International Students

To ensure proper and efficient processing of your application, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Your Full Legal Name on All Documents. It is extremely important that you use your full legal name, exactly as it appears on your passport, when completing your application. We will not be able to issue the necessary immigration documents if the name you provide on your application is different from your name as it appears on your passport. Be sure to write this same full legal name and your date of birth and/or campus ID number on all of your application materials (application fee, test scores, Financial Verification Form, academic records, etc.).
2. Do Not List a Post Office Box as Your Permanent Foreign Address. In order for us to issue your I-20 form, the permanent home address listed on your application for admission must be a foreign address. When completing your application, be sure to provide a foreign street address (not a P.O. Box) as your permanent home address.
3. Submit All Materials Together. If possible, submit all application materials together. This includes your application (if applying on paper), application fee, academic records, personal statement, recommendations, Financial Verification Form, and financial documentation. Your official TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the testing agencies. However, to assist in matching your official scores with your application, please submit copies of your test score reports with your application materials.
4. Avoid Submitting Unnecessary Materials. The items listed above, in the Application Checklist section, are all we will need to review your application. Please do not send unnecessary supporting documents or items such as photographs, recordings, writing samples, awards or commendations, etc. If you would like us to know about a relevant activity, talent, or award, please include that information in your personal statement.
5. Use the Correct Mailing Address. Send all materials to the Alamo College, International Programs, 201 W. Sheridan, San Antonio, Texas 78204-1429, USA.
6. Watch for your application acknowledgement letter or email to arrive. If you provide us with an email address, the acknowledgement will be sent via email, otherwise via postal mail. This important document will include your assigned campus ID number, as well as other key information.

Foreign Student Application Fee

A non-refundable $100.00 check, cashier's check, or money order must be included with the application. All transactions should be made payable to Palo Alto College. When completing the application, be sure to include the address in your home country, as well as a local address and telephone number. All students must indicate their intended program or course of study.

Admission Deadlines

• April 15 for admission to Summer I Semester
• June 15 for admission to Fall Semester
• October 15 for admission to Spring Semester

All admission materials must be in the Office of International Students by the appropriate dates. Late application packages will not be considered for admission. Incomplete applications could result in delay or denial of admission. To avoid delays, make sure that the information submitted is complete and accurate.

Procedure 

Students must have a completed I-20AB in order to be granted a student (F-1) VISA. The first point of contact in obtaining an I-20AB is the Office of International Students at the college you wish to attend. The International Student Officer (ISO) at the college will outline specific requirements before issuing the document. In most cases, students will need to produce official documents indicating completion of secondary school (high school). Transcripts of college and/or university work attempted or completed must also be presented prior to enrollment. In addition, students must meet financial requirements, and other conditions for admission set by the college. Only after all admission and financial requirements are met will the ISO issue the I-20 AB.

The student will then take the I-20AB to the embassy/consulate office in their home country. Immigration officials will review all documents and if approved, allow the student entry into the country under an F-1 (student) VISA. Students need to report immediately to the ISO upon arrival in the United States.

The application process from start to finish varies from country to country and from individual to individual. Due to the nature and complexity of documents, perspective students should expect the application process to take between one (1) and three (3) months from start to finish.

Apply to the Alamo Colleges  

Complete International Student Application  

Print out New International Student Checklist  

Complete International Student Application    

New International Student Checklist and Application