
• Print the Application Form and Fax it to: 253.566.6027, then Mail supporting documents to the International Office

If you cannot open the Application Form, you may need to download Adobe PDF Reader, a free program.

A complete application has 4 parts:

1. Application Form – be sure to answer each question completely!
2. Original Bank Statement in English showing $15,444 available for the first year of study – must be submitted by mail; be sure to indicate your relationship to the person listed on the bank statement
3. Original High School Transcript in English or GED Score – only for students who will be under 18 years old and who have not graduated from high school when they start studying at TCC
4. Applicable Fees – includes mandatory $50 application fee and other fees for housing placement, etc. Fees 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 mail or fax the credit card authorization form.

Notes:
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 mail or fax it to us. This form is required in all applications submitted through educational agencies.

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.

For help with the application, see our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Sandra Ayesh, our Admission Specialist.

Step 2. Receive I-20 Form

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 drastically from country to country. 

It helps to be prepared for the F-1 visa interview.  If you can, answer the questions in English.  Consular officers will probably ask you about the following issues, so you should have an idea of what you want to say about each one.  Remember, detailed answers are better!

• Plans at TCC: What is your intended course of study? How well are you prepared academically for your studies at TCC? (Mention your English language proficiency and high school and/or college grades)
• Plans After TCC: What do you want to do after your studies at TCC? Will you transfer to an American university for a bachelor’s degree? Will you return to your home country to work?
• Benefits of Your Education:How will your education in the US be useful to you in your home country? If your education will help you to find a better job, please give details.
• Break in Education: If you are NOT currently a student, what are you doing now? What have you been doing since you finished school? Why do you want to study now?
• Previous Degree: If you already have a degree in your home country, how will an associate’s degree or ESL training benefit you?
• Return to Your Home Country After Your Education: What will motivate you to leave the US after you complete your education here? Students with F-1 visas are required to leave the US after completing their studies here. If you have a job prospect, fiancé(e), or close family ties in your home country, or are planning to return to your home country for university, it is more likely that the consulate will grant you a visa. Bring any supporting documents you may have, such as verification that you own land or a business, marriage documents, or anything that proves you have stronger ties to your home country than to the USA.
• Required Documents: Bring original documents of your bank statement and transcripts for the consular officer to examine.
• Visa information from the State Department.http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html

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 tell us so that we can plan for your arrival. The Housing Coordinator will need to know your travel plans, including flight number, date and time, so she can set up an airport pickup for you.  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 and fill it out on the airplane)

Please plan on arriving no more than one week before New Student Orientation begins. See our Academic Calendar page for more information.  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!