International Student

Criswell College welcomes all international students to apply for admission. The Enrollment Services Office seeks to provide assistance and direction to each F-1 international student through the application process, in the maintenance of their information and immigration status in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS), and in the process of abiding by and applying the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

 

Updated International Student deadlines:  

Fall 2026: Friday, June 5, 2026 

Spring 2027: Friday, October 16, 2026 

 

Step 1: Submit your application to Admissions 

To begin the application process, follow the link below.  

As you finish the online application you will submit or complete the following: 

  • Personal Essay: 250 words 
  • Prompt: “Why I want to study at Criswell College” 
  • Church/Ministry Recommendation form 
  • Copy of Unexpired Passport  

-Duolingo Test score: 100 or above 

-TOEFL Test score: 85 or above 

  • Official high school or college transcripts  

 Step 2: Apply for I-20 

Once the application process has been completed and the student is accepted, the Student Affairs Office will issue the student an I-20 (in accordance with their eligibility). This official document, issued by the college, is required before you can move forward with your F-1 student visa application. 

 

Required Documents to Apply for an I-20: 

  • Valid Passport 
  • Proof of financial Support* 

 

Documents Accepted for Proof of Financial Support: 

  • Bank statement or bank letter (Checking/Savings) 
  • Certificates of Deposit (CD), Bonds, Stocks, or Retirement Funds that can be liquidated 
  • Education Loan 
  •  Scholarships (submit award letter from Criswell College Financial Aid) 

 Step 3: Apply for Your Student Visa 

Once you receive your Criswell College admissions packet and Form I-20, follow the steps below to apply for your U.S. student visa. 

  1. Pay the SEVIS (I-901) Fee

All international students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for a visa. 

  • Print and keep your payment receipt for your visa interview  

Note: Students from or born in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Gambia must pay this fee through Western Union. 

  1. Complete the DS-160 Visa Application
  • Select the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to you  

Important: Do not travel to another country for a visa appointment unless you live there or have long-term business ties. 

  1. Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
  • Provide fingerprints and submit required documents  
  • Bring your passport and Form I-20  

Note: Procedures may vary by embassy or consulate. 

  1. Prepare for Your Visa Interview
  1. Attend Your Visa Interview

Bring the following documents: 

  • Valid passport  
  • Signed Form I-20 from Criswell College  
  • SEVIS (I-901) fee receipt  
  • Criswell College acceptance letter  
  • DS-160 confirmation page  
  • Any additional required forms (check your embassy/consulate website)  
  • Proof of financial support for your full program of study   

Interview Tips: 

  • Arrive early—lines may be long  
  • Interviews are usually brief (1–2 minutes)  
  • You may be asked only a few questions  
  • You will be informed if your visa is approved, denied, or requires additional processing  

 

  1. Apply Early

You may apply for your visa up to 120 days before the start date listed on your Form I-20. Applying early gives you the best chance to receive your visa in time to prepare for travel to the United States. 

 

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NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Criswell College admits students who are Christians of good character, without regard or reference to race, national or ethnic origin, color, age, disability, or sex (except where regard to sex is required by the College’s religious tenets regarding gender and sexuality) to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of these classifications in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.