International Student Application Process

WELCOME TO OUR INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PROCCESS PAGE!

The International Student Services & Programs office is here to welcome and support students of all backgrounds and immigration statuses. Whether you are an international student or not, you are always welcome to utilize our support services.  This page is to help you determine if, due to your legal status in the USA, you will need to complete the international student application and/or provide any supplemental documents with your application.

Is this the right page for me to apply to Red Rocks Community College?

This page is your first step to becoming an RRCC student if one of the following applies (click the link to be directed to the correct application):

  1. Currently living outside of the United States and are interested in applying for an F-1 student visa

  2. Currently living inside the United States and are interested in applying for a change of immigration status to F-1

  3. A current F-1 student who wishes to maintain their I-20 at their current college but plans to take some courses at Red Rocks as a guest student

  4. A current F-1 student looking to transfer to Red Rocks Community College

  5. A current J, F-2, or M-2 visa holder looking to enroll in courses

  6. A student interested in RRCC's Global Student program where you can study online from outside of the United States

*** *** If you are undocumented, ASSET eligible, a DACA recipient, or a “Dreamer” you do not need to complete this application process. If you have questions, you do not need to disclose your status over e-mail. Just type the words "DREAM Team" in the subject line and set up a follow-up meeting. You may fill out the new or returning student application process listed on the rrcc.edu/apply-now page and go through the traditional application process.

*** If you are unsure of your immigration status OR how your current status relates to higher education in the USA please contact us directly.

To learn more about how your current immigration status may impact your ability to study in the USA please review official visa purpose of visit regulations at travel.state.gov . For a quick review of academic pursuit regulations for nonimmigrant visa holders looking to study in the United States check out this chart put out by ICE. Our office is happy to review this information with you as well. Please set up an appointment with our office to discuss your personal situation at international@rrcc.edu  .

*** Please use the general admissions application if none of the situations above apply to you.

 

Click the Links Below to Answer these Common Application Questions:

List of different types of international applications

How to I submit my application?

What is the F-1/M-1 visa application process from outside the USA?

What is the F-1 change of status application process from within the USA?

What is the F-1 transfer-in process?

Costs and Financial Statements

Scholarships

Where can I transfer after completing my studies at Red Rocks?

If I am in the United States already and want to be an international student, do I need a new visa?

I've been in the USA for awhile, can I get resident tuition?

Do I have to provide the full amount in my bank statement even if I don't think my expenses will be that high?

 


Student Applications

 

RRCC Global Student

This application is for any prospective students that do not currently have an immigration status in the USA and are planning to study at Red Rocks Community College online from outside of the United States.

Examples of students who are good candidates for an online education at RRCC include:

  •     Students who would otherwise travel to the US to study but can longer travel to the US due to visa issuance restrictions, COVID-19, economic downturns affecting finances, or any other barriers.
  •     Students who need a proven track record at a US college in order to increase their chances of transfer to higher ranking college or university.
  •     Students who need to improve their English language skills before they can apply to US colleges and universities.
  •     Budget minded students and sponsors, who appreciate the ability to decrease costs by studying online for anything from one semester up to a whole associate’s degree, before the students travels to the US to begin classes at RRCC or transfer to a four year college.
  •     Students who want to gain experience in learning in a US classroom environment before committing to attend college in the US.
  •     Students who would like to earn a certificate or technical degree from a US institution without travelling to the United States.

Students are welcome to begin studies with RRCC Global Online while applying for an F-1 student status to study at RRCC in-person at a later date.

Download the Global Student Application Here
 

This application allows us to address any international student holds that may be placed upon your account. In addition to this application, if you have not been an RRCC student for over 1 year, please also fill out the New or Returning Student Application at rrcc.edu/apply-now to get your student ID number issued.

Global Students Application Requirements:

  • Completed application
  • Copy of passport or another official form of identification

Tuition fees must be paid in full prior to the start of classes.

Back to Common Common Application Questions


 

F-1 Guest Student/International Visiting Student Application

This application is for international students who already have F-1 status, are attending a SEVIS approved college or university, and are planning to take one or more courses as a visiting student at Red Rocks Community College.

This application will last for the duration you have permission from your institution's Designated School Official (DSO) to study at RRCC and needs to be completed again when that time frame expires or when your information needs to be updated.

Download the International Visiting Student Applications 2020-2021 here.

This application allows us to address any international student holds that may be placed upon your account. In addition to this application, if you have not been an RRCC student for over 1 year, please also fill out the New or Returning Student Application at rrcc.edu/apply-now to get your student ID number issued. You will receive an acceptance e-mail, but this just a general acceptance letter that is standard for all students - not immigrant students. If your school's Designated School Official for international students does not authorize you taking classes then you will have a hold on your account and will not be able to proceed with registration.

Visiting/Guest International Students Application Requirements: 

Visiting/Guest students must update application materials must every semester they choose to attend RRCC

  • Completed application
  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of your current I-20
  • Copy of F-1 visa
  • Copy of I-94
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Permission from you current school’s DSO (the person who signs your I-20) to study at RRCC for the specific semester you plan to study
    • This letter must state:
      • Whether you are currently maintaining your F-1 status
      • Confirm your I-20 will continue to be housed under your current institution while you are attending RRCC
      • Acknowledge if you have met any requirements your own school may have in order to take on an additional courseload elsewhere (may not apply)
      • Verify that your DSO is aware you plan to take classes at RRCC (this letter can only be signed by a DSO, not any other type of advisor)
      • Can only be for the current semester or the upcoming semester
      • Cannot approve multiple semesters at a time
      • If your DSO does not approve of you taking coursework with us we would still like them to write to us
    • Your DSO should e-mail this directly to international@rrcc.edu
    • Please know that even if you meet all other admission requirements, your DSO letter impacts your admission decision

Back to Common Common Application Questions


 

International Student Continuing Education Application

This application is for prospective international students who will not be F-1/M-1 status and will be non-degree seeking. Complete this application to for either regular college classes or ESL classes. This application is intended for but not limited to: F-2 and M-2 visa holders (dependents of F-1/M-1 international students), as well as J visa holders (like Au Pairs or J-1 dependents).

Download the Continuing Education Application here.

This application allows us to address any international student holds that may be placed upon your account. In addition to this application, if you have not been an RRCC student for over 1 year, please also fill out the New or Returning Student Application at rrcc.edu/apply-now to get your student ID number issued.

International Continuing Education Student Requirements:

  • Completed application
  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of visa
  • Proof of current status (I-20, I-94, etc.)

* Please remember that if you have an F-2 or M-2 status you cannot be enrolled in full-time courses *

With the possibility of an exception for dependent minor students, regardless of how long you have been in the United States you will be paying non-resident tuition for all credit bearing classes if you have an F, M, or J status.

Back to Common Common Application Questions


 

International Student Application for Current and Aspiring F-1/M-1 Students

This application is intended for the following individuals:

  • Individuals who are seeking a student visa (F-1/M-1 status) specifically to study in the USA.

  • Individuals already living in the USA who are seeking to change their status to F-1.

  • F-1 international students who are already in the USA and plan to transfer to Red Rocks Community College.

  • F-1 International students who have applied to Red Rocks or another community college in Colorado before but are not currently a student here – please include your previous student ID number in your application

Download the New International Student Application 2020-2021 here

  • If you are being sponsored by anyone other than yourself - including parents and family members, please also complete this Financial declaration document

Download the Financial Declaration & Affidavit of Support here.

 

The admissions process is simple as long as all necessary information is provided. E-mail us at international@rrcc.edu the following documents. Due to potentially lengthy waiting periods to obtain a visa or change of status, potentially extensive transfer processes, or travel arrangement complications, it is best to apply at least six weeks before classes begin. Please research current processing times to determine the best timing of your application. Classes typically begin the mid-August, mid-January, and the first week of June.

Simply submitting an application to RRCC does not guarantee that you will be provided an I-20. Our staff must review your application to determine if you are eligible for an I-20. Eligibility for an I-20 does not guarantee that you will be issued an F-1/M-1 visa or change of status.

REQUIRED FOR ALL INCOMING F-1/M-1 APPLICATIONS (for visa seekers, change of status applicants, and transfer students):

If you are transferring your I-20 from another U.S. school please also include the following:

  • Copy of your current I-20
  • Copy of F-1 visa
  • Copy of I-94
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • A completed RRCC transfer-in form indicating your transfer release date, this will be given to you upon acceptance to RRCC and will be submitted AFTER your initial application

Next steps:

Submit Application

* Apply for Change of StatusF-1 Visa , or Transfer

* Contact our department on the results of your process

* Arrange an on-boarding meeting with our department

Back to Common Common Application Questions


 

How Do I Submit My Application?

Review the application options to determine which one suits your situation. E-mail your completed application as well as all required accompanying documents (listed on page 1 of your application) to international@rrcc.edu. Please note that we are unable to process incomplete applications. Using the incorrect application (such as the regular online application on the RRCC Apply Now page) may cause delays in processing your application.

Options for submission:

  • You may download the PDF documents on this website. Just print them, sign them, and scan them so you can e-mail them back to us. You may also sign the PDF electronically and e-mail it to us.
  • If you are unable to access the PDF documents or prefer to complete an application online (the easiest way to apply), you may e-mail us at international@rrcc.edu and we can e-mail you the application directly through Adobe Sign.
  • We are currently not consistently in the office due to COVID-19 related closures and will only be able to handle in-person application pick-ups/drop offs on a case by case basis with a scheduled appointment. We are unable to mail out applications.

 It can take time to process an application, especially during busy seasons so please be patient with us. You should receive a confirmation of receipt e-mail within a week of submitting your application. If you have not received this e-mail please follow up to make sure your application was received.

DISCLAIMERS:

  • Simply submitting an application to RRCC does not guarantee that you will be provided an I-20. Our staff must review your application to determine if you are eligible for an I-20. Eligibility for an I-20 does not guarantee that you will be issued an F-1/M-1 visa or change of status.
  • Even if you meet other requirements to be a guest student or transfer student, remarks from your current DSO can impact your eligibility to continue with RRCC.
  • Do not finalize any plans to travel to the USA or enroll in RRCC courses before confirming with our department that you are eligible to take this next step.

Back to Common Common Application Questions


 

How to Transfer-In to Red Rocks as an F-1 Student

  • You must maintain your current F-1 status.
    • If you have not maintained your status please contact us to discuss your situation at international@rrcc.edu.
  • Apply to Red Rocks Community College with complete application and financial support documents.
  • If your application appears to be eligible, you will be issued a conditional acceptance letter. Along with this conditional acceptance letter you will be issued transfer-in paperwork for you and your current DSO (the person who signs your I-20) to complete.
  • Complete your portion of the form and have your DSO complete their portion. Your DSO will send this directly to us. Talk with your DSO about a potential SEVIS record transfer date to include on your form. DO NOT have your DSO transfer your record to RRCC.
  • After our department reviews your DSO transfer-in forms. If you are eligible, you will receive an official acceptance letter. If you are not eligible we may need to have further conversations.
  • Respond to both us and your current DSO if you would like to proceed with the transfer of your SEVIS record to our college. You can only transfer your SEVIS record to one school so this is your opportunity to commit to which college you plan to attend. At that point your DSO should arrange for the SEVIS release date.
  • After your SEVIS records have been released to RRCC we will be able to issue you an initial status I-20.
  • You will need to complete an onboarding meeting with our department, meet with academic advising to create an academic plan to span your entire time at RRCC, arrange your tuition payments, and register for classes prior to receiving your active I-20. This is the point when the transfer is completed.
  • With an exception for dependent minor students, regardless of how long you have been in the United States you will be paying non-resident tuition for all credit bearing classes if you have an F, M, or J status.

Back to Common Common Application Questions


Change of Status Process for Applicants within the USA

A change of immigration status happens while you are still inside the United States and is different than getting a new visa. Review this Yale Office of International Students and Scholars article to learn more about the difference between an immigration status and a visas.

If you want to change your status to become an F-1 student at Red Rocks Community College you must:

  • Maintain your current status.
  • While not required, we highly recommend you meet with an immigration lawyer to guide you through this process, especially in helping you navigate your current status while you wait for the change of status. If you don't know how to find an immigration lawyer you can search for one through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) at https://www.aila.org/
  • Apply to Red Rocks Community College with complete application and financial support documents.
  • If you are eligible, you will receive an acceptance letter and I-20 from RRCC. Use these documents to proceed to the next steps.
  • Pay$350 SEVIS fee.
  • Complete all other USCIS change of status paperwork and application fees with your lawyer. This should include the Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status but you may need to file more than one form especially if you need to extend your current status.
  • Stay in communication with us about the progress of your change of status application. At least 2 weeks prior to your start date, or when you get the news if it is sooner, please let us know if your change of status has been approved, if you will need to defer your application to a later semester, or any other updates.

Reminder: Not all individuals are eligible for a change of status. Furthermore, a change of status is not the only way to become a student. Consult with your lawyer on what immigration options are best for you. We cannot provide any legal advice.

For more information on the Change of Status Process please visit the studyinthestates.dhs.gov Change of Status page.

With an exception for dependent minor students, regardless of how long you have been in the United States you will be paying non-resident tuition for all credit bearing classes if you have an F, M, or J status.

DISCLAIMERS:

  • Simply submitting an application to RRCC does not guarantee that you will be provided an I-20. Our staff must review your application to determine if you are eligible for an I-20. Eligibility for an I-20 does not guarantee that you will be franted a change of status. Do not make plans to enroll in RRCC courses before confirming with our department that you are eligible to take this next step.

Back to Common Common Application Questions


Visa Application Process if You are Outside the Country 

  • Please Visit the travel.state.gov website Student Visa page to help you clarify if this visa option is right for you. If you are prepared to go through the F-1 visa application process listed on the webpage then.
  • Use the same webpage to look up expected visa appointment wait times. This will help you determine the minimum amount of time you need before you can arrive in the USA so that you can plan the semester for which you want to apply. For example, if it is January 1st and your visa appointment wait time is 6 months the earliest semester you could apply for is the Summer Semester starting the first week of June. However with that timeline, but you aren't allowing for a lot of time for application delays and travel arrangements so perhaps you would also want to consider the Fall I semester starting mid August. Meanwhile, if it's January 1st and your visa wait time is only 1 day, then the opposite scenario is true and you may be able to start Spring I Semester starting in mid-January.
  • Apply to Red Rocks Community College with complete application and financial support documents.
  • If you are eligible, you will receive an acceptance letter and I-20 from RRCC. We will also provide an instructions packet to guide you from the visa seeking process to arriving in the USA. Use these documents to proceed to the next steps.
  • Pay$350 SEVIS fee.
  • Make a visa interview appointment with your closest U.S. embassy or consulate and provide the appropriate documents.
  • Contact us to share the results of your visa interview. We will help you determine the appropriate next steps based on your individual situation.
  • If you do receive a visa please work with us to coordinate your travel plans and your onboarding process.

To apply for an F-1/M-1 visa, you will need the following documents:

For more information on applying for an F-1 Student Visa, please Visit the travel.state.gov website Student Visa page.

DISCLAIMERS:

  • Simply submitting an application to RRCC does not guarantee that you will be provided an I-20. Our staff must review your application to determine if you are eligible for an I-20. Eligibility for an I-20 does not guarantee that you will be issued an F-1/M-1 visa.
  • Do not finalize any plans to travel to the USA or enroll in RRCC courses before confirming with our department that you are eligible to take this next step.

Back to Common Common Application Questions


 

What is a Financial Statement?

Current bank statement or official bank letter from student’s, student’s relative, or private/company sponsor’s bank account English. These must be current and issued no more than 3 months prior to the application submission.

If you are being sponsored by someone other than yourself, in addition to the financial statement please include:

If you are being sponsored by your Government please include:

  • Original and current Letter of Government Sponsorship (if your education expenses will be paid by your government)
  • Bank statements are not needed for individuals with an all expenses paid government sponsorship

If you are using scholarship funds as a part of your financial statement please include:

  • Scholarship award letter confirming that these funds have already been promised to you and that you will be provided these funds
  • Scholarships are not required to be a part of your financial statement. You may prove financial capability without scholarships and still continue your scholarship search after receiving your I-20
  • Please review our scholarship lists and scholarship protocols

 

A Financial Statement Must Prove Ability to Cover the Following Estimated Expenses of Attending RRCC:

 

Students from other countries are expected to be able to pay for all their expenses for their entire course of study, as financial aid is not available to international students. The U.S. government does not allow F-1 or M-1 students to work off-campus and on-campus job opportunities are limited, so employment cannot be relied upon for financial support. You are required to certify that you will have adequate financial support for your program of study at Red Rocks Community College. Your I-20 can only be issued after we have received sufficient documentation of available funds and payment of the application fee.  

 

Estimated expenses for an international student for the current school year (Fall and Spring semesters)

Based upon 12 credit hours per semester - the minimum requirement *

* Student will pay a $500 international student orientation fee their first semester at RRCC *

* Medical insurance is provided through the college and is required for all F-1 students *

 

A minimum of the amount listed below is required to be a part of your bank statement. These expenses are reflective of what the State of Colorado and the Colorado Community College system believes are the most accurate representation of general living expenses of students and this is the standard we use to issue an I-20. The amounts below are non-negotiable, even if you you expect to have less expenses. Please be aware that the expenses below are a baseline and your actual costs may vary. Tuition, student fees, and book expenses vary depending on the total number of credits you take. With very specific exception for dependent minor students, regardless of how long you have been in the United States you will be paying non-resident tuition for all credit bearing classes if you have an F, M, or J status.

 

Intensive ESL ONLY

(Living on own) 

Tuition & Fees-$9,600 

Books and supplies-$1,800 

Medical Insurance-$2,000 

Living Expenses- $15,000 

Total – $28,400 

 

Intensive ESL ONLY

(Living with sponsor: An Affidavit of Support and sponsor’s bank statement must accompany application) Download the Financial Declaration & Affidavit of Support here.

Tuition & Fees-$9,600  

Books and supplies-$1,800  

Medical Insurance-$2,000  

Living Expenses- $9,300 

Total – $22,700 

 

Regular College Classes

(Living on own) 

Tuition & Fees - $15,6700  

Books and supplies-$1,800  

Medical Insurance-$2,000  

Living Expenses- $15,000  

Total – $34,500 

 

Regular College Classes

(Living with sponsor: An Affidavit of Support and sponsor’s bank statement must accompany application) Download the Financial Declaration & Affidavit of Support here. 

Tuition & Fees-$15,700  

Books and supplies-$1,800  

Medical Insurance-$2,000  

Living Expenses- $9,300  

Total – $28,400 

 

Will any dependent family members be accompanying you while you study in the United States?

You may list your spouse and children as dependents on your F-1 application. For each person added to the application, an additional $5,000 of living expenses must be added.

For example:

If you wish to apply for F-2 status for your 2 children you will need to budget an additional $5,000 for each child. This means that not only must your bank statement show the full amount of estimated personal expenses listed above, but it must also show the capacity to fund an additional $10,000 of dependent expenses.

 

Back to Common Common Application Questions

 


 

Can I qualify for in-state/resident tuition on an F, M, or J status?

F-1/M-1/J-1 international students and their dependents are ineligible for resident tuition as they are on a non-immigrant visa and unable to accumulate their time in the USA towards the residency requirement. Therefore they must pay non-resident tuition for all credit bearing courses. The only exception is for minors (meaning 22 years old or younger) who are still dependents of their parents. Those individuals are eligible to gain the tuition status that their parents would be eligible for based on the immigration status of their parents. The Colorado Department of Higher Education addresses the question of in-state tuition eligibility for F, M, and J students on their Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

 

Back to Common Common Application Questions



Wondering where you can go as an F-1 student after completing your studies at Red Rocks?

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