First-Time (Initial) International Student
International students who are currently not in the United States wanting to apply for an F1 (student) visa.

Policies and Regulations for F-1 International Students

Student must maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only one (3hr) internet or distance education course will count towards full-time enrollment requirements, 9 hours in which must be taken on campus.

  • Code of Federal Regulations 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G)

If the student changes address, the student must provide the International Student Office with the new address within 10 days of relocating.

Student may work on-campus, with ISO approval, up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time while school is not in session or during the annual vacation.

  • Code of Federal Regulations 214.2(f)(9)(i)

If the student acquires a Social Security card, the student is required to submit a copy of the card to the International Student Office immediately.

Student may not work off-campus unless student receives an Employment Authorization Document from U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

  • Code of Federal Regulations 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(A)

If the student plans to leave the country for any reason, the student is required to bring in the Form I-20 to the International Student Office and have it endorsed. Failure to do so will result in the student not being eligible to return to the United States by ICE.

The student is required to inform the International Student Office of the following changes:

               If student legally changes their name.

               If student changes their major.

               If the student enrolls in another institution.

               If student intends to transfer.

South Plains College reports to ICE all changes of name, address or major and changes from full to part-time course loads.

  • Code of Federal Regulations 214.3(g)(2)(ii)
  • Code of Federal Regulations 214.3(g)(2)(iii)

For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations please click here.

Expenses
Effective Spring 2019

Application Fee – $100
Housing Application Fee- $100
I-901 Fee – $200

Housing (excluding official school holidays) – $4,200/year

Tuition (estimate for one year) - $5,800/year
Misc. Expenses - $500
Estimated Total = $10,500

Health Insurance

Health insurance is not a regulatory requirement for F-1 students, but is strongly encouraged. South Plains College does not recommend any health insurance company.