Step 1
Step 1 of 6
STEP 1: Admission for New Students
Semester
Deadline
FALL (August)
JULY 1
SPRING (January)
DECEMBER 1
SUMMER (June)
MAY 1
The following documents are required for admission to MCC and an I-20. TOEFL is not
required for admission.
International Application $50 USD non-refundable application fee. Payable by cash, check or money order only.
Official or Attested Secondary School Transcripts (accompanied by an official English
line-by-line translation if originals are not in English).
Affidavit of Support - Affidavit of Support (PDF)
Bank statement or bank letter verifying s/he has at least $21,000 USD for student's
education. The bank statement must be less than 6 months old and show the sponsor's
full name.
Affidavit of Room and Board (if applicable) - Affidavit of Room and Board (PDF)
Copy of the identification page of the student's passport.
Send documents to:
Mail:
E-mail: iss@mcckc.edu .
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Step 2
Step 2 of 6
STEP 2: Verify I-20 information and apply for the SEVIS fee
Before paying the SEVIS fee, review the information on your Form I-20. If any information
on your form is incorrect, please contact us immediately using the contact information
provided in the cover letter.
The spelling of your name on all U.S. visa and immigration documents must be exactly
the same as the spelling of your name in your passport.
If all information is correct, sign and date the I-20.
SEVIS Fee
F-1 students are required to pay a fee to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information
System (SEVIS). Go to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) SEVIS I-901 Fee processing Website to pay the fee.
Help with fee payment issues
If you are having a problem with the SEVIS fee payment process please visit I-901 SEVIS Fee Frequently Asked Questions website.
Before paying the SEVIS fee, review the information on your Form I-20. If any information
on your form is incorrect, please contact us immediately using the contact information
provided in the cover letter.
The spelling of your name on all U.S. visa and immigration documents must be exactly
the same as the spelling of your name in your passport.
If all information is correct, sign and date the I-20.
SEVIS Fee
F-1 students are required to pay a fee to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information
System (SEVIS). Go to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) SEVIS I-901 Fee processing Website to pay the fee.
Help with fee payment issues
If you are having a problem with the SEVIS fee payment process please visit I-901 SEVIS Fee Frequently Asked Questions website.
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Step 3
Step 3 of 6
STEP 3: Apply for a Visa
What is a Visa?
A visa is an official document issued by a consulate overseas allowing a foreign national
to apply for admission into the United States. Students should obtain an F-1 visa.
Having a visa in the passport is not an automatic guarantee that you will be admitted
into the U.S. in that status.
Citizens of all countries except Canada are required to have an F1 visa in their passports
if they are to enter the U.S. in student status. A good resource that provides basic
information about student visas is EducationUSA .
How to apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you
complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.
Complete the online Visa application, Form DS-160 - bring the confirmation page to your interview.
Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
Schedule an interview
While interviews are generally not required for applicants of certain ages outlined
below, consular officers have the discretion to require an interview of any applicant,
regardless of age.
You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. embassy
or consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any
U.S. embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a
visa outside of your place of permanent residence.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category,
so you should apply for your visa early.
New students - F-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study
start date. However, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S. in F-1 status earlier
than 30 days before your start date.
Prepare for your interview
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
Review the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee.
Review the instructions available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.
Gather required documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
Passport valid for travel to the U. S. - Your passport must be valid for at least six months
beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).
If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa
must submit a separate application.Form DS-160 confirmation page, application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.Form I-20 - Your school will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20. You must sign the Form I-20.
All students, their spouse and minor children if they intend to reside in the United
States with the student, must be entered in SEVIS.
Additional documentation may be required
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish that you
are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:
Your secondary education transcripts
Your academic degree plan at Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City
Your intent to depart the U.S. upon completion of the course of study
Proof of residence in home country
How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.
Attend your Visa interview
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified
to receive a visa.
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process.
They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
Additional information
We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans
or buy tickets until you have a visa.
Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore,
a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa
in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use
your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel
and admission to the United States.
Spouse and children
Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your
study may apply for F-2 visas. Your school must issue them an individual Form I-20,
which is required to apply for their visas. You must provide a copy of your F-1 visa
and provide proof of relationship.
Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying
you.
The Visa interview
All applicants for a student visa are required to be interviewed these are very short
and the consular officer will take your pictures and fingerprints digitally. During
the interview, you must make a good impression. Be positive and respond to the questions
with clear, concise answers. Be prepared to discuss the following:
If your wife and children will remain in your country explain how they will support
themselves in your absence
Why you chose to study at a community college; why Metropolitan Community College
- Kansas City?
What your academic plans are
What you plan to do after your studies
Prove your intent to return home
You must establish to the satisfaction of the U.S. consular officer that your ties
to your home country are stronger than your ties to the U.S.
If you are fortunate, you may not be asked to provide any particular documentation
to establish that you intend to return home. It may be sufficient for you to say that
you plan to return to your country to work, to continue your studies, or to do whatever
you plan to do when you return home.
Below are some questions to help you decide if you should make a special effort to
prove your intent to return home (nonimmigrant intent). The more questions to which
you respond with the answer "yes," the more important it will likely be for you to
make a special effort to prove your intent to return home after your activities in
the U.S.
Is it difficult to obtain either tourist or F-1 visas in your country?
Are a significant percentage of F visa applications denied by the U.S. consulate in
your country?
Are one or more members of your immediate family (mother, father, brother, sister,
spouse, or child) living in the U.S.?
Are your spouse and children accompanying you to the U.S.?
Are one or more of your immediate relatives legal permanent residents?
Is this your first trip to the United States?
Have you ever been denied a visa to come to the U.S.?
If, based upon your answers to these questions, you believe you should make a special
effort to prove that you intend to return home, the following factors may be taken
into consideration:
Financial ties
If you own property or have financial investments in your country, documenting them
may help prove you have strong financial ties. To prove this, you may not use any
assets that will be needed to pay for your F-1 activities.
Documents to Submit: Official papers proving property ownership, copies of investment
statements or certificates, a letter or financial statement from your bank or accountant.
Family ties
If all members of your immediate family live in your country, the U.S. Consular officer
may understand that you have strong family ties to that country. If you are your parents'
oldest child or only child, the Consular officer may believe that you are more likely
to return home because of that fact. If one or both of your parents are not in good
health, this is another reason you might be expected to return home.
Documents to Submit: Copies of official documents proving family relationships and
residence of each family member, letters from physicians explaining important medical
conditions of one or both parents.
Employment ties
If you will be employed full-time upon your return, this indicates strong employment
ties to your country.
Documents to Submit: A letter from your current employer stating that you will resume
your work with them after your time in the U.S., a letter from a prospective employer
stating that a position will be offered to you upon your return. The best letter is
one that guarantees a job upon your return and states how important your U.S. activities
will be for the type of work the employer wants you to do upon your return.
Why you selected a community college
Reasons can include the tuition savings for your family, the specific program you
want to study or the Intensive English Program that is available. If you plan to transfer
to a four-year university, clearly explain how the 2-year degree transfers to the
next school.
Documents to submit: School Catalog, Intensive English Program Information, Articulation
Agreements. Show school is accredited.
Your Visa and immigration history
If you have visited other countries and returned to your country after those visits,
you have demonstrated a pattern of behavior that may lead the U.S. Consular Officer
to believe that you will return home after your time in the U.S. The more trips you
have made, the better your situation.
Documents to submit: Current and/or previous passports containing entry and exit stamps
from your country to other countries, other official documents indicating departure
and return.
Visa denials
There are 3 outcomes from the visa interview.
Approval
Denial - Applicant receives denial letter immediately with explanation
Pending - Some kind of clearance or additional information is necessary - a letter
is given to the applicant
If you are denied and the letter cites 214(b), here is the explanation.
What Is Section 214(b)?
Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:
Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction
of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled
to a nonimmigrant status.
Consular officers must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive
a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever
evidence of ties an applicant presents. To qualify for a visitor or student visa,
an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA
respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b).
The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective
visitor or student possess a residence abroad he or she has no intention of abandoning.
Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties
abroad that would compel them to leave the United States at the end of the temporary
stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.
How can an applicant prove "strong ties?"
Strong ties differ from country to country. Some examples of ties can be a job, a
house, a family, a bank account. "Ties" are the various aspects of your life that
bind you to your country of residence: your possessions, employment, social, and family
relationships.
U.S. consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional,
social, cultural, and other factors. In cases of younger applicants who may not have
had an opportunity to form many ties, consular officers may look at the applicants
specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within
his or her country of residence.
Is a denial under Section 214(b) permanent?
No. The consular officer will reconsider a case if an applicant can show further convincing
evidence of ties outside the United States. Unfortunately, some applicants will not
qualify for a non-immigrant visa, regardless of how many times they reapply, until
their personal, professional, and financial circumstances change considerably.
Applicants refused visas under section 214(b) may reapply for a visa. When they do,
they will have to show further evidence of their ties or how their circumstances have
changed since the time of the original application. It may help to answer the following
questions before reapplying: (1) Did I explain my situation accurately? (2) Did the
consular officer overlook something? (3) Is there any additional information I can
present to establish my residence and strong ties abroad?
Applicants will be charged a nonrefundable application fee each time they apply for
a visa, regardless of whether a visa is issued.
Who can influence the consular officer to reverse a decision?
Consular officers overseas have the final say on all visa cases. An applicant can
influence the post to change a prior visa denial only through the presentation of
new convincing evidence of strong ties.
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Step 4
Step 4 of 6
STEP 4: Arrival
You must arrive in the United States at least by the date indicated on your Form I-20.
You may enter the United States as early as 30 days prior to the official arrival
date indicated on your I-20.
Travel tips
Reconfirm your flight at least three days before leaving your country.
To reduce jet lag, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids on the plane and get some
rest.
Carry your money, passport, immigration documents, and important documents with you
on the plane. Do not pack these items in your luggage. You should have at least $6,000
in Traveler's Checks or cash when you arrive to cover initial expenses such as taxi
or bus fare, meals, first rent installment, books and supplies. Bank drafts, other
than negotiable Traveler's Checks will take one or two weeks to clear.
If you need help, ask an airport employee.
Never leave your luggage unattended.
Be cooperative, patient and courteous when waiting in travel lines (queues).
Entering the US - What to do at the U.S. Port of Entry
Be ready to present your passport, visa, your I-20 and supporting documentation.
US-VISIT
US-VISIT will be used to track millions of visitors to the United States. All students
are required to go through the screening process, which includes a digital photograph
and electronic fingerprints.
I-515A
If you are issued an I-515A at the port of entry, you have 30 days to fix your immigration
status. Bring the information to the International Office. We will help you mail the
necessary documents to:
Student and Exchange Visitor Program
Transportation from the airport
Please note that MCC does not provide airport pickup. The Kansas City International
Airport is located approximately 45 minutes from the college.
For more airport information or for ground transport information visit the Kansas City International Airport .
To reach a hotel, you can take a cab (taxi) from the airport.
Housing Options
You should plan on arriving in Kansas City at least a week or two before classes start
to find housing.
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Step 5
Step 5 of 6
STEP 5: Housing
You must arrive in the United States at least by the date indicated on your Form I-20.
You may enter the United States as early as 30 days prior to the official arrival
date indicated on your I-20.
Travel tips
Reconfirm your flight at least three days before leaving your country.
To reduce jet lag, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids on the plane and get some
rest.
Carry your money, passport, immigration documents, and important documents with you
on the plane. Do not pack these items in your luggage. You should have at least $6,000
in Traveler's Checks or cash when you arrive to cover initial expenses such as taxi
or bus fare, meals, first rent installment, books and supplies. Bank drafts, other
than negotiable Traveler's Checks will take one or two weeks to clear.
If you need help, ask an airport employee.
Never leave your luggage unattended.
Be cooperative, patient and courteous when waiting in travel lines (queues). You can
check the Airport Status Information website for wait times.
Entering the US - What to do at the U.S. Port of Entry
Be ready to present your passport, visa, your I-20 and supporting documentation.
US-VISIT
US-VISIT will be used to track millions of visitors to the United States. All students
are required to go through the screening process, which includes a digital photograph
and electronic fingerprints.
I-515A
If you are issued an I-515A at the port of entry, you have 30 days to fix your immigration
status. Bring the information to the International Office. We will help you mail the
necessary documents to:
Student and Exchange Visitor Program
Transportation from the airport
Please note that MCC does not provide airport pickup. The Kansas City International
Airport is located approximately 45 minutes from the college.
For more airport information or for ground transport information visit the Kansas City International Airport .
To reach a hotel, you can take a cab (taxi) from the airport.
For other transportation services visit FyiKCI.com
Housing Options
You should plan on arriving in Kansas City at least a week or two before classes start
to find housing.
Apartments
You may also search Internet-based apartment search engines such as Social Serve or Apartment Guide . ApartmentList.com is another free resource to find housing. Each city on the website is broken down
into neighborhoods, highlighting pricing, noise level, nearby attractions, restaurants,
shopping, etc.
Additional Housing Search Websites:
To rent an apartment, it is customary that you sign a lease. A lease is a binding
contract, and is required for a fixed period, typically 12 months. Leases obligate
you to pay rent for the term of the lease even if you move out of the apartment.
Rooms in private residences
Apartments/ townhomes/ condominiums can be rented by yourself or shared by multiple
students depending on the lease options of the apartment complex. It is reasonable
to expect off-campus housing to cost between $500 to $800 per month, depending on
the number of people sharing the expenses which include monthly rent and utilities
(water, phone, electricity, gas, trash, cable etc.). A security deposit (usually one
month's rent) is also required for most off-campus housing. In addition, utility companies
(phone, electricity, etc.) may require deposits in advance as well. Find assistance with internet or cable TV.
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Step 6
Step 6 of 6
STEP 6: Check in and English placement test
Upon arrival
Check in with the International Student Office at MCC - Penn Valley.
Take the English Placement Test. TOEFL is not required for admission. Testing is by
appointment only, please call 816.604.4041 to schedule your placement test.
Enroll and pay for classes
MCC offers comprehensive English as a Second Language testing and instruction. Grammar,
composition, reading/vocabulary and speaking/listening are available at the beginning,
intermediate and advanced levels. Students may take classes at any of the five campuses
in the MCC District once they have completed any required ESL coursework. At the current
time, ESL classes are only offered at the MCC-Penn Valley campus.
Visiting
A visiting F-1 student is defined as a student seeking dual enrollment; planning to
attend MCC in addition to current institution that issued the student's valid I-20.
International Application for Admission (PDF). Official transcripts are required for any class that has a prerequisite.
Au Pair
Au pairs are individuals aged 18-26 who are paired with a U.S. host family and provide
child-care services while attending an accredited post-secondary institution. In order
for an au pair to attend MCC, the following documents must be submitted.
International Application for Admission (PDF). Copy of the student's passport, visa, and DS-2019 (the program end date must be valid
through the end of the semester the student wishes to attend).
Official Academic Transcript(s).
Students must comply with MCC testing procedures and placement procedures.
Pending permanent resident
A pending permanent resident is a person who has filed an application for permanent
residence in the United States and has an I-797C Notice of Action noting the request
for change.
Therefore, you are considered a pending permanent resident if you have filed for permanent
resident status (USCIS form I-485) and your case is pending and/or a decision has
not been made. The following requirements will need to be completed before enrollment
is allowed.
International Application for Admission (PDF). Provide original Form I-797 Notice of Action showing the application to Register Permanent
Residence or Adjust Status has been received by the USCIS and the case is pending.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD card), marriage license, and attorney letters
will not be accepted as evidence of lawful presence.
Marriage
International students who marry an American citizen will be granted local tuition
rates based on residency once they have shown the I-797C Notice of Action permanent
resident application receipt from USCIS. The student must maintain a full course load
(12 credit hours) until conditional permanent residency is granted by the USCIS.
Tourist - Leaving the United States to Become an F-1 Student (Recommend)
Choosing to exit the United States and apply for the F-1 student visa from abroad.
You will need to do the following:
International Application for Admission (PDF). Receive a new initial Form I-20 from your designated school official (DSO).
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee .
Apply at a U.S. consulate or embassy for an F-1 visa to travel to the United States in order to seek admission as a student.
If you are from a country where no visa is required, such as Canada, you may proceed
directly to a U.S. port of entry or a U.S. pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station
and apply for admission to the United States as an F-1 student.
Once admitted by an immigration officer in F-1 status, you may begin your studies.
For more information about consular processing, please visit the Department of State Travel page . For information about SEVP, please visit the ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program page or the DHS Study in the States page .
Changing B1/B2 to F-1 in the United States
You will need to file Form I-539 to request to change to F-1 student status. Your
F-1 program start date may be deferred to the following semester because USCIS did
not make a decision on your Form I-539 change of status application before your originally
intended F-1 program start date.
Undocumented
Are undocumented students eligible for admission to Metropolitan Community College
- Kansas City?
Undocumented students with a U.S. high school transcript or GED will be admitted to
MCCKC and will pay the international tuition rate.
Are undocumented students eligible for Federal or State Financial Aid?
Federal and State financial aid is only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent
residents. However, qualified undocumented students may be eligible for MCCKC specific scholarships.
Are there deadlines to apply for admission for undocumented applicants?
No.
How does an undocumented applicant apply for admission?
To apply, you must submit the International Application for Admission (PDF).
Do students admitted under undocumented status need to take English as a Second Language
assessment?
If the student reports English as a second language on their application for admission,
they will be asked to take the ESL ACCUPLACER® placement test.
Is the student's immigration status protected by FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects
the privacy of student educational records at educational institutions. As a result,
the college cannot release a student's information (other than directory information),
including immigration status, except under very specific circumstances, such as a
court order. For more information about what can be released about students, refer
the US Department of Education website. Students can request a FERPA hold at the Enrollment
Center on each campus.
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
Deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) provides for a two-year grant of deferred
action to certain individuals who are not in lawful immigration status and 1) entered
the U.S. before age 16, 2) lived in the U.S for five continuous years since June 15,
2007 and on June 15, 2012, 3) enrolled in or graduated from a U.S. high school, GED
or other qualifying educational program, 4) no felony, misdemeanors and not a national
security or public safety threat and 5) at least 15 years of age but not more than
30 years of age at the time of application.
DACA does not confer lawful immigration status, nor does it have any impact on a student's
eligibility for admission to MCCKC. DACA students will pay the out-of-state tuition
rate. DACA status allows the Department of Homeland security to forgo deportation
against recipients for a two-year period of time. DACA recipients are eligible for
work authorization, to apply for a social security number and thus to complete a FAFSA.
While completion of the FAFSA does not make them eligible for Federal and State financial
aid, it may allow determination of eligibility for private aid. They will receive
a C-code on the FAFSA requesting documentation of citizenship.
On September 5, 2017 the Attorney General announced the rescission of the DACA program.
According to the Memorandum issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and accompanying FAQs , the agency will continue to adjudicate DACA requests that were filed with DHS by
September 5, 2017. DHS will also accept applications for DACA renewals from beneficiaries
whose current DACA benefits will expire between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018,
so long as those requests are received by DHS by October 5, 2017.
MCC will continue to monitor this major change in policy, and update our website as
new information becomes available.
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