When your application and accompanying documents have been reviewed and accepted by the International Student Advisor at TCC, an I-20 will be issued. After you receive your acceptance packet with the I-20 you must:

• Make an appointment at an American embassy for an interview with a consular officer.
• Take your TCC acceptance letter, your SEVIS I-20 issued by TCC, a valid passport and current, official financial documents to the embassy for visa application and final inspection.
• During the interview:
  • Prove to the US consular officer that you have a clear educational goal.
  • Provide appropriate evidence that you have sufficient funds to complete a program of study in the United States.
  • Provide evidence that you are planning to return to your country when your program of study is complete.
• F1 visa applications require a background check before a visa is issued. This process can take 6-8 weeks to complete. Please go to the U.S. embassy as soon as you receive your I-20. If you do not receive your F1 visa in time to arrive by the report date indicated on the SEVIS I-20, notify the International Student Services Office so your admission may be deferred until the next semester. You must return the I-20, and a new I-20 will be issued, if possible.

When your application is approved, an F1 visa will be stamped in your passport. This visa is necessary to enter the United States and begin studying at TCC. You are required by law to attend the school whose name appears on your visa or on your most recent I-20. You are not eligible to transfer to another INS approved school until you have attended TCC for at least one semester after initial admission.