International Student

WHAT IF I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?

The College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. Such authorization
stipulates particular regulations, which the College pledges to uphold. If admitted, international
applicants must receive full acceptance status, must be full-time degree seeking students, and as
such, must submit all required admission documentation, as do all other degree seeking students.

In addition, all international applicants must submit certain documentation in accordance with
the Department of Homeland Security regulations in order to verify eligibility to be awarded
the privilege of receiving the F-1 student visa. Applications must be received by the Office of
Enrollment Services by the first Monday in May for the fall semester and the first Monday in
October for the spring semester.

All admission documentation remains the property of Criswell College and cannot be transferred
or returned.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
All international applicants are required to submit a completed official Application Form for admission. The non-refundable application fee of US $30 should be enclosed with the application. Applications will not be processed without the accompanying $30 application fee.

PERSONAL ESSAYS
All international applicants are asked to submit an essay in English addressing three primary issues: (1) Details of the applicant's conversion experience and ongoing relationship with God; (2) If applicable, a description of the circumstances surrounding a personal call to ministry; (3) An account of the applicant's educational goals, future ministry plans and a description of how a degree from The Criswell College will prepare the student for ministry when he/she returns home.

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS
All international applicants must submit proof that the student has completed at least a secondary or high school education, or its equivalent, based on American standards. If college or university work has been completed official transcripts or certified copies of diplomas or certificates must be submitted. All non-U.S. academic transcripts must be evaluated by Silny Evaluation Services (Telephone: 305-666-0233, Fax 305-666-4133).

STANDARDIZED TEST RESULTS

TOEFL
International students whose native language is not English must submit official results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for undergraduates is 550 (paper test) or 213 (computer test); and for graduates is 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer test).

As part of the application process, the written personal testimony and other correspondence will be used to evaluate the level of English proficiency. Students whose native language is English may be required to submit the same standardized tests as other degree seeking students (see above). To register for the TOEFL, students should contact a TOEFL representative in their home country or write to: Test of English as a Foreign Language, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA. The telephone number for the TOEFL office is 609-771-7100.

SAT or ACT
If an international applicant graduates from a U.S. high school, official results of the SAT or ACT must be submitted. Individuals may be exempted from this if they are more than 27 years of age.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Each international applicant must submit at least two recommendations in English, attesting to good moral character. These forms should go to individuals other than the applicant's family, preferably a pastor and a former teacher or employer. Letters from individuals are sufficient, if they cover the same areas of interest as the College form. All recommendations submitted for admission must be in English. Confidentiality requires that recommendation be sent directly from the individuals to the Admissions Office.

CHURCH ENDORSEMENT FORM
The applicant must secure the official endorsement of his/her local church regarding his/her intent to Study at The Criswell College. This must be submitted on the official college form.

PROOF OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Evidence of financial resources to cover educational and related living expenses for the duration of studies at the College must be submitted prior to acceptance. International students are responsible for transportation expenses to come to Dallas, Texas and to return home after graduation; transportation and related expenses while in the United States; living expenses, including food housing and clothing; and medical or hospitalization insurance and other medical expenses. Single students must show financial support of at least US $16,000 per year. Married students will be asked to show additional support of US $2,500 for each dependent (spouse/child). All international students must show sufficient support for their housing costs, since the College does not currently own or manage student housing.

In addition, the student or their sponsor must have on deposit, at the beginning of each academic year, funds in an escrow account managed by the College. These funds should be sufficient to cover emergencies and airline ticket(s) to return home. These funds must be deposited prior to acceptance. International students are required to have $1,000 for him/herself and $200 per dependent for emergencies, and sufficient funds for airline ticket(s). The Dean of Students administers this fund.

Because TCC is committed to world missions, we do our best to assist in the training of foreign nationals through limited financial aid and scholarships. As a general rule, INS regulations do not permit foreign students (F-l) to work outside the school, off-campus, or engage in business in order to support themselves. Dependents (F-2) of the student may not work under any circumstances or receive compensation for services. For this reason, the INS requires that the international applicant demonstrate that they are financially able to support themselves and their families for the duration of their stay in the United States.

This must be subscribed and documented before coming to the U.S. This requirement may also be met by a sponsor who will promise to provide the needed amounts in part or in full. The sponsor is required to complete and affirm by oath, before a notary public, the INS Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. This form, Affidavit of Support, is a legally binding document for a period of three years.

All documentation, including copies of supporting bank statements showing the availability of funds, must be received by Admissions no later than May 15 for the fall term and October 15 for the spring term.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA (F-l)
After all documents required for admission are received and reviewed by The Criswell College and if the applicant is approved for acceptance, the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (INS Form I-20), will be issued to the new student. This document must be presented to the United States consular official before a student visa (F-l) can be issued.

It is the responsibility of the international student to maintain his/her legal immigration status with INS and to fulfill IRS (Internal Revenue Service) requirements.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The INS requires that international students enroll as full-time, degree seeking students. Therefore, undergraduate students must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours every semester, and graduate students must carry a minimum of 9 credit hours of classes every semester. Also, the College requires that international students meet minimum requirements for academic progress, as indicated in the Academic Policies section. Given the work restrictions that apply to F-l students, institutionally provided financial aid may not have to be forfeited if they fail to meet minimum requirements for academic progress.

 

Resources & Documents