International Student Information

Admission of International Students

Admission for all international students is through the Center for International Education located at the West Campus. For further information, call 520-206-6732 or visit https://pima.edu/admission/apply-to-pima/international-program/index.html.

1. International students intending to pursue full-time study must submit the following documents to the Center for International Education and Global Engagement to satisfy admission requirements. Necessary forms are available at the Center for International Education and Global Engagement or online.

   1. A completed International Student Application Form verifying program of study, academic history and language proficiency information.

   2. A completed Affidavit of Support, along with a bank statement or bank certification, verifying availability of funds in the amount required.

   3. Proof of health insurance coverage. This requirement is met by enrolling in the student health insurance plan provided by PCC. Students who are under the sponsorship of their government or an agency that is responsible for their educational expenses, including medical coverage may waive the student health insurance plan provided by the College.

   4. A copy of their passport showing validity for at least six (6) months.

   5. All admissions requirements are pursuant to Title 8 of Code of Federal Regulations.

2. International student applicants must submit the following to satisfy admissions requirements in addition to those listed above (student who is applying for part-time admission and is in the United States on an active non-immigrant visa status that is not F-1 and eligible for study in the United States):

   1. A completed International Student Application Form verifying program of study, academic history and language proficiency information.

   2. A copy of the current I-94, either from the applicant’s passport or the United States Department of Homeland Security website.

   3. A copy of the visa page from the applicant’s passport.

International student applicants under the age of 18 should be informed of the College’s recommendation that they have a “guardian” in the United States to represent them in emergency situations since the College is not permitted to act in the place of the parent or guardian.

Once accepted, all international students must comply with the appropriate immigration standards and regulations.

Persons on other non-immigrant visas may be allowed to enroll in part-time course work in accordance with immigration policy.

Border Commuter Students

In compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, a border commuter student is a national of Canada or Mexico who is admitted to the United States as an F-1 nonimmigrant student to enroll in a full course of study, albeit on a part-time basis, in an approved school located within 75 miles of a United States land border. A border commuter student must maintain an actual residence and place of abode in the student’s country of nationality, and seek admission to the United States at a land border port-of-entry.

Part-time border commuter students are not admitted for “duration of status,” but rather “until a date certain.” Regulations require the DSO to “specify a completion date on the Form 1-20 that reflects the actual semester or term dates for the commuter student’s current term of study,” and issue a new Form I-20 “for each new semester or term that the commuter student attends at the school.” The date-certain for which the students are admitted would be based on the end date of each I-20.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for International Students

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services/U.S. Department of Homeland Security require schools to have and enforce standards of academic progress for international students. If a student has extenuating circumstances that prevented successful course completion, he/she should discuss their situation with a PCC International Student Advisor. The following pertains to PCC F-1 students only:

• The law requires that international students meet the College’s Standards of Academic Progress (SAP). SAP will be reviewed at the end of every semester. Withdrawals and incomplete grades are considered attempted but not completed credits. Repeated classes in which a passing grade has already been earned are not applicable towards full-time enrollment status.
  • An international student will be placed on Warning or Probation in accordance with the College’s SAP. Students on Warning or Probation must meet with an International Student Advisor to develop a Learning Agreement.
  • Failure to meet SAP for three consecutive semesters or falling below full-time enrollment at any point during the semester without prior authorization from the Center for International Education and Global Engagement (CIEGE) will result in a terminated I-20 Form.
  • Once an I-20 Form has been terminated for failure to maintain SAP, the student must immediately leave the United States as immigration regulations provide no grace period.

Instructions for submitting an International Warning/Probation Appeal:

• Submit the following to the Center for International Education and Global Engagement (CIEGE)

• A typed and signed personal statement explaining the circumstances contributing to your inability to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. You must address all unsuccessful courses and how your circumstances have changed.

• Documentation to support your statement. Your appeal will be denied if documentation is not provided or is insufficient to prove your circumstances.

• Appeals are reviewed by CIEGE within 3-5 business days. You will be informed of the decision through your PCC email account. All decisions are final.