Viticulture

Radiological Sciences

1. English Proficiency
   If English is not your native language, you must prove English language competency through one of the following

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A minimum composite score of 163 (computer based) or 475 (paper based) is required. Or,
    

2. IELTS (International English Language Test). A minimum score of 5.0 or better is required. Or,
    

3. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communications). A minimum score of 850 or better is required. Or,
    

4. STEP (Society for Testing English Proficiency). A minimum score of Pre-1 or better is required. Or,
    

5. Completion of an intensive language program with grades equivalent to “C” or better from an accredited U.S. institution. Submit an official transcript to Yakima Valley Community College.

Yakima Valley Community College has agreements with the following English Language Center that guarantees admission to the college upon completion of their English course. A TOEFL or other test would not be required.

University ESL Program
Central Washington University
408 East 8^th Avenue
Ellensburg, WA 98926
http://www.cwu.edu/~intlprog/uesl.html

Please note that all new students are required to complete a placement test (COMPASS) in English and math after arriving and before they enroll in their first quarter at Yakima Valley Community College. (See What is the COMPASS? below)

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2. A completed and signed official Yakima Valley Community College International Student Application.  Your application may be obtained by submitting a written request to the International Student Office, e-mail at isp@yvcc.edu or completed on-line at http://www.yvcc.edu/International/default.asp.
    
3. A $25.00 Nonrefundable check or international money order for the International Student Application Fee payable to Yakima Valley Community College in USD.
    
4. Immunization Record. Washington state law requires full-time students to show proof of immunization against measles, mumps and rubella. Submit this form with a doctor’s signature, including office address and telephone number.
    
5. Academic Credentials.

1. English translations of all educational credentials if originals are not in English. These should be complete, literal, word-for-word translations, presented in the same format as the original documents. Grades should not be converted to a U.S. scale.

2. Official copies of all secondary (high school) and university level credits in the original language indicating your school’s name and address, dates of attendance, subjects studied, credits and grades earned, and grading scale.
   

6. Financial Certification. The Financial Statement for F-1 International Students form must be completed by you, a bank official, and/or your sponsor and submitted with proof of financial ability. You must show assured support for the first year and projected support for the total years needed to complete your degree. Documents should not be more than three months old. Do not send copies or faxes of the Financial Statement.
    
7. Housing. If you will be living off-campus and be provided free room and board you must provide a statement from the individual who will be providing your housing.

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What is the COMPASS placement test?

The earliest that an F-1 visa can be granted is 90 days before the reporting date listed on Form I-20. Although you may succeed in getting your visa issued up to 90 days before the expected report date on Form I-20, regulations do not permit you to enter the United States sooner than 30 days before the program start date. Students arriving more than 30 days prior to start date will not be permitted to enter the U.S. if they appear at a port of entry, despite having a valid F-1 visa.

How to apply for an F-1 visa

The International Student application form must be filled out and returned to the International Student Programs Office with the required fees and documentation before an I-20 can be issued. The I-20 is a document necessary to apply for a foreign student visa at the U.S. Consulate in the student's home country. Upon admission, the I-20, along with orientation information, is mailed to the student. The student must check with the US consulate in their country to inquire about specifics in gaining a visa to the US.

Below are two web links that may be helpful when applying for a student visa.

http://usembassy.state.gov/
This site will lead students to the US Embassy located near their home city/country. This site outlines how to schedule interviews and the appropriate documentation required for the interview.

http://www.educationusa.state.gov/
There are education centers all around the world that are designated to helping potential students prepare for study in the US. They may help with preparing applications for visa interviews, preparing for questions for visa interviews, how to make appointments at the embassies and more.

Points to remember when applying for a nonimmigrant student visa

1. Ties to your home country.
   Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as student visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. "Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects, that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter which can guarantee visa issuance.


2. English
   Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do NOT prepare speeches!


3. Speak for yourself.
   Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.


4. Know the program and how it fits your career plans.
   If you are not articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the U.S. relates to your future professional career when you return home.


5. Be brief.
   Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.


6. Additional documentation.
   It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you're lucky.


7. Not all countries are equal.
   Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the US as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the U.S.


8. Employment.
   Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program.


9. Maintain a positive attitude.
   Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

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Frequently asked questions

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 then 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. We do recommend, however, 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. If you are purchasing insurance from Yakima Valley Community College, the cost of insurance coverage is $567 per year (nine months). 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.

Students are required to purchase or show proof of insurance for a minimum of nine months (one academic year). Once accepted to Yakima Valley Community College, students cannot register for classes until they have purchased or provided proof of medical insurance coverage.

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.

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. 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: During holidays, if I am not staying in the dorms, do I have to pay?
A: Yes.

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 US 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.

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SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment

Federal statute relating to SEVIS requires that a student present proof of fee payment before being granted a visa or admission. The SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt, along with the electronic record in SEVIS and the I-901 payment system serve as proof of payment. In most cases, people who need to verify that you have paid can do so electronically. However, SEVP recommends that you retain a copy of your receipt. Having the receipt will make it easier to prove you have paid. If you are required to pay the fee, you need to do so BEFORE your visa interview.

There are three ways to get the Form I-901: the internet, the mail or courier.

• The internet is fastest. It also speeds the processing step because the online form uses data validation rules to minimize the chances for error. If you file your Form I-901 online and pay with a credit or debit card, you can print a receipt immediately. You will also receive a receipt in the mail. http://www.fmjfee.com.


• Mail service varies throughout the world, we suggest allowing at least 2 weeks for delivery. If you use regular mail, we suggest allowing at least two weeks for your payment to reach SEVP and two weeks for the receipt to be returned to you.


• Courier services offer expedited delivery, but generally cost more than using the mail. You also have the option of paying $30 for expedited delivery of your receipt. In most cases, you will receive an expedited delivery within 3 days. However, this does vary by country and how far you live from a major transportation center. http://www.dhl-use.com/TransitTimes/IntlTTime.asp can give you the estimated delivery time for your country.

A customer service representative (1-785-330-1048) [United States Country Code 011] can check the electronic records and verify that your payment has been posted.

Before You Leave Home

You are welcome to send baggage to the International Student Program office in advance of your arrival. We will hold your baggage for your arrival. Attach tags or labels to all of your suitcases, as well as your hand luggage. Also include a copy of the address inside the baggage, in case the tag is lost or destroyed. It is advisable to have enough clothing and personal items in your carry-on baggage to last for two or three days. Notify the International Student Program (isp@yvcc.edu) of your anticipated arrival date and time and mode of travel.

It is strongly recommended that you also hand carry the following documentation:

1. Evidence of financial resources
2. Evidence of student status, such as Letter of Acceptance
3. Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797, and
4. Name and contact information for your “Designated School Official” including a 24-hour emergency contact number at the school. For more information visit: http://www.educationusa.state.gov/predeparture/travel/customs.htm.

Remember to carry with you the sealed envelope given to you by the U.S. Department of state’s Consular Officer—attached to your passport. It is important that you do not open this envelope. It is important that you tell the officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school program where you will enroll.

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Travel to Yakima Valley Community College

Air
The airport in Yakima is served by Horizon Airlines, with regular scheduled service to and from Seattle, Washington.

Greyhound Bus
You will need to take a shuttle to downtown Seattle to the Greyhound Depot. Shuttles are located on the lower level of the terminal.

Airporter Shuttle
The Airporter Shuttle leaves directly from the Sea-Tac Airport to the Yakima Airport. The shuttle is located on the lower level of the Sea-Tac terminal.

If the International Student Program office has been advised of your arrival, a staff person will meet you at the Yakima airport or the Yakima bus depot and bring you to the Residence Center. At Yakima Valley Community College we offer complimentary (no charge) pickup service for new international students who are arriving at the Yakima Airport or Greyhound Bus Depot. One of our staff members will meet you at the baggage claim and drive you directly to the student dormitory.

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Immigration Documents

Keep all of your important documents in a safe place (a secure location in your home, bank safe deposit box, etc.). The International Student office is required to keep a copy of these documents in your student file. Provide the office with a copy when you renew these documents.

• Passport. Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future. Report a lost or stolen passport to the police, as you’re your home country government may require a police report before issuing a new passport. To renew or replace your passport, contact your country’s consulate in the U.S. at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
• F-1 Visa Stamp. An F-1 visa stamp that the U.S. consular officials place in your passport indicates that you are eligible to enter or re-enter the U.S. as an F-1 student. It DOES NOT determine your length of stay in the U.S. If your F-1 visa expires while you are in the U.S., it is not necessary to renew it as long as you remain in the country. A visa can only be secured at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas.
• Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility. An I-20 is issued by the U.S. school you attend and allows you to: 1). Apply for an F-1 visa; 2). Enter or re-enter the U.S. to pursue your studies; and 3). Receive other immigration benefits. The I-20 lists some recent events such as employment authorization. The I-20 must remain valid at all times throughout your study. You must request a new I-20 prior to the expiration date listed in item #5. You are required to safe keep every I-20 issued to you for your permanent record. Do not discard old ones.
• The I-94 is a small white card, usually stapled into your passport by an immigration official at your port of entry. This card and a valid I-20 permit you to stay temporarily in the U.S. as an F-1 student. The immigration official should indicate “F-1 D/S” on your I-94. D/S stands for “duration of status” and refers to the length of time an F-1 student is permitted to remain temporarily in the U.S. to pursue a full course of study. Except for brief visits (30 days or less) to Canada or Mexico you are issued a new I-94 with a new admission number each time you enter the U.S.

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Transferring your credits

Transferring International Credits to YVCC
Many students receive transfer credits from their previous institutions which are located overseas. In some cases, students have received between 50-60 transfer credits. Students who are interested in applying for transfer credits should request a transcript evaluation form as soon as possible. Contact:

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
International Education Services
One Dupont Circle NW Suite #520
Washington, D.C. 20036-1135.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks for an evaluation to be completed. Also note that there is a fee for this service.

Transferring YVCC Credits to other US Institutions
Many Yakima Valley Community College students who complete a transfer degree continue their studies at Central Washington University, University of Washington, Eastern Washington University or Washington State University. YVCC has transfer credit agreements with most 4-year institutions in Washington State. In most cases, YVCC graduates have little problem with transferring earned credit to other 4-year colleges and universities across the U.S. If you are considering a transfer from YVCC to a 4-year college or university outside of Washington State, it is recommended that you consult the Admissions Office at the institution you are considering, in order to verify credit transfer ability.

Typically, YVCC students who transfer to a 4-year college or university do as well or better than students who began their studies at the same 4-year college or university.

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International Student Application
Checklist

• A complete and signed Yakima Valley Community College International Student Application. Applications can be obtained by calling, emailing, faxing or writing to the address below or complete it on-line at: www.yvcc.edu/International/default.asp.
• A $25.00 Nonrefundable check or international money order for the International Student Application Fee.
• Immunization Record.
• Academic Credentials. Please include high school and any previous colleges, including ESL training.
• Financial Certification. Submit a bank statement that must show at least $15,363 and complete Certificate of Financial Responsibility.
• Statement of free room and board.
• Proof of English competency.

NOTE to Transfer Students

International Students attending college in the United States and who plan to transfer to Yakima Valley Community College should also submit:

• Copy of I-94.
• Copy of all previous I-20’s issued.
• Transfer Information sheet completed by your current International Student Advisor.
• Copy of passport pages that contain photograph and Visa information.

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International Student Program
Post Office Box 22520
Yakima, WA. 98907-2520
http://www.yvcc.edu/international/default.asp

The links included within the Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) Web pages will take you out of the YVCC site.  Links are limited to those that meet our educational purpose.   The linked sites are not under the control of YVCC and YVCC is not responsible for the contents of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites.  YVCC is not responsible for Webcasting or any other form of transmission received from any linked site.  YVCC provides these links solely as a convenience and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by YVCC or any association with their operators.