International Students Applying from Abroad

How to Apply as an International Student

Non-U.S. citizens or residents who would like to study at a U.S. institution and are submitting an MCC application from abroad must complete the following steps:

1. Complete Midwestern Career College’s online Request for Information Form.

Once we receive your request for information, an admissions counselor will contact you to start the process. During your admissions interview, your counselor will discuss your academic goals and interests to help you select the program that best suits your needs. The counselor will review the admissions requirements and the necessary application documents to make sure you understand every step of the process.

2. Pay application fee.

Application fee varies based on the program of study and the type of application.

3. Provide a copy of Passport.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months at the time of application.

4. Provide proof of sufficient funds.

• If you are paying your own tuition and fees:

Submit an original bank statement issued within 30 days of your application date. If the statement is from a foreign financial institution, it must be stamped, signed, and accompanied by a certified translation.

• If someone else is covering your tuition and fees:

If you are financially supported by a US citizen or resident: Submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) filled out and signed by the sponsor, along with their original most recent bank statement issued within 30 days of your application date.

If you are financially supported by someone outside of the US: Submit the support letter signed by your sponsor, and their original most recent bank statement issued within 30 days of your application date. All statements from a foreign financial institution must be stamped, signed, and accompanied by a certified translation.

5. Provide Proof of High School Graduation.

High School graduation is required for admission to all programs. Fill out High School Attestation Form and submit a translated copy of your high school diploma.

6. Provide a translated and evaluated copy of your College/University Transcripts and/or Diploma/Certificate, if applicable.

All transcripts that are not from an American institution must be evaluated. All evaluations must be completed by an approved NACES agency. Transcripts in a language other than English must also include an official English translation. Any costs incurred for evaluation and/or translation services are the responsibility of the student and must be paid directly to the agency performing the service. Students who wish to transfer academic credit must order a course-by-course evaluation. Students submitting foreign transcripts to satisfy a credential requirement (for example, to provide documentation of High School graduation) can submit a general evaluation showing equivalency of their credential to the one in the United States.

MCC has partnered with SpanTran to create a custom application for Midwestern Career College that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application here: SpanTran Application – Midwestern Career College.

7. Take Online Entrance Exam.

After your admissions counselor reviews your documents, they will schedule you to take online entrance exam.

8. Get Acceptance Letter.

Once all admission requirements are met, you will receive an acceptance letter and initial I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Status).

9. Schedule Your Visa Interview.

Once you receive your I-20, you are ready to schedule your Visa Interview.

The first step of scheduling the interview is paying SEVIS fee (I-901 Form). Go to Department of Homeland Security – Form I-901 to pay the fee.

Once you have the payment receipt, schedule your visa appointment. Go to https://www.usembassy.gov/ to find US embassy information for your home country.

Notify your admissions counselor once you have the date for the interview.

10. Prepare for Your Visa Interview.

• Gather all required documents like your passport, SEVIS fee receipt, acceptance letter, I-20 form and financial statements.
• Practice answering common interview questions
• Arrive early.

After the interview, notify your admissions counselor about the outcome.

11. Plan Your Arrival Date.

Students on F-1 Visa can arrive in the United States 30 days prior to their program start. Confirm your arrival date with the college prior to purchasing your plane tickets.

Recent Updates and What You Need to Know

As you prepare for your upcoming F-1 visa interview, we want to share important updates and guidelines to help you navigate the current U.S. visa application process effectively.

The U.S. Department of State has introduced new screening guidelines for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those applying for F-1 student visas. These changes are part of increased federal efforts to enhance visa security and may affect your interview process. Please take note of the following:

Screening Updates

1. Social Media Privacy Settings

   All visa applicants are now instructed to set the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.” (open link) This allows consular officers to review your online presence as part of the visa application review.

2. Increased Screening

   The Department of State is applying greater scrutiny to student visa applicants. Be prepared to answer questions about your academic plans, ties to your home country, and your intentions while in the U.S.

3. Potential Travel Restrictions

   Some nationals from certain countries are currently subject to travel restrictions, and these policies may expand (open link). If you are from one of these countries, please be aware that visa processing may take longer or require additional documentation.

4. Visa Interview Prioritization

   U.S. embassies are prioritizing visa interviews for specific groups, such as J-1 physicians and students applying to institutions where international students constitute a smaller portion of the student body. While this may affect appointment availability, we encourage you to continue scheduling your interview promptly.

How to Prepare

1. Review Your Documents Carefully

   Ensure all your application materials, including your I-20 form, financial documents, and transcripts, are complete and accurate.

2. Be Honest and Clear

   Answer all questions truthfully and succinctly during your interview.

3. Update Social Media Profiles

   Set all social media accounts to “public” before your interview date, as required.

4. Schedule Your Interview Early

   Visa appointment slots may be limited or prioritized differently. Make your appointment as soon as possible.

We understand this can be a stressful and uncertain time, and we are here to support you throughout the process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office or your designated admissions counselors.

Thank you for choosing Midwestern Career College. We look forward to welcoming you on campus soon.