Admission Steps for International Students
The faculty and staff at College of The Albemarle (COA) welcomes international students. International Student Support Services is happy to help you obtain an F-1 student visa or request a Change of Status. A student visa allows you to study at our college for up to three years. Please review the following packet.
To learn about COA’s application and enrollment process, select the situation that best applies to you:
The information below has been released from the Department of Homeland Security.
- F-1 students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of stay rather than for Duration of Status.
- The authorized period of stay will be based on the program length listed on your Form I-20. At the College of The Albemarle, most programs are designed to be completed within two years.
- Students will be permitted to enter the United States up to 30 days before their program start date and will have a 30-day grace period to depart after completing their program.
- Students who need additional time to complete their program, begin a new program of study, or participate in post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) must apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- F-1 students enrolled in programs below the graduate level may not change their major during their first year of study unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approves an exception due to extenuating circumstances.
- F-1 students enrolled in programs below the graduate level may not transfer to another school during their first year of study unless SEVP approves an exception due to extenuating circumstances.
- The post-completion grace period has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 252-335-0821 ext. 2220