Q: What is an I-20?
A: This is a document issued upon completion of the admissions process. It is an immigration document issued by Yakima Valley Community College which you present to the embassy in applying for your visa. The I-20 signifies that you have been accepted to an institution in the US.

Q: What kind of visa do I need to study at YVCC?
A: If you are applying for an academic program, the visa is called F-1.

Q: How soon should I arrive after receiving my visa?
A: We recommend that you arrive a few days (2-3 days) before your COMPASS testing and advising session to overcome jet lag and adjust to your new environment.

Q: When are the application deadlines?
A: Yakima Valley Community College does not have application deadlines. We have what is called "rolling admission." You may apply at any time for admission. However, the International Student Program office needs adequate time to process your application. Additionally, we do recommend that you apply in time to make an appointment at the embassy to get your student visa. For example, in most countries it may take one month to schedule the appointment. In a very busy embassy post, it may even take two months to schedule an appointment. Best advice we can give you is to check with your local embassy about visa appointment dates.

Q: Can the $25 application fee be waived?
A: No, the application fee cannot be waived. This is required in order for your application to be complete and reviewed for admission.

Q: Does Yakima Valley Community College require health insurance?
A: Yes. Please note that due to the high cost of medical services in the United States, we require that students have medical insurance coverage while attending Yakima Valley Community College. Students will be required to purchase insurance or provide proof of home country insurance during advising. At Yakima Valley Community College, we are interested in your well-being and, therefore, would not want the cost of medical expenses to disrupt your educational goals. Please contact the International Student Program office for more details.

Q: When can I start school?
A: You can start school at the beginning of any of the four quarters: September, January, March or June.

Q: Do I need a TOEFL score?
A: International students must have a TOEFL or other recognized test of English proficiency score. See admission for more details.

Q: What do classes consist of?
A: You have flexibility to choose classes from all areas of your graduation requirements. Prior to taking classes, all students (including American students) are required to take a college placement test (COMPASS). The college placement test determines both English and math levels including pre-requisite requirements for college-level classes.

Q: When do I pay for my tuition?
A: For new students, tuition will be paid at your assigned registration session. For continuing students, tuition must be paid by the deadline provided each quarter.

Q: Does Yakima Valley Community College offer scholarships or financial aid?
A: Yakima Valley Community College does not have any scholarships or financial aid for international applicants at this time. However, you may want to investigate the following websites for possible funding resources:

Q: Can I work as an international student?
A: Yes! As an international student, you can work on campus 20 hours/week if you are in good academic standing but you cannot work off campus unless authorized by the U.S. immigration. Please be advised that even though many international students work on campus it is not abundantly available.

Q: How can I get a social security card?
A: The International Programs Office issues a letter for you to present at the Social Security office when, and only when, you have been offered a job on campus. Letters cannot be issued unless you have been offered a job on campus. A social security card will not be issued by the Social Security office unless you have been offered a job. See forms for the on campus employment request form.

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