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F-1 & M-1 Visa · Birmingham Campus
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Lawson State welcomes international students pursuing F-1 or M-1 visa status. Review all requirements below — unconditional acceptance is required before I-20 issuance.
International Students
WELCOME TO LAWSON STATE
Lawson State Community College expressly encourages multiculturalism through a geographically diverse student body. An international student applicant is a foreign student (F-1 or M-1) who wishes to attend Lawson State while in the USA.
International applicants must complete all requirements below and be unconditionally accepted before being issued their I-20 and proceeding to class registration.
Required Documents
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Application for General Admissions
All applicants must complete an application for admissions for the semester in which they plan to attend and enroll in classes.
Visa & Passport
A VISA recognized and accepted by the United States Government and/or a current, valid passport or other official documentation to verify lawful presence. Lawson State is authorized to admit international student applicants who hold an F-1 or M-1 visa.
International Transcript Evaluation
A certified original, translated, and evaluated copy of the student's high school transcript. Documents must be reviewed by Educational Credential Evaluators (ece.org), World Education Services (wes.org), or a member-agency of NACES (naces.org) in the United States, at the applicant's expense. An official report should be forwarded directly to the Admissions Office.
Statement of Financial Support
A signed, notarized statement verifying adequate financial support. Recent bank statements indicating sufficient funds to cover financial obligations must be included. The College offers no financial assistance or scholarships for international students.
Health & Immunization Record
Proof of immunization and medical history forms. Documentation demonstrating adequate health and life insurance, inclusive of a repatriation benefit. This must be maintained during all periods of enrollment.
TOEFL / IELTS Scores
A minimum score of 5.5 on the IELTS, or a total score of 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 173 on the computer-based TOEFL, or 500 on the paper-based TOEFL. Scores must be sent by ETS/TOEFL. The English exam may be waived for students from English-speaking countries including Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Nigeria, and others — contact Admissions to verify.
Class Registration
F-1 visa holders must be enrolled at full-time status — 12 semester hours or more — and must make satisfactory progress in a degree program. The Bessemer Campus is not authorized to admit or enroll international students. All international student applicants must attend the Birmingham Campus.
Tuition & Fees
International students are assessed tuition at the out-of-state student rate — two times the basic in-state residential tuition rate, plus applicable technology and facility fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Fees are non-negotiable and non-refundable.
Transient or Transfer International Students
Must submit a Transient/Transfer Clearance Form signed by the foreign student advisor at the institution from which the prospective student comes. Transfer students must also submit a copy of the Form I-20 from the institution from which the student transfers, a copy of the student's VISA and Passport, and a medical health history with proof of vaccinations.
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