International Students
International students are an essential part of our community.
Welcome to Forsyth Tech, where diversity is celebrated and global perspectives thrive! As an international student, you’ll discover a welcoming community that embraces your unique background. With quality education, supportive staff, and endless opportunities, we’re excited to embark on this journey together. Join us at Forsyth Tech and let your dreams take flight!
Navigating the F1 Visa Process: Steps for International Students
For international students, the process of obtaining an F1 visa for college admission involves several steps. It begins with submitting the required documents and receiving an I-20 form. Next, students need to pay the SEVIS fee and schedule a U.S. Embassy interview for their visa application.
If you are already studying in the U.S., we can issue a new I-20 once your current school transfers your SEVIS record to Forsyth Tech.
If you are currently in the country on a different visa and want to switch to an F1 visa, the process is similar. After being admitted to our college and receiving the I-20 form, you will need to submit a separate application for a status change to the U.S. Government. Please note that this process may take up to a year. Alternatively, returning to your home country for an F1 visa interview may be faster than changing your status while in the U.S.
F-1 Application Deadline
| Applicant | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Applying outside the U.S. Applicant residing outside the United States Applying for an F-1 student visa to become a full-time Forsyth Tech student. | May 1 | September 1 |
| Transfer active I-20 An applicant studying at a U.S. institution who wants to transfer his or her active I-20 to become a full-time Forsyth Tech student. | August 1 | December 1 |
Before you Apply
Allied Health Program admission is a multiple step process. Students are accepted into the Associate in Arts Health Tech track initially, but this does not guarantee acceptance into our highly competitive health programs. Allied Health programs have specific requirements outlined in the MAR (Minimum Admissions Requirements) packet, which are essential for admission.
Many health programs require completing a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) course, for which a social security number is needed.
There are many eligible programs available and if the Allied Health admission is not granted, students may continue in an alternative program of study.
F-1 Visa students are eligible to receive a Social Security number if they will be paid for on- or off-campus employment with appropriate authorization. Once the student has secured an offer for employment, the offer should be presented to the International Advisor who will prepare a Social Security letter for the student. This letter will be required when the student applies for the Social Security number.
Employment opportunities are available to F-1 Visa students on a part-time basis not to exceed 20 hours per week when school is in session. Additional hours may be available when school is not in session.
Employment opportunities may be limited, and we are not able to guarantee job placement. On-campus employment requires maintaining the F-1 status.
Admissions Requirements
The admission requirements for new, transfer and change-of-status international students attending Forsyth Tech are listed below. Read them carefully to ensure a complete International Admissions Application is submitted by the appropriate deadline. Once we have received all the required documentation, a decision will be made concerning your enrollment at the college.
Processing may take up to 14 days. After your application is processed, you will receive an email with the status of your application. You can return to your application portal to check the status as well.
After completing your application, you will be issued an I-20 for during the issuance period for the semester. Once you receive the I-20, you must make a visa appointment for a non-immigrant F-1 visa with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country or submit a change-of-status application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you want to defer your I-20 to another semester, updated financial documentation and the application fee will be required by the application deadline. Email internationaladmissions@forsythtech.edu to request to defer your I-20 to another semester to receive further instructions.
Save the following items to your device to upload and submit with your Forsyth Tech application:
Provide a copy of your passport photo page with the expiration date. If you do not have a passport, submit a copy of your birth certificate with a certified translation.
A change-of-status applicant must provide a copy of his or her entry visa, passport entry stamp, I-94 and I-797 approval notice, if applicable. A transfer applicant must provide a copy of all previous I-20s, latest I-94, latest passport entry stamp, entry visa, I-797 approval notice, if applicable, and employment authorization card, if applicable.
The Statement of Financial Support Form and a bank statement from you or your sponsor’s bank giving specific current account balance information. The minimum current balance is $22,548 for an individual student. Add $5,000 for each dependent listed on the application. The bank letter must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
Financial Support FormProvide complete official academic records from secondary (equivalent to high school education in the U.S.) or/and post-secondary schools with certified translations. The academic records should include your transcripts with courses taken, grades received, grading scales, completion certificates for secondary education, examination results from the Examination Council and/or degrees awarded.
If you have a dependent included in your international admissions application to receive a dependent I-20, we need a copy of your marriage certificate and spouse’s passport for a spouse dependent. For a child or children dependent(s), we need a copy of their birth certificate(s) and passport(s). Any documentation not in English has to be accompanied by a certified translation.
At the end of the application, you will be required to pay the application fee via credit card to submit your application.
We accept the TOEFL(minimum score of 65) and the IELTS(minimum of 6.5 overall band score) tests. If a student has taken college level English at a U.S. college with a C or higher, that will be sufficient to replace the test. In addition, if a student has completed a full curriculum ESL program and can submit documentation that can also replace the test. If a student is from a country where English is an official language, the proof of English competency is not required.
Ready to Apply?
Apply to be an international student here!
Studying at Forsyth Tech as an International Student.
Forsyth Tech is authorized to admit international students who hold F-1 visas. The application materials listed below are only for students wishing to study under an F-1 visa. All other international student admission inquiries should be directed to the Forsyth Tech Admissions Office.
We are here to help you navigate everything from application and admissions.
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Apply to be an international student here!
“As an international student at Forsyth Tech, I absolutely love spreading the joy of my country and culture. Sharing experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, creates vibrant and inclusive communities. Forsyth Tech feels like a second home, full of warmth and laughter!”
Gloriana O.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions that are tailored specifically for international students at Forsyth Tech.
F1 students are not eligible to apply for Federal Financial Aid. There are often outside organizations such as the Rotary Club that can have scholarships available. F1 students pay out-of-state tuition unless sponsored by a NC Non-Profit Organization. A letter on letterhead from the Non-Profit is required to verify sponsorship for the student.
Yes, however there are very limited choices for jobs on a community college campus. Students should look for jobs that are not work-study positions. Jobs can be found here:
No, Forsyth Tech is not authorized to issue student visas for those studying in an ESL program. You must be in a curriculum program for an Associate Degree level in order to be considered for a visa.
Yes, if a student is being provided with room and board, transportation, and personal living expenses by a friend or family member and will only have the expenses of tuition/fees/books then that can be documented on the financial support form. In that situation, the amount of money required in the bank would only need to cover tuition, fees, and books.
No, Forsyth Tech does not have any dormitories or housing options. Students must make their own living and transportation arrangements.
If the school is outside the U.S. then the student will need to have the transcripts evaluated by an outside agency (see suggestions in the admissions checklist). Once that evaluation is received, it will be reviewed by the Records office for transfer credit. If the school is in the U.S., an official transcript must be received for the Records office to evaluate for transfer credit.
Enrollment in a health insurance plan for International Students is highly recommended. For information about insurance companies that offer plans for international students, please email internationaladmissions@forsythtech.edu
No, Forsyth Tech is a community college without residential housing available. Students would need to find their own housing options in the area.
Right Next to Opportunity
There are 9 Forsyth Tech locations in and around Winston-Salem, and we have connections to a wide range of educational opportunities in this thriving area.