F-1 Student Visa and Status Overview
Who is an F-1 Student?
An F-1 Nonimmigrant is a student in the United States with an F-1 status, pursuing a full-time course of study in an accredited educational program.
The primary purpose of an F-1 status is full-time study. This is required for the fall and spring semesters with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester or a certified full-time language training program.
F-1 applicants are not eligible to apply for a certificate program due to course load requirements. Suffolk County Community College only admits F-1 students in the fall and spring semesters.
Applicants will need a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa, apply for a change of status or to keep lawful
F-1 status when transferring from a SEVIS school to another SEVIS school within the
U.S. This document tells the U.S. government that the applicant has met our admission
and financial requirements.
Annual Cost of Attendance for F-1 Students
Associate Degree Program
| Tuition and Fees | $12,140 | |
| Living Expenses | $7,988 | |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 | |
| Total Annual Cost* | $21,628 | USD |
Intensive English Program - Language Training
| Tuition and Fees | $4,910 | |
| Living Expenses | $7,988 | |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 | |
| Total Annual Cost* | $14,398 | USD |
*Additional funds may be required if you do not have a U.S. Housing Sponsor offering
you free room and board and/or if F-2 dependents are accompanying you to the U.S.
Suffolk County Community College has a tuition payment plan (TPP) that allows students
to pay their tuition and fees in three installments. Visit: Tuition Payment Plan.
F-1 visa applicants who meet all the application requirements will receive their acceptance
packet to Suffolk County Community College and a SEVIS Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility
for Nonimmigrant F-1 Status) from the International Student Office, after the process
is complete. View Application Requirements.
Housing
Student housing is not provided by Suffolk County Community College. Students are
required to make their own living arrangements prior to arrival. If possible, it is
advisable to arrange housing with the help of a friend, sponsor or relative. Applicants
with a housing sponsor must complete and submit a notarized Housing Sponsorship Form
with proof of residence. Applicants, who will arrange their own housing, must complete
a Housing Sponsorship Form with proof of residence within ten days of their arrival.
Failure to comply with the housing requirement will prevent the student from being
registered in SEVIS. As a result, it will lead to the termination of the F-1 student’s
status. Please be aware that a rental may range from $750 to $1,750 per month depending
on the number of rooms.
Climate
On Long Island there are four seasons, winter, spring, summer, and fall. Snow is expected
in the winter months, rain may occur frequently. During the winter months, warm clothing
is essential.
Travel
Most students fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport; this is the closest
international airport to Suffolk County Community College. Taxi and car services are
available from the airport at the Transportation Desk. Since this is expensive, it
is advisable to have your sponsor, a friend, or relative make arrangements to pick
you up upon your arrival. Suffolk County Community College does not offer a transportation
service. See Directions.
