Get Permission from Your Home Country

  • Students wishing to study in the United States are required to apply for a student visa.
  • The available student visas are F and M.   
  • Students who meet the admissions requirements to attend a school in the U.S. are issued an I-20 form.

Upon receipt of the I-20 form, the student will meet with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country to receive approval of the F1 visa.

How to Apply to Pasco-Hernando State College on a Student Visa

International Student Application Process

Steps to follow for International Students applying to PHSC:

  1. Submit a PHSC application and pay the $40.00 international application fee (payable in U.S. funds) through WISE.
  2. Submit a copy of their valid passport indicating an expiration date of at least six months beyond the intended period of study in the U.S.
  3. Evaluation of high school transcript indicating graduation which is equivalent to a U.S. standard high school diploma.
  4. Visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) for a list of evaluation agencies. Additional evaluation services can be found in the Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies form.
  5. Submit proof of finances. Student or sponsor must submit proof of a minimum of $24,894.00 on deposit in U.S. funds on the financial institution's letterhead and signed and dated by the branch manager or their representative.
  6. Submit a letter from applicant or sponsor indicating that they are financially responsible for the applicant’s personal and academic needs for the duration of study.
  7. Proof of English proficiency – if English is not the applicant’s native language, the student has to prove English proficiency in one of the following ways:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve the following test scores paper version -523 or 69 on the iBT (Internet test)
  • Attended and successfully completed an English Language Institute program of study
  • Attended a U.S. high school based in their home country
  • Graduated from a U.S. high school Achieved the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) in English
  • Attended a U.S. college and successfully completed English Composition I and II

Upon admission to PHSC, a letter of admission to the College and an initial I-20 form will be sent to the student in their home country. 

International Admissions Packet

International students wishing to attend PHSC Aviation program, must meet specific admission requirements.

  1. Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) application
  2. Information for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Students: New/Transfer student application checklist
  3. Guide for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Students
  4. Affidavit of Support Form I-134 for students sponsored by a U.S. citizen or Permanent U.S. resident, if applicable
  5. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  6. List of Foreign Credentials Evaluators
  7. Required Health/Accident Insurance coverage: PHSC does not endorse any specific health/accident insurance agencies
  8. Certificate of Compliance Form
  9. F-1 Transfer Eligibility (Visa Clearance) Form for students transferring to PHSC

Please ensure that all required documentation has been submitted.  Incomplete application packets will not be reviewed and will be returned to the applicant.

Transfer F-1 Students

International students currently studying in the U.S and wishing to transfer to PHSC must submit the following:

  • Submit a PHSC application and pay the $40.00 international application fee (payable in U.S. funds).
  • Evaluation of high school transcript indicating graduation which is equivalent to a U.S. standard high school diploma.
  • Official college transcript from the transfer school and any other U.S. college if applicable.
  • Submit a PHSC visa clearance form filled out by the DSO from the transfer school.
  • Submit proof of finances. Student or sponsor must submit proof of a minimum of $24,894.00 on deposit in U.S. funds on the financial institution's letterhead and signed and dated by the branch manager or their representative.
  • Submit a letter from applicant or sponsor indicating that they will be financially responsible for the applicant's personal and academic needs for the duration of study.

Upon admission to PHSC, a letter of admission and a transfer I-20 will be mailed to the student.

How to Obtain a Student Visa

Applicants will need the following when applying for a student visa (note: the process may vary or require additional steps, depending on the applicant's country and embassy or consulate):

Items Needed for a Student Visa
  1. Application Fee: Applicant will pay a non-refundable application fee. This means that if the visa does not get approved, applicant will not get fees refunded.
  2. Form DS-160: All applicants will need to complete and submit DS-160, the online application for a non-immigrant visa.
  3. Form DS-157: A DS-157 form for all males aged 16-45.
  4. Valid Passport: A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application.
Arriving in the U.S.

Students entering the U.S. to study for the first time are not allowed to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date indicated on the I-20 form. Students are expected to present the documents listed below to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival in the U.S.:

  • Passport (including sealed envelope of attached immigration documents if applicable)
  • Original I-20
  • Evidence of financial resources
  • Admission letter
  • SEVIS fee receipt

Once the student has been given clearance by CBP to enter the U.S., the student’s next course of action is to contact the Designated School Official (DSO) at PHSC and schedule an appointment to meet and have their file updated.

Meeting with the Designated School Official (DSO)

Upon meeting with the DSO, the student is asked to bring their:

  • PHSC admission letter
  • Passport indicating F1 visa status
  • Original I-20
  • SEVIS receipt fee
  • Proof of health insurance coverage (accident/death-to transport body to home country, if applicable)

Visiting Home Country

Students planning to visit their homeland during winter or spring break are expected to notify the DSO of their travel plans.