If you do not live in the United States and want to obtain a student visa (F-1), you must request an I-20 form. If you are not familiar with the student visa and I-20, please click here to learn more. 

This process is for students who want to apply for a new I-20 from outside of the United States. Follow the steps below to apply to Columbia College and request an I-20. 

Step 1. Application

Step 2. Request I-20

Step 3. Bank Statement

  • All new F-1 international students are required to show proof that funds are guaranteed for their first year of study. 
  • Provide a bank statement which must be dated within six months of the start date of the program.  
    • The ending balance of the bank statement must be over $30,000 to enroll in an associate degree program.
  • If you have a sponsor, download the Affidavit of Support. Your sponsor will need to complete and sign the form. 
  • If you apply as F-2 for your dependent, you should show an additional $5,000 in your bank balance per dependent. 

Step 4. Proof of Completion of High School level

  • Provide proof of completion of a U.S. high school education or its equivalent. For admission, proof can be in the form of one of the following: 
    • Copy of your high school or secondary school diploma, OR 
    • Copy of your college or university transcript 

Step 5. Passport

  • A valid copy of your passport 

Step 6. Application Fee

  • To apply, international applicants must submit the following:  
    • International Student Application fee of $100 (non-refundable) 
    • Tuition deposit $150 (non-refundable) 
    • Mailing Fee (non-refundable) will be different based on a delivery location; minimum $80 
  • Payment options: 
    • Credit Card: Submit the Credit Card Authorization Form (a foreign transaction fee of $60 will be charged) 
    • Wire Transfer 

All application forms and documents should be delivered to the International Student Admissions Office: 

Mailing Address: 

International Student Admissions Office  
8620 Westwood Center Drive, 
Vienna, VA 22182 

Phone: (703) 206-0508 
Email: admissions@ccdc.edu 
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM 

Step 7. ACCEPTANCE LETTER/I-20

  • After reviewing your documents and determining that you meet all requirements, we will issue you an I-20. Based on the information you provided on your I-20 application, we will mail your I-20 to you or call you to arrange a pick-up schedule. Make sure your contact information (home address, email, and phone) in the application form is complete. 

Step 8. Pay the SEVIS fee

Step 9. APPLYING FOR YOUR F-1 STUDENT VISA

  • Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) for the F-1 student visa here. You must upload a photo to the application. Read the photo requirements. Don’t forget to print the application form and bring it to your interview. 
  • Schedule your interview. 

Step 10. PREPARE FOR YOUR VISA INTERVIEW

  • Prepare the required documents listed on your specific Embassy’s website before your visa appointment. Be sure to carry all required documents with you to your visa appointment. 

Step 11. Pay Tuition

  • Pay 20 weeks tuition within two weeks after the visa approval. 

Step 12. Prepare for travel and registration of classes

  • You can arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date. 
  • Report your arrival immediately, and visit the school for a campus tour, orientation, and class registration. 

Report your arrival immediately and visit the school for a campus tour, orientation and class registration.