Admission to the College for International Non-Immigrant (F Visa or M Visa) Students

Non-immigrant applicants who wish to be admitted to PHSC and to obtain an F visa or an M visa, must meet the following requirements for admission:

1. In order to be admitted to PHSC, non-immigrant (F visa or M visa) students must declare formally their intent to enter an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree program and must be eligible for admission to that program. Students seeking admission to a Limited Access health program must first be admitted to the College. Upon admission to the College and completion of the prerequisite requirements for the specific Limited Access Health program, the student can apply to the appropriate program. Students who graduated from high school within the U.S. must submit official transcripts confirming graduation with a standard diploma, or its equivalent, or successful completion of a U.S. General Education Development (GED) test. Students who completed high school outside of the U.S. must supply an evaluation of their high school documents received directly from an external agency approved by PHSC. Also, official transcripts must be submitted from all U.S. postsecondary institutions attended.
   1. Students seeking transfer credit for courses taken at a university outside the U.S. must submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended. These transcripts must have a course-by-course evaluation completed by a credential evaluation service on the approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) list. These evaluations must be supplied at the applicant's expense.
2. Prior to admission, non-immigrant (F visa or M visa) students must submit evidence of proficiency in English through one of the following means:
   1. Citizenship in a country in which English is the native language
   2. Graduation from a U.S. high school
   3. Completion of a U.S. GED in English
   4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores at or above 193 (computer based) or 69 iBT (Internet-based)
   5. International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6
   6. English Language Studies Institute (ELS) Level 9
   7. Transfer students within the U.S. who has successfully completed English composition or received an associates degree or higher at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
3. Non-immigrant (F visa or M visa) students must have sufficient funds to cover any expenses that may be incurred. Certification that there are available funds in E.S. currency to cover all expenses must be received by the Admissions and Student Records office prior to admission and before an I-20 form will be released. PHSC does not provide, supervise or recommend student housing. Students should arrange for their own housing and transportation in advance of enrollment. 
4. Non-immigrant (F visa or M visa) students must submit proof of health/accident insurance prior to admission. The insurance coverage must be valid for a minimum of one year and include coverage of the student while in the U.S. The documentation provided as proof must indicate effective and expiration dates. This information must be updated with the Admissions and Student Records office prior to the beginning of each academic year. 
5. Non-immigrant students on an F visa or an M visa are required by U.S. immigration regulations to be enrolled full time (at least 12 semester hours) for two semesters each academic year and must meet the standards of progress applicable to all students. Those non-immigrant students holding a valid visa type other than F or M who plan to enroll must secure the approval of the Admissions and Student Records office. 
6. Continued enrollment at PHSC is contingent upon maintenance of immigration status as defined by federal and state laws and rules established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Appropriate visa status must be documented at the time of admission and will be monitored throughout enrollment at the College. Students not meeting the requirements of this rule may be restricted from registration. 
7. Enrollment of non-immigrant students holding an F visa or an M visa will be monitored by the College staff for enrollment under this rule. Those who fail to meet the requirements of this rule, either by not enrolling or by enrolling in an insufficient number of classes, will be reported to the USCIS following the drop/add and withdrawal/change to audit dates of each term.

To apply for admission to PHSC as a non-immigrant student, students must submit an International Student Application packet. All documentation must be provided as one complete packet, including a $40 admissions application fee in the form of a check or money order made payable to PHSC, to the West Campus in New Port Richey by the published deadline date for the term. Partial packets are not accepted.

Note: Immigration laws are revised frequently. A non-immigrant (F visa or M visa) student is responsible for understanding immigration laws and staying informed regarding any changes. This information is available at the consulate in each country at www.ice.gov.