International Student FAQ
Review common questions about international admission, F-1 student visa requirements, English competency, financial documentation, housing, transportation, and next steps after admission.
Admissions · International Students
International Admission FAQs
Review common questions about international admission, F-1 student visa requirements, English competency, financial documentation, housing, transportation, and next steps after admission.
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The International Application is for students who plan to study from within the United States as international students.
Students who plan to study online from within their home country should contact admission@yc.edu.
International Admission Contact
Questions about international admission may be sent to:
Fall Deadline
Submit all admission documents by July 1 for Fall semester.
Spring Deadline
Submit all admission documents by November 1 for Spring semester.
F-1 Enrollment
Students must enroll in and complete full-time course loads each Fall and Spring semester.
Use this section to understand which visa applies, what it means to maintain F-1 status, and what options are available after completing a program.
What visa do I need to study in the United States?
An F-1 Student visa is required. Students with this visa are required to enroll in and complete full-time course loads. This means at least 12 credits each Fall and Spring semester. At least 9 credits must be in-person instruction, and 3 credits may be online.
Meeting these requirements is part of maintaining valid F-1 student status.
I’m already in the U.S. under a B-1/B-2 Business/Visitor visa. Can I take a few YC courses?
No. Yavapai College courses are for academic credit. The B-1/B-2 Business/Visitor visa does not allow earning academic credit or pursuing a program of study.
When my F-1 Student Visa is approved, what does that mean?
It means the student is allowed to enter the United States under that visa up to 30 days before the first day of the semester.
What are my options after completing a certificate or degree program?
After completing a degree or certificate program, international students have a 60-day grace period to transfer to another college or university in the United States or leave the United States.
This section follows the admission sequence from document deadlines through admission confirmation, I-20 delivery, SEVIS payment, and the visa appointment.
What is the deadline to complete all international admission requirements?
The deadline is November 1 for Spring semester and July 1 for Fall semester.
Transfer students currently in the United States under a valid F-1 Student visa may be accepted after the deadline. Contact isadmission@yc.edu for review of your situation.
How will I know that I’ve been admitted to Yavapai College?
You will receive a confirmation email that includes instructions on how to access your account. After accessing your account, you will need to pay the non-refundable US $200 application fee.
When will I receive my I-20 form and admission letter?
After you have completed all requirements and paid the US $200 Yavapai College application fee, an email will be sent with the I-20 form and admission letter. This fee is non-refundable.
When can I schedule an appointment with my local U.S. Consulate or Embassy?
When you receive your I-20 form by email, instructions will be included for paying the I-901 SEVIS fee of US $350 online. After the fee has been paid, you may schedule an appointment with your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
How do I prepare for the F-1 Student visa appointment?
The appointment is to apply for an F-1 Student visa. When you schedule your appointment, you will be advised of any additional requirements.
What should I bring to the Consulate or Embassy appointment?
Bring your I-20 form, admission letter, passport, and proof of paying the US $350 I-901 SEVIS fee. If other documents are needed, you will be informed when you schedule your appointment.
Use this section to determine whether English competency testing is required or whether prior U.S. coursework may be reviewed for a waiver.
Do I have to prove English competency?
Yes, if you are from a country where English is not the primary language. Yavapai College accepts TOEFL and Duolingo.
- TOEFL internet-based test: 61 or higher
- TOEFL computer-based test: 173 or higher
- TOEFL paper-based test: 500 or higher
- Duolingo English Test: 90 or higher
TOEFL scores should be sent directly to Yavapai College using school number 4966. Duolingo scores may be sent to isadmission@yc.edu.
For details, visit TOEFL, Prepare for TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test.
I am in the U.S. attending high school or have graduated from a U.S. high school. Do I have to pass an English competency test?
If you have passed at least three years of English courses during high school, send an unofficial copy of your transcript to isadmission@yc.edu for an initial review.
An official final transcript may also be required. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott, AZ 86301. The transcript will be reviewed to determine whether the English competency test can be waived.
I am in the U.S. attending a U.S. college or university. Do I have to pass an English competency test?
If you have passed at least two semesters of English Composition courses at a U.S. college or university, send an unofficial copy of your transcript to isadmission@yc.edu for an initial review.
An official final transcript may also be required. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott, AZ 86301. The transcript will be reviewed to determine whether the English competency test can be waived.
Does Yavapai College offer an ESL program?
Yavapai College does not have an ESL program of study available for international students under an F-1 Student visa.
This section covers financial proof, dependents, scholarships, insurance, taxes, tuition, and financial aid eligibility.
What is a financial guarantee and is it required?
A financial guarantee is required by the U.S. federal government and Yavapai College to ensure a student has sufficient funding to cover all possible costs for living and studying full time in the United States for one academic year.
The financial guarantee covers estimated costs for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation.
What is the financial guarantee for the program I want to pursue?
The required amount is listed on the Financial Statement application. Proof of funding, such as a bank letter or recent bank statement, is also required.
Does the financial guarantee amount change if I bring a spouse or children?
Yes. Students accompanied by a spouse must add an additional US $4,000 annually to their expenses. An additional US $2,300 is required for each child.
I am going to receive an athletic scholarship. Do I need to complete a financial guarantee?
Yes. Athletic scholarships do not cover all costs associated with attending school in the United States. The financial guarantee covers estimated costs for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation.
Is U.S. health insurance required?
Yes. U.S. health insurance is required. Your coverage period must be for the full semester you are about to begin. This is often called travel insurance.
Send a document showing full-semester coverage in the United States to isadmission@yc.edu. This must be received before arriving in the United States.
Do I have to file federal or state tax forms as an international student?
All international students must file Form 8843 with the IRS before the deadline. This form is required for all international students, even if no income was earned.
If you earned income during the tax year, you will need to file tax returns. Yavapai College staff are not permitted to assist any student with IRS tax form preparation or tax-related questions. Information about how to access tax forms will be sent to your scholar email. Questions should be directed to a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office.
How much is tuition?
International students qualify for the Out-of-State tuition rate. Tuition rates vary by course type and program of study.
Can I get financial aid as an international student?
No. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Students may wish to pursue other scholarship options after entering the United States and registering for classes at Yavapai College.
This section explains program eligibility, transfer-credit review, advising, and class registration.
What programs may I study?
To be eligible, the program must be a minimum of 16 credits and cannot be fully online. Programs of study available to international students are limited. Refer to the list of available programs on the admission application.
Can my foreign postsecondary college or university classes be considered for transfer credit?
When you provide transcripts from foreign colleges or universities to Yavapai College, they will be reviewed. If it is determined that the classes could be considered for transfer credit, you would contact one of the Yavapai College-approved foreign credential evaluation services to discuss cost and turnaround time.
You would request one evaluation report to be sent to Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott, AZ 86301, and one evaluation report sent to yourself.
When can I meet with an academic advisor and register for classes?
When international admission requirements are completed, the Registrar’s Office will notify an academic advisor. The advisor will email you, review any testing requirements, help you choose a program of study available for international students, and register you for classes.
You must attend Fall and Spring semesters and enroll in and complete at least 12 credit hours each semester. A minimum of 9 credits must be in-person classes.
This section covers U.S. Customs, arrival check-in, campus housing, off-campus housing, YC locations, virtual tours, public transportation, and airport shuttles.
What must I provide when I go through U.S. Customs?
Bring your passport and visa booklet, a printed and signed paper I-20 form, and a printed paper admission letter. Digital documents or electronic copies are not allowed.
When I arrive on campus, do I need to meet with anyone from admission?
Yes. As soon as possible, you will need to meet with a Designated School Official, or DSO.
Be prepared to provide your original passport and F-1 Student visa booklet, CBP Form I-94, and your I-20 form signed and dated at the bottom of page 1.
To access your I-94, go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov and select “Get Most Recent I-94.”
Does Yavapai College have campus housing?
Yes. Campus housing is available at the Prescott Campus. For more information, visit the Residence Life webpage .
How do I find out about housing costs off campus?
For current housing costs in the Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Verde Valley areas, search for rental consultants or rental market trends in the area where you wish to live.
Be sure to check for restrictions such as age, number of residents, and animals.
What are the Yavapai College campus locations?
Is there a way to see more about YC locations and the area?
Yes. Yavapai College offers virtual tours .
Does Yavapai College offer transportation between locations?
No. Yavapai College does not provide transportation between college locations.
Is public transportation available?
Public transportation services are limited. Use the links below to review service maps and costs.
For students living on the Prescott Campus, weekly transportation is provided to popular shopping sites in the Prescott area.
Is there an airport shuttle from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport?
Shuttle services are available. Use the links below to review service maps and costs.
Please note: International students must maintain valid F-1 student status by meeting enrollment, in-person course, insurance, and reporting requirements. Contact isadmission@yc.edu before making changes that may affect your status.
International Student Questions? Email isadmission@yc.edu.