I am a student from outside the United States.
Application Deadlines
| Visa type |
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
| F-1 New Students |
June 1 |
Oct. 1 |
N/A |
| F-1 Transfer from another U.S. college / university |
July 1 |
Nov. 1 |
April 1 |
*International students transferring from a U.S. college or university, must provide a transfer/transient clearance form, a current I-94, I-20, and a passport in addition to the documents listed below. DMC will not accept an international student with a "terminated" status in SEVIS, or who is not in good academic standing at their current institution. Students who have completed an Associate degree (or higher) at a U.S. or foreign institution will not be accepted for admissions. Students accepted for admissions may only pursue one major, thus may only complete one Associate degree.
Submit the following documents:
- Complete admissions application
- Proof of a meningitis vaccination if you are 21 years of age or younger and have not been enrolled at DMC for a least one fall or spring semester
- Official college transcripts showing completion of secondary education or college course work (must be evaluated). All foreign transcripts are required to be evaluated into U.S. equivalency to show a minimum of a U.S. high school diploma. For foreign college credits obtained from an institution outside the boundaries and territories of the United States, a course-by-course evaluation must be completed. See the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website for an approved agency. These agencies are independent and not affiliated with Del Mar College. Del Mar College reserves the right to determine acceptability and/or placement of international academic credit. Evaluation by an international evaluation agency does not guarantee acceptance or use at Del Mar College.
- Current bank statement (within 30 days prior to the application deadline) showing proof of funds of at least $18,000 per academic year to cover your educational and living expenses. If you have dependents, you must show an additional $5,000 per dependent per academic year.
- Provide a certified Affidavit of Support from sponsor. You may use the I-134 form.
- Copy of your passport information (name, passport number, citizenship, etc.)
- The language of instruction at Del Mar College is English. If English is not your native language, you must submit official scores on a language proficiency exam from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). DMC accepts the TOEFL IBT (internet based test) or the PBT (paper based test) scores. Test takers should provide the following address to have their official scores sent to Del Mar College.
Del Mar College
Office of Admissions
101 Baldwin Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Minimum score
The following scores will be used to determine eligibility: TOEFL paper 550; TOEFL IBT 79; TOEIC 780; or Academic IELTS overall band score 6.5 allows students to take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test for admission into college-transfer courses. Scores are valid for two years.
Students who do not meet one of the above requirements for English proficiency must take the ESOL Program's placement test for admission into the ESOL Program. Minimum scores on approved ESOL tests for admission into the Del Mar College ESOL Program are: TOEFL 347; TOEFL IBT 19, IELTS 2, TOEIC 255, COMPASS/ESL 42. Scores are valid for two years. You will be referred to the ESOL Program for testing and evaluation. Before beginning your academic program, you must take the Texas Success Initiative placement test.
Students who have recently taken approved college assessment tests (ACT, SAT, STAAR, TAKS, TAAS) may be exempt from all, or part of, the TSI Assessment. See Assessment Requirements for more information.
Upon admission, you will be issued the I-20 form. I-20 forms will be mailed via standard mail. Expedited services must be arranged and paid for by the student. Present the I-20 form and the receipt for the I-901 fee when you apply for your student visa. Once you obtain your F-1 visa and begin studies, you must comply with all international student regulations in order to maintain the status of your visa (see below) and remain enrolled.
Del Mar College does not provide housing. There are a number of real estate agencies and housing locator services in Corpus Christi that may assist you in securing accommodations.
As an F-1 or an M-1 student, you are not eligible for financial aid. However, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships. Also, you may not work without permission. As an F-1 Visa holder, you may not work off campus. If you are in an academic program, you may be eligible to work part-time on campus.
Maintaining your F-1 Visa status
F-1 Visa students are admitted to the United States for “Duration of Status” (D/S is found on the white I-94 card or in your passport). You are permitted to stay in the U.S. as long as you maintain your status by fulfilling the requirements of being an F-1 student. Even if your visa is valid, you can lose your legal F-1 student status if you do not comply with immigration laws regulating your stay in the U.S. Abiding by the following regulations is extremely important! Penalties for violating student regulations may include: (1) applying for reinstatement (submit a form to USCIS and pay a non-refundable fee) (2) voluntarily leaving the United States or (3) deportation.
If you are accepted and enroll at Del Mar College, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the college require that you adhere to the rules and regulations specified below in order to maintain your student status and succeed:
- Use your legal name (as listed on your passport) on all official documents such as school records, Texas driver’s license or ID, and applications to Social Security and USCIS.
- Fulfill the meningitis vaccination requirements before beginning classes, if applicable. Due to Texas state law, DMC cannot allow students to begin classes without proof of vaccination or exemption.
- Register in a minimum of 12 credit hours applicable to your current major by the official start date of each semester and remain enrolled in at least 12 credit hours every semester. At least 9 credit hours must be in a face-to-face class. Only 3 credits can be online. Students taking ESOL and/or Developmental Education courses must enroll in those courses in addition to 12 credit hours applicable to your current major. If you fall below 12 credit hours (whether you drop a course(s), an instructor drops you from a course(s), or you are dropped from a course(s) due to non-attendance) without authorization from the Designated School Official, your record will be terminated in SEVIS, and you must apply for reinstatement (submit a form to USCIS and pay a non-refundable fee). Before registering for credit courses, please contact the Designated School Official (DSO) that issued your I-20. You must check with your DSO before dropping below 12 credit hours or ending your studies in the U.S. and leaving the country.
- You must make satisfactory progress towards completing the course of study, which means attending and passing all of your courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Grades of “W” and/or repeat coursework are not considered progression and will not be considered in maintaining your status. Repeated poor academic performance may result in academic suspension (loss of F-1 Visa status), which will lead to SEVIS termination. Reinstatement will require submitting a form to USCIS and paying a non-refundable fee. The decision to allow reinstatement will be made by USCIS.
- Students who are terminated and apply for reinstatement will be required to provide updated information (contact information, proof of financial support, etc.
- Approximate completion time for Associate Degrees is 3 years. A change in major does not increase that time limit. Students unable to successfully complete the academic requirements by the end date listed on the I-20 must meet with the DSO 30 days before the end of that term to request an extension in SEVIS. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extensions.
- Report any changes of phone number, address, major field of study, or any other information found on your SEVIS I-20 to your DSO within 10 days.
- Maintain a valid (unexpired) passport and SEVIS I-20 at all times.
- Work only after being authorized by your DSO and the USCIS. Unauthorized employment may lead to loss of F-1 Visa status. If you are employed and fall out of status or complete your degree, you must stop working. Please note: If you work illegally you may face deportation and you cannot be reinstated. See your DSO for more information regarding work authorization.
- Request a travel endorsement signature on your I-20 from your DSO (signature required on Page 2 of your SEVIS I-20) at least 30 days prior to travel.
- Notify your DSO before attending any schools other than Del Mar. Your F-1 record must be transferred if you decide to attend another institution, so please plan accordingly.
- Contact your DSO as soon as possible if you fall out of status in order to apply for reinstatement and continue your studies as an F-1 student.
- All communication from your DSO will be sent to the email address that you provided on your admissions form. You are responsible for checking it regularly. Keep in contact with the Designated School Official (DSO)!
- Degrees will be automatically conferred upon completion of program requirements.
- Upon completing your degree, you have 60 days from the last day of your classes to transfer your SEVIS record or do one of the following: 1) transfer to another institution to earn your Bachelor’s degree, 2) depart the U.S., or 3) change to a new immigration status.
Del Mar College requires that you fulfill all financial obligations prior to continued enrollment and the issuance of academic records. Rules and regulations are subject to change.
Academic Standards of Progress for International Students
Satisfactory
If you are an F-1 Visa student, you must maintain full-time enrollment status (12 SCH) and make satisfactory academic progress by maintaining a cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA). Grades of “W” and/or repeat coursework are not considered progression and will not be considered in maintaining your status. Repeated poor academic performance may result in academic suspension (loss of F-1 Visa status), which will lead to SEVIS termination.
Probation/Suspension
The first term you fall below a 2.0 grade point average will result in you being placed on academic probation. If you fail to meet the minimum standard the next semester of enrollment, you will be placed on suspension. This is a violation of your F-1 Visa status, which will result in being terminated in SEVIS. Reinstatement will require submitting a form to USCIS and paying a non-refundable fee of $370. The decision to allow reinstatement will be made by USCIS. Once a student’s record has been terminated in SEVIS, they may lose the ability to transfer to another institution.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)/Optional Practical Training (OPT)
What is CPT?
Any international student enrolled in a college, university or seminary whose academic program is “an integral part of an established curriculum” may apply to the international student advisor for approval of curricular practical training. Such training is defined as alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required training/internship offered by the program of study.
Requirements
You can apply for CPT approval if you have met the following criteria:
- You are maintaining lawful F-1 student status.
- You have completed at least nine (9) months of full-time study.
- CPT must either be a major requirement, a specific course requirement, or part of a cooperative education agreement between DMC and a company. It cannot be used to fulfill elective requirements.
- Students are only allowed to intern 20 hours or less per week and only allowed to intern for the credit hours required for the course. Students are allowed 40 hours during their summer vacation or when school is out of session.
Application Process
Meet with a Designated School Official (DSO) for application information.
Important Note: You cannot start a paid internship/curricular training without prior approval from your DSO/International Student Advisor. If you work without approval, it is considered illegal employment and you are considered out of status.
Del Mar College does not participate/offer OPT (Optional Practical Training).
Need assistance in completing the process? Visit the Enrollment Lab or Outreach Events!
