3.2 International Student and Non-U.S. Citizen Student Admissions


(Reaffirmed 12-2-1991; Revised 9-27-2007, 7-14-2014, 12-6-2021)

East Central College is approved by the United States Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Permit STL-214F-220, 3 April 1973) as a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified institution of higher education for non-immigrant international students. The term “International Students” is defined as students who are in the United States pursuant to valid, non-immigrant student visas and students who wish to come to the United States pursuant to valid, non-immigrant student visas to attend East Central College. Typically, International Students seeking admission to East Central College apply for admission from their home country. International Students already physically present in the United States may be admitted to East Central College by transfer from another college or university in the United States if they have attained a grade point average of 2.0 or higher, based upon a 4.0 scale or the equivalent, and they are entitled to an honorable dismissal from that college or university. Individuals already physically present in the United States in another lawful visa status (i.e., in a valid visa status other than a student visa) may also be eligible for admission to East Central College if such admittance is permitted by the applicant’s current visa status and is in accordance with all relevant immigration laws.

International Students and non-U.S. citizen students seeking admission to East Central College must submit the proper documents and information, as outlined herein, in addition to meeting the general College admission requirements.

Procedures:

3.2.1 International Students (Revised 7-14-2014; 12-6-2021)

International Students seeking admission to East Central College must:

  1. Complete an East Central College Application for Admission.
  2. Submit an original copy of an Affidavit of Support [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-134] indicating minimum support as designated in the catalog.
  3. Verify proficiency in English through one of the following: (revised 12-23-14)
    • Successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (minimum score of 497 on the written test or 60 on the Internet-based test); or a score of 5.5 from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), or PTE Academic score of 44.
    • Successful completion of a course equivalent to English Composition I taken in residence at a U.S. college or university.
    • Successful completion of an English as a Second Language Program.
    • English is the native language of the applicant’s home country.
  4. Submit original transcripts from secondary schools and universities previously attended translated into English and accompanied by an explanation of the grading system used. Transcripts must be sent directly from school/college records/registrar’s offices. These records cannot be received directly from students or sponsors unless they are in sealed envelopes with the issuing school’s or university’s official stamp or seal.If an International Student’s admission is approved, an I-20 Form will be issued within 30 days of receipt of the above records.
  5. Show evidence of health insurance covering a 12-month period. This insurance coverage must be maintained during the entire period that the student is attending East Central College, and documentation of such coverage must be on file with the International Student Advisor.
  6. Pay International Student tuition rates.

3.2.2 Non-U.S. Citizen Students Who Are Not International Students (Adopted 7-14-2014; Revised 12-6-2021)

Non-U.S. citizen students, lawfully present in the United States, who do not qualify as International Students may be admitted to the College under the regular admissions requirements and should submit the following information as part of the admissions process:

  • An East Central College Application for Admission
  • Verification of high school completion or its equivalent
  • Proof of lawful presence in the United States through any document issued by the federal government that confirms such lawful presence
  • Official college transcripts from all colleges where credit was attempted or earned, including dual credit

If admitted, non-U.S. citizen students who do not qualify as International Students will be charged tuition as follows:

  • Students in lawful permanent resident status will be charged tuition according to their district residency status at the time of their application for admission.
  • Students present in Missouri as representatives of a foreign government or at the convenience of the United States and Missouri governments who hold a G visa (except for those who are government-funded students) will be charged tuition according to their district residency status at the time of their application for admission.
  • Students who hold A or L visas and who are individually designated as representatives of their governments and whose education is not government-funded will be charged tuition according to their district residency status at the time of their application for admission.
  • All other non-U.S. citizen students who are lawfully present in the United States [including, but not limited to, students who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”)] will be charged out-of-state tuition rates.