INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE (ISSO)

What would you like to do?

  • Earn an associate degree
  • Earn an associate degree and remain at Broward College to complete a bachelor's degree
  • Earn an associate degree then transfer to a university

Enhance your experience - involvement beyond the classroom is refreshing and a good way to make friends. Opportunities include clubs, leadership development, recreational activities, performing and cultural arts, athletics, student government, fitness, and more.

The choice is yours - we hope you will choose Broward College.

Students are at the heart of everything we do. Always have been. Always will be.

Programs of Study

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ISSO WEBINARS

ISSO holds webinars for interested students to learn more about Broward College and how to apply as an F1 visa international student. Hit the Sign Up button below to see a list of, and register for upcoming webinars.

Sign Up

Office Hours

ISSO remains fully operational with regular business hours. Due to COVID-19, some services will be provided remotely.

ON-CAMPUS HOURS: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

REMOTE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

JOIN THE LINE TO SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE REMOTELY - (Limited services provided)

ISSO QLESS Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed by ISSO in the order in which they are received once all supporting documents and test scores are complete. THEREFORE, the earlier you apply and submit all required documents and test scores, the earlier you will receive your acceptance.

Application Deadlines
Term Session 1 Application Deadline Outside the U.S.* Application Deadline for F1 transfers in the U.S. and new applicants from Canada & Bermuda*
FALL mid-August to mid-December
(16 weeks)
June 25 July 15
SPRING early-January to early-May
(16 weeks)
October 15 November 15
SUMMER mid-May to early-August
(12 weeks)
March 15 April 15
* The application deadline is the date that the online application AND all supporting documentation (including required test scores) must be received.

Application Steps

Before an applicant can be fully accepted as an international student and receive the Form I-20, used to apply for the F1 student visa, the application steps below need to be completed.

Programs not available to international students: International F1/M1 students are NOT eligible to enroll in certain programs, including, but not limited to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); the Paramedic Technical Certificate; the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI); Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Automotive Service Management Technology & Marine Engineering Management; Associate of Science (AS) degrees in Building Construction, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Human Services, Paralegal Studies, Culinary Arts Management,* Medical Laboratory Technology,* Medical Assisting,* or any programs for which the majority of classes are not available on-campus (face-to-face) as required by federal regulations for F1 international students.

* Students who have completed the required articulated courses for the Medical Lab Tech, Culinary Arts, or Medical Assisting programs at an authorized technical school, may apply to the programs.

Students whose primary language is not English and who wish to enroll in a degree program must provide proof of English proficiency in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (PDF) Level 3 classes or above. Students with language placement scores at Level 3 or 4 will be admissible to an academic program and will be required to take additional language training classes. A student placed in the Language Training program will be eligible to continue with a college degree without reapplying or getting a new visa upon program completion.

Online Application Instructions

Pre-Application Steps:

  1. Read descriptions on types of students carefully, Students applying for a bachelor's degree (BS/BAS), must be a transfer or returning student and have 60 qualifying university credits
  2. Say no to "Are you interested in a Limited Access Health Science Program" unless you have the prerequisite classes required for admission

Application Steps:

  1. If you did not graduate from a United States high school, choose the country where you completed your secondary education (high school). In the next line, type in the country where you graduated, and a dropdown list will appear. You will see a list of U.S. accredited schools, diplomas, or leaving certificates from your country. If your country uses the British education system you will select the external exam you took (such as GCE, CXC, BGCSE, WAEC, WASC, KCSE, or HKCE). Diplomas or leaving certificates with characters (i.e., Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages) must also include an American Translators Association (ATA). Certified English language translation of the document.
  2. If you have attended postsecondary school (university or college), list the institutions you have attended. You must disclose and attach a transcript for all schools attended even if you did not graduate. If your transcript is not in English, you must also attach a certified English translation from a member of the American Translators Association (ATA).

Begin or complete the online application: Apply to Broward College

For Application Steps 2, 3, & 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until after you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal (myBC page) at this time.

International Student Supplemental Application: This online Dynamic Form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide the personal information required during the application process to Broward College.

Documents to be attached to the Supplemental Application:

  • PASSPORT (biographical page)
  • EDUCATION RECORDS
    High School (secondary education):
    Appropriate proof of high school graduation is required for acceptance. For most countries outside the United States, this is satisfied by attaching a copy of your official high school diploma or leaving the certificate to the Supplemental Application and then bringing the original document to Broward College after arriving in Florida.
    For diplomas or leaving certificates using characters (i.e., Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) you must also provide a certified American Translators Association (ATA) English language translation of the document.
    Students with credentials from countries using the British education system must show General Proficiency on the GCE, CXC, BGCSE, WAEC, WASC, or HKCE exams, and should not submit high school transcripts or diplomas.
    For high schools in the United States or overseas high schools that are regionally accredited by a U.S. accrediting body, an official transcript must be sent to the Registrar's Office.
    IMPORTANT: Original documents will be required upon arrival at Broward College. Records from U.S. institutions must be OFFICIAL.
    University Transcripts (post-secondary education): Students who have attended a post-secondary institution must provide a copy of the official transcript even when courses are in progress. If the document is not in English, the applicant must also provide a certified English translation from a member of the American Translators Association (ATA). A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or its equivalent is required.
    IMPORTANT: Although you are attaching copies of your post-secondary transcripts and translations to the supplemental application, once you are accepted to Broward College, you must also send official transcripts (and any required ATA translations) directly to the Registrar's Office. The transcripts should show that there is no coursework in progress. Click the link for instructions on how to Send Transcripts to Broward College.

    Video: How to check if your official transcripts have been received by the Broward College Registrar's Office

  • DEPENDENT(S) RECORD (if applicable)
    If you are applying for your spouse or children to get an F2 visa, you must attach their passport biographical pages as well.

REQUIREMENTS FOR F1 TRANSFER APPLICANTS

  • If you are currently in the United States under an F1 visa, you must also attach to your Supplemental Application your current I-20, I-94, or F1 visa (if applicable)
  • If you are an F1 transfer student with dependents, we also need your I-20, I-94, and F2 visas.
  • F1 STATUS VERIFICATION FORM - This form is used by international student applicants (F1 visa) to determine if the person can be transferred to Broward College upon acceptance. This form does not guarantee acceptance nor transfer. The Designated School Official (DSO), from the current school, will NOT release the Form I-20 until the student provides the official acceptance letter from the International Student Services Office (ISSO) to the DSO. (Let your DSO know he/she will need to create an account to complete the Dynamic Form.)

For Application Steps 2, 3, & 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until after you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal (myBC page) at this time.

Use the Placement Test Form*: to either attach a placement test result (TOELF, IELTS, SAT, ACT, etc.) or to request a Broward College placement test (see below). This is a requirement for admission.

Test Location & Cost: If you are currently in South Florida, you can request to take a Broward College test on campus. If you are not in South Florida, you need to request a remote test. There are testing and proctoring fees for remote tests.

Students from English-Speaking Countries: must take an ACCUPLACER Next Generation (NG) test unless they have valid SAT or ACT scores or postsecondary transcripts from a U.S. regionally accredited institution that waives them from testing.

Students from Non-English-Speaking Countries: must take the Levels of English Proficiency ACCUPLACER ESL (LOEP) test, unless they are able to submit a valid TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or another valid test listed on the EAP Placement Test Table. Students from non-English speaking countries with valid college-level SAT or ACT scores in English and Reading, do not need any further testing.

Applicants from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, showing high school transcripts with the following English grades are eligible to take the ACCUPLACER NG. However, if the applicant does not place at the college level for reading and English, the applicant must take the LOEP.

  • Sweden - VG (pass with distinction) or higher (1996 - 2012). VG is equivalent to B in the U.S.
  • Sweden - D or higher (as of June 2014). D is equivalent to B in the U.S.
  • Norway - 4 (good competence in the subject) or higher. 4 is equivalent to B in the U.S.
  • Denmark - C (good) or higher. C is equivalent to B in the U.S.

For Application Steps 2, 3, & 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until after you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal (myBC page) at this time.

Note for sponsors filling out Dynamic Forms: The Financial Affidavit of Support is a Dynamic form. If you are using a sponsor other than yourself, you will need an email for your sponsor that is different from yours. You should inform your sponsor(s) that they will need to create a username and password before being able to complete and electronically sign the form.

Financial Affidavit of Support: This online Dynamic Form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide proof of financial support for the duration of their studies at Broward College. Applicants will state if they have a financial sponsor(s) or if they are using personal funds. Applicants who have more than one source of financial sponsorship will need to submit a Financial Affidavit of Support for each sponsor. The sponsor's bank statement or letter MUST be attached to the Financial Affidavit.

Most recent bank letter/statement: The account holder must be the same as the sponsor listed on the financial affidavit. If using a bank statement, you only need to submit the summary page showing the bank name, account holder, date of the statement, available account balance, and currency. If the currency is not shown on the bank statement or letter, ISSO will calculate conversion to USD based on the currency of the country where the bank is located. We do not accept 401K plans or other retirement accounts, life insurance policies, tax return documents, paystubs, or other payroll documents.

  • Estimated Annual Cost of Education:
    • Associate (freshman and sophomore level classes) - $22,500 USD
    • Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Technology - $50,000 USD
    • Bachelor (junior and senior-level classes) - $27,500 USD
    • Language Training program - $22,500 USD
    • $7,000 USD is required per dependent accompanying the F1

Students who start in Summer or Spring will need to expect first-year tuition costs of $15,000 to $20,000. See Estimated Cost of Attendance for additional information.

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses: This form is OPTIONAL and used by international student applicants who will be living with a relative or family friend in South Florida. The person signing the form will be responsible for all living expenses (i.e. housing, transportation, food, etc.). When using this form, the sponsor providing the Financial Affidavit of Support can deduct the following amounts from the total funds required: (1) USD $12,500 for the student and (2) USD $7,000 for each dependent, if applicable.

Disclaimer: Students who use the Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses may be required to present Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) to the embassy when applying for the F-1 student visa. Students must contact the American Embassy, before going for the interview, to make sure he/she is bringing all the necessary financial documents. The I-134 is presented to the embassy, not Broward College.

Applications are reviewed once all online forms with the required supporting documents and test scores are received and approved by ISSO. The estimated review period is 5 to 10 business days (Monday thru Friday excluding holidays). Two weeks prior to and after the application deadline, it may take up to 15 business days for review, and priority is given to applications for the immediate upcoming term.

ISSO will notify accepted applicants by email. The Form I-20 will be processed as follows:

  1. Applying for the F1 student visa in the home country: The student will receive the acceptance letter and I-20 to apply for the student visa at the American Embassy or Consulate. Once the F1 visa is approved, the student may travel to the United States no earlier than thirty (30) days before the program start date as stated on the I-20.
  2. Transferring the I-20: Students transferring their I-20 from another institution to Broward College (BC), must provide the acceptance letter from ISSO to the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current institution. The transfer I-20 will be issued once the student is fully registered for classes at BC and the I-20 has been released to BC.
  3. Changing immigration status in the United States (U.S.): Students intending to change their immigration status in the U.S. should seek legal counsel to understand the process. ISSO will process the I-20 for the change of status (COS) after meeting with the student. COS students are only eligible to register for classes once the F1 status has been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Once students receive the acceptance packet, they must review the entire document to understand their next steps, including but not limited to, paying the SEVIS fee, proving proof of health insurance coverage, registering for classes, etc.

Next Steps after Acceptance

Before you can register for classes, you need to demonstrate that you have adequate international student health insurance coverage, which must include coverage for medical expenses, medical evacuation, and medical repatriation.

The coverage MUST be for a full academic year (An academic year runs from mid-August to mid-August of the next year), and it must be renewed each year without gaps. This is a requirement for an international student to be able to register for classes at Broward College.

Health insurance coverage is required for the duration of your studies at Broward College including, but not limited to annual vacations, school breaks, and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students on OPT must contact their international student health insurance agent regarding policy requirements before buying the insurance since not all policies cover students on OPT.

COVERAGE PERIOD (students must make sure there are no gaps in coverage)

  • Fall Coverage: August 15 to August 14 of the following year
  • Spring Coverage: January 1 to August 14
  • Summer Coverage: May 1 to August 14

Students arriving prior to the effective date of their insurance policy must also buy travel insurance to avoid gaps in coverage.

To show proof of health insurance coverage, use the Health Insurance Coverage Form or send your policy's visa or coverage letter to idocs@broward.edu.

  • Log in to One Access
    Use the login and password you sent to you when you completed your online application. You will then be prompted to create a new password and password recovery questions.
  • Click on the student portal tile (myBC)
  • Read and complete all the policies before moving to the next step
    Note: if you do not see your information at the top of the page for the 2nd policy on finances, you have been logged out, restart the browser (close and open the browser)
  • Once you get to your myBC homepage, you will see the $75 application fee* (if you have not already paid it) in the top right corner and if you have already registered for classes, you will see the fees for your tuition and the due date

* Note for the application fee: the term displayed is always for the current term even if you applied for a future term. Do not worry, the application fee is applied to you regardless of the term displayed. This is a one-time, non-refundable fee.

Homeland Security's regulation requires all prospective F1 and M1 students to pay the I-901 Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee. Dependents (accompanying spouse and/or child under 21) applying for F2 and M2 visas are NOT REQUIRED to pay for the I-901 SEVIS fee.

  • Pay the I-901 SEVIS as soon as you get the Form I-20
  • Payment options:
    • Credit Card or Debit Card (VISA, American Express, or Master Card): if you are submitting your form online
    • US Check: Checks are accepted subject to collection. If the bank on which it is drawn does not honor the check, you will be charged a $35 fee.
    • Western Union Quick Pay: You will be required to fill out Form I-901 on the website prior to visiting Western Union. You must have the coupon number to complete the payment (Western Union Quick Pay instructions).
  • If you fill in Form I-901 online and choose the option to pay by check or international money order, you will be able to print a payment coupon. There is a control number on the top of the coupon. Write the control number, your name, and your SEVIS ID number on your check or money order and attach the coupon.
  • If you use a paper Form I-901, write your SEVIS ID number and name on your check or money order and attach the form before sending it in
  • Print a receipt

Resources:

Estimated Cost of Attendance

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Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.