HCC International Student Guide: Navigating Your Academic Journey

For international students aspiring to pursue academic programs at Houston City College (HCC), this guide provides essential information and steps to ensure a smooth transition and successful academic experience. From demonstrating English proficiency to maintaining your F-1 visa status, this comprehensive resource will help you navigate the requirements and resources available at HCC.

Demonstrating English Language Proficiency

International students seeking enrollment in academic programs must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. This requirement can be met through various standardized tests:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): While the TOEFL exam is NOT required for admission, it is accepted as proof of English proficiency. Official test scores must be sent directly to Houston City College from the testing agency.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): There is no institutional code for the IELTS examination.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
ACCUPLACER (ESL): The Accuplacer ESL is used when it has been established that the student must demonstrate English proficiency prior to testing for college-level course placement. The Accuplacer ESL is composed of Language Usage, Reading Skills, Sentence-Meaning, and Listening.
Approved TSI Test: The State of Texas and Houston City College require that all students be tested to determine readiness to enroll in college-level courses. This requirement is referred to as the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). A major emphasis of TSI is to ensure that all students are tested to determine if they are “college ready” in reading, writing, and mathematics. Testing is mandatory and must be completed prior to one’s first enrollment at HCC, unless it is determined that the student has been waived or exempted from TSI requirement.

Scores on these exams must be dated within the past two years and meet the state and institutional requirements for placement into college-level classes. Students who do not meet the required scores will be required to enroll in the Intensive English Program or Academic English-as-a-Second-Language program. It is important to note that attending intensive English programs at other schools does not waive this requirement.

Financial Documentation for I-20 Issuance

To receive the SEVIS Form I-20, which is necessary for obtaining an F-1 student visa, international applicants must provide proof of adequate financial support. This demonstrates to United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) that the student has sufficient funds to cover their expenses while studying at HCC. The financial documents submitted should be current (no older than six months) and validate the minimum amount required by HCC.

The required financial documentation includes:

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Bank Statement/Letter: This document must be on the bank's official letterhead, including an official signature. It should list the bank account holder's name, type of account, currency type, date of issuance, and current balance. The bank statement must validate a current balance of $22,980 USD (plus $4,400 USD for each F-2 dependent). For a shorter program of 9 months, a bank statement validating a current balance of $10,000 (plus $4,400 USD for each F-2 dependent) is required.
Affidavit of Support (I-134): A completed Affidavit of Support (I-134) is required from financial sponsors who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals lawfully residing in the US only.
Affidavit of Financial Support (International Sponsor): A completed Affidavit of Financial Support is required from international sponsors.
Employment Letter: If applicable, a statement from the financial sponsor’s employer on company letterhead with a signature should show: (1) Date and nature of employment; (2) Salary paid.
Sponsorship Letter: If the student is sponsored by an organization, government agency, company, or other entity, a sponsorship letter must be printed on the official letterhead of the sponsoring entity. The bank statement must validate a current balance of $22,980 (plus $4,400 USD for each F-2 dependent if covered by the sponsor). The bank statement must include the bank account holder’s (company's) name, type of account, currency type, date of issuance, and current balance.

Multiple funding sources or sponsors are acceptable as long as the sum of the funding available meets the academic year estimate. Each sponsor must provide an Affidavit of Support and all required financial documents. All supporting documents should be in English or translated into English. If you submit a document in any language other than English, you must include a full English translation.

Application Process for International Students

If you are not currently in F-1 status and want to attend HCC on an F-1 visa, you are welcome to apply to HCC as an initial F-1 student. The application process for international students requires you to complete key steps and upload specific documents.

Complete the Online Application: Fill out and complete all steps of the F-1 application.
Complete the SEVIS Form I-20 Application: This is a fillable PDF document that is different from the online application.
Pay the Application Fee: A $75 non-refundable application fee is required. You can pay the fee online using a credit card or funds transfer from your local bank (via Flywire). Please enable pop-ups on your internet browser for online payment. Save the receipt as a PDF.
Upload Required Documents: All documents must be saved as PDF files with short names (less than 30 characters). The file name should not contain any invalid characters such as (*:"<>?). Bad-quality or upside-down documents will be rejected. Please combine different document types in 1 PDF file. For example, if you have statements from different banks, save them as one file.

After uploading all the required documents, it usually takes approximately 10 business days for the review and processing of the I-20. Once the office receives all of your documents, you should wait at least 10 business days for the processing of the SEVIS Form I-20.

Obtaining Your I-20 and Paying the SEVIS Fee

Once the International Student Office receives all of your uploaded documents, you should wait at least 10 business days for processing. After the office receives all of your documents, you should wait at least 10 business days for the processing of the SEVIS Form I-20.

Using the information on your I-20, submit SEVIS I-901 Fee payment here: www.fmjfee.com. The School Code for HCC is HOU 214F 00354 000. SEVP will accept third party payments, meaning someone else can pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee using the same method of payment.

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Visa Application and Entry to the United States

After receiving your I-20 and paying the SEVIS fee, you must apply for an F-1 student visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. * Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are not required to obtain an F-1 visa.

If you are unable to arrive in the United States on a part-time basis.

Maintaining Your F-1 Student Status

Maintaining your F-1 student status is crucial for international students. Failure to comply with regulations can lead to serious consequences, including the termination of your visa. Here are some key requirements:

Enroll Full-Time: Always be full time. Enroll for and complete a full course of study every fall and spring term. International F1 students must take a minimum of 12 credit hours every fall and spring semester. Of the 12 credit hours, 9 must be face-to-face, and only 1 class or 3 credit hours may be online. Another acceptable option is 8 credit hours face-to-face and only 1 online class of 4 credit hours. Of the 9 credit hours, 6 must be face-to-face, and only 1 class or 3 credit hours may be online. (Hybrid classes count as face-to-face classes). An online course has more than 51% of instruction online. Some exams or labs may be required to be completed in person and/or proctored. Spring and Fall semesters - F-1 students must enroll in 12 credit hours, of which only ONE (1) class can be 100% online.
Obtain Permission Before Dropping Courses: Consult with the ISS before you withdraw or stop attending class.

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Request a Program Extension if Needed: Make sure your program completion date on your Form I-20 is accurate. Your program completion date on your Form I-20 must always be up to date. If you cannot complete your program by the completion date listed on your Form I-20, you must apply for a program extension at least 30 calendar days prior to the completion expiration date and obtain an updated Form I-20.
Notify ISS of Transfer to Another Institution: If you plan to transfer to another institution, notify the ISS and request for your SEVIS I-20 be transferred out before your I-20 end date and/or program end date, whichever is first.
Maintain a Valid Passport: Keep your passport valid at all times. You must have a valid passport at all times.

Enrollment and Registration

After receiving your "Continued Attendance" Form I-20, you can proceed with enrollment. Log onto your student Homepage via myeagle.hccs.edu and complete the Checklist items that prevent enrollment: Financial Responsibility; Residency Re-affirmation; Meningitis (if under 22 years of age); On-boarding Checklist: Eagle Launch (web orientation), Testing. Negative holds like Int’l Student Advisement, Bursar's office, and ESL should be cleared before enrollment with the relevant department (read details of the hold). Positive holds like “F-1 student” do not affect enrollment. Please note that the DSO/International Student Advisors in the International Office are not able to assist with testing authorization or class enrollment.

Receive testing authorization. Pay the testing fee at the cashier’s office on campus or via your HCC portal, and bring the receipt to the testing center on campus to take the exam. Students placed in ESL/Intensive English levels 0,1 and 2 should contact the CEU ESL department on campus or their Zoom lobby for enrollment/registration. Students placed in ESL/Intensive English levels 3 and 4 and all academic-ready students should meet with an Enrollment Services/Academic Advisor on campus or virtually about the classes they need to take.

Additional Information for International Students

Housing: Houston City College (HCC) does not offer on-campus housing, so international students should plan to secure accommodations before and after arrival. Houston Homestay: Connects students with local hosts for cultural immersion and support. PadSplit: Also suitable for long-term stays with its all-inclusive pricing and flexible lease terms.
Health Insurance: All students holding an F‐1 Visa will be automatically enrolled and charged for the Houston City College-endorsed International Student and Accident & Sickness Insurance Program. Dependent (F-2) coverage is no longer available under this plan.
Texas Driver's License: To obtain a Texas driver's license, you will need the following documentation: SS number. If you don't have one, you need to complete the Social Security Number Affidavit (Form DL-13) provided at the driver's license office. 3 documents that show proof of residency in Texas for at least 30 days (such as an electric bill, bank statement, or cable bill with your name and address. Evidence of current Texas Vehicle Registration for each vehicle you own. Impact Texas Driver (ITD) if you will be taking a driving test for the issuance of your driver license.
Scholarships: Designed to encourage very high performing students to finish their degree at HCC. $300 will be awarded per semester to students with a 4.0 cumulative GPA who have 30 or more semester credit hours recorded at HCC. If the student receives other aid, he/she must also maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Transfer Students

A transfer student is any F-1 student who is currently enrolled at another US college, university, high school or ESL school and plans to pursue a certificate or degree at HCC. Students who intend to transfer to baccalaureate degree programs (university) upon completion of their HCC Associates degree should be aware of possible limitations on lower-division course work. An international student with an I-20 from another college or university wishing to concurrently enroll at HCC must submit written permission from that college or university.

Important Reminders

Deadlines: The International Student Office must receive your application and supporting documents on or before the published deadlines. If your application is completed after the deadline, you will automatically be considered for admission for the next available semester.
Third-Party Agencies: Students do not need to secure a third-party agency to gain admission to HCC. HCC staff is available at no cost to students to assist with the admissions and registration process. If a student chooses to utilize the services of a third-party agency, the student should be aware that they assume full responsibility for all actions conducted by the third-party agent acting on the student’s behalf.
Document Quality: Ensure all uploaded documents are of good quality and not upside down, as bad-quality documents will be rejected.

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