INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE (ISSO)

Enhance your experience - involvement beyond the classroom is refreshing and a good way to make friends. Opportunities include clubs, leadership development, recreational activities, performing and cultural arts, athletics, student government, fitness, and more.

The choice is yours - we hope you will choose Broward College.

Students are at the heart of everything we do. Always have been. Always will be.

ISSO WEBINARS

ISSO holds webinars for interested students to learn more about Broward College and how to apply as an F1 visa international student. Hit the Sign Up button below to see a list of, and register for upcoming webinars.

Quick Links

JOIN THE LINE TO SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE REMOTELY - (Limited services provided)

ISSO QLESS Hours:
Monday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Application Deadlines

ISSO reviews applications in the order they are received once all supporting documents and test scores are complete. THEREFORE, the earlier you apply and submit all required documents and test scores, the earlier you will receive your acceptance.

Application Steps

Before an applicant can be fully accepted as an international student and receive the Form I-20, used to apply for the F1 student visa, the application steps below need to be completed.

Programs not available to international students: International F1/M1 students are NOT eligible to enroll in certain programs, including, but not limited to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); the Paramedic Technical Certificate; the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI); Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Automotive Service Management Technology & Marine Engineering Management; Associate of Science (AS) degrees in Applied Technology Management - Construction, Building Construction, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Human Services, Paralegal Studies, Applied Technology Management - Management*, Culinary Arts Management*, Medical Laboratory Technology*, Medical Assisting*, or any programs for which the majority of classes are not available on-campus (face-to-face) as required by federal regulations for F1 international students.

* Students who have completed the required articulated courses for the Medical Lab Tech, Culinary Arts, or Medical Assisting programs at an authorized technical school, may apply to the programs.

Students whose primary language is not English and who wish to enroll in a degree program must provide proof of English proficiency in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (PDF) Level 3 classes or above. Students with language placement scores at Level 3 or 4 will be admissible to an academic program and required to take additional language training classes. A student placed in the Language Training program will be eligible to continue with a college degree without reapplying or getting a new visa upon program completion.

Step 1: Apply Online

Online Application Instructions

1. Read descriptions on types of students carefully, Students applying for a bachelor's degree (BS/BAS), must be a transfer or returning student and have 60 qualifying university credits
2. Say no to "Are you interested in a Limited Access Health Science Program" unless you have the prerequisite classes required for admission

1. If you did not graduate from a United States high school, choose the country where you completed your secondary education (high school). In the next line, type in the country where you graduated, and a dropdown list will appear. You will see a list of U.S. accredited schools, diplomas, or leaving certificates from your country. If your country uses the British education system you will select the external exam you took (such as GCE, CXC, BGCSE, WAEC, WASC, KCSE, or HKCE). Diplomas or leaving certificates with characters (i.e., Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages) must also include an American Translators Association (ATA). Certified English language translation of the document.
2. If you have attended postsecondary school (university or college), list the institutions you have attended. You must disclose and attach a transcript for all schools attended even if you did not graduate. If your transcript is not in English, you must attach a certified English translation from a member of the American Translators Association (ATA).

Begin or complete the online application: Apply to Broward College

Step 2: Supplemental Application

For Application Steps 2, 3, and 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit the required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal, myBC.

International Student Supplemental Application: This online Dynamic Form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide the personal information required during the application process to Broward College.

Documents to be attached to the Supplemental Application:

• PASSPORT (biographical page)
  Applicants under the F1 immigration status who want to transfer their Form I-20 to Broward College must also attach their current I-20, I-94, or F1 visa (if applicable)
• EDUCATION RECORDS
  High School (secondary education): Appropriate proof of high school graduation is required for acceptance. For most countries outside the United States, this is satisfied by attaching a copy of your official high school diploma or leaving the certificate to the Supplemental Application and then bringing the original document to Broward College after arriving in Florida.
  For diplomas or leaving certificates using characters (i.e., Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) you must also provide a certified American Translators Association (ATA) English language translation of the document.
  Students with credentials from countries using the British education system must show General Proficiency on the GCE, CXC, BGCSE, WAEC, WASC, or HKCE exams, and should not submit high school transcripts or diplomas.
  For high schools in the United States or overseas high schools that are regionally accredited by a U.S. accrediting body, an official transcript must be sent to the Registrar's Office.
  IMPORTANT: Original documents will be required upon arrival at Broward College. Records from U.S. institutions must be OFFICIAL.
  University Transcripts (post-secondary education): Students who have attended a post-secondary institution must provide a copy of the official transcript even when courses are in progress. If the document is not in English, the applicant must also provide a certified English translation from a member of the American Translators Association (ATA). A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or its equivalent is required.
  IMPORTANT: Although you are attaching copies of your post-secondary transcripts and translations to the supplemental application, once you are accepted to Broward College, you must also send official transcripts (and any required ATA translations) directly to the Registrar's Office. The transcripts should show that there is no coursework in progress. Click the link for instructions on how to Send Transcripts to Broward College. Video: How to check if your official transcripts have been received by the Broward College Registrar's Office
• DEPENDENT(S) RECORD (if applicable)
  If you are applying for your spouse or children to get an F2 visa, you must attach their passport biographical pages as well.
  If you are an F1 transfer student with dependents, we also need their I-20, I-94, and F2 visas, if applicable.

Step 3: Testing

For Application Steps 2, 3, and 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until after you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal, myBC.

Use the Placement Test Form*: to either attach a placement test result (TOELF, IELTS, SAT, ACT, etc.) or to request a Broward College placement test (see below). This is a requirement for admission.

Test Location and Cost: If you are currently in South Florida, you can request to take a Broward College test on campus. If you are not in South Florida, you need to request a remote test. There are testing and proctoring fees for remote tests.

Students from English-speaking countries: must take an ACCUPLACER Next Generation (NG) test unless they have valid SAT or ACT scores or postsecondary transcripts from a U.S. regionally accredited institution that waives them from testing.

Students from Non-English-Speaking Countries: must take the Levels of English Proficiency ACCUPLACER ESL (LOEP) test, unless they can submit a valid TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or another valid test listed on the EAP Placement Test Table. Students from non-English speaking countries with valid college-level SAT or ACT scores in English and Reading, do not need further testing.

Applicants from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, showing high school transcripts with the following English grades are eligible to take the ACCUPLACER NG. However, if the applicant does not place at the college level for reading and English, the applicant must take the LOEP.

• Sweden - VG (pass with distinction) or higher (1996 - 2012). VG is equivalent to B in the U.S.
• Sweden - D or higher (as of June 2014). D is equivalent to B in the U.S.
• Norway - 4 (good competence in the subject) or higher. 4 is equivalent to B in the U.S.
• Denmark - C (good) or higher. C is equivalent to B in the U.S.

Step 4: Financial Documents

For Application Steps 2, 3, and 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until after you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal, myBC.

Note for sponsors filling out Dynamic Forms: The Financial Affidavit of Support is a Dynamic form. If you are using a sponsor other than yourself, you will need an email for your sponsor that is different from yours. You should inform your sponsor(s) that they will need to create a username and password before being able to complete and electronically sign the form.

Financial Affidavit of Support: This online Dynamic Form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide proof of financial support for their studies at Broward College. Applicants will state if they have a financial sponsor(s) or if they are using personal funds. Applicants who have more than one source of financial sponsorship will need to submit a Financial Affidavit of Support for each sponsor. The sponsor's bank statement or letter MUST be attached to the Financial Affidavit.

Most recent bank letter/statement: The account holder must be the same as the sponsor listed on the financial affidavit. If using a bank statement, you only need to submit the summary page showing the bank name, account holder, date of the statement, available account balance, and currency. If the currency is not shown on the bank statement or letter, ISSO will calculate conversion to USD based on the currency of the country where the bank is located. We do not accept 401K plans or other retirement accounts, life insurance policies, tax return documents, paystubs, or other payroll documents.

• Estimated Annual Cost of Education:
  • Associate (freshman and sophomore level classes) - $22,500 (USD)
  • Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Technology - $50,000 (USD)
  • Bachelor (junior and senior-level classes) - $27,500 (USD)
  • Language Training program - $22,500 (USD)
  • $7,000 (USD) is required per dependent accompanying the F1

  Students who start in Summer or Spring will need to expect first-year tuition costs of $15,000 to $20,000. See Estimated Cost of Attendance for additional information.

  Fees are subject to change without notice.

  Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses: This form is OPTIONAL and used by international student applicants living with a relative or family friend in South Florida. The person signing the form will be responsible for all living expenses (i.e. housing, transportation, food, etc.). When using this form, the sponsor providing the Financial Affidavit of Support can deduct the following amounts from the total funds required: (1) $12,500 (USD) for the student and (2) $7,000 (USD) for each dependent, if applicable.

  Disclaimer: Students who use the Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses may be required to present Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) to the embassy when applying for the F-1 student visa. Students must contact the American Embassy, before going for the interview, to make sure he/she is bringing all the necessary financial documents. The I-134 is presented to the embassy, not Broward College.

  Applications for Review

  Applications are reviewed once all online forms with the required supporting documents and test scores are received and approved by ISSO. The estimated review period is 5 to 10 business days (Monday through Friday excluding holidays). Two weeks before and after the application deadline, it may take up to 15 business days for review, and priority is given to applications for the immediate upcoming term.

  Receive Acceptance Packet & Form I-20

  ISSO will notify accepted applicants by email.

  F1 applicants transferring the Form I-20 from another school to Broward College must submit the F1 Transfer Form.

  • F1 TRANSFER FORM - This form is used by international student applicants (F1 immigration status) to determine if the Form I-20 can be transferred to Broward College (BC) upon acceptance. The Designated School Official (DSO) from the current school cannot release the SEVIS record to BC until the applicant provides the official acceptance letter from the International Student Services Office (ISSO).

  The Form I-20 will be processed as follows:

  1. Applying for the F1 student visa in the home country: The student will receive the acceptance letter and I-20 to apply for the student visa at the American Embassy or Consulate. Once the F1 visa is approved, the student may travel to the United States no earlier than thirty (30) days before the program start date as stated on the I-20.
  2. Transferring the I-20: Students transferring their Form I-20 from another institution to Broward College (BC) must provide the acceptance letter from ISSO to the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current school. The transfer I-20 will be issued once the SEVIS record has been released to BC and the student is registered for classes as required.
  3. Changing immigration status in the United States (U.S.): Students intending to change their immigration status in the U.S. should seek legal counsel to understand the process. All original education records must be received by Broward College before ISSO meets with the student and processes the Form I-20 for the change of status (COS). Students are only eligible to register for classes once the F1 immigration status has been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

  Students must review all acceptance documents to understand their next steps, including but not limited to, paying the SEVIS fee, providing proof of health insurance coverage, and registering for classes.

  Next Steps after Acceptance

  Health Insurance

  Before you can register for classes, you need to demonstrate that you have adequate international student health insurance coverage, which must include coverage for medical expenses, medical evacuation, and medical repatriation.

  The coverage MUST be for a full academic year (An academic year runs from mid-August to mid-August of the next year) , and it must be renewed each year without gaps. This is a requirement for an international student to be able to register for classes at Broward College.

  Health insurance coverage is required for the duration of your studies at Broward College including, but not limited to annual vacations, school breaks, and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students on OPT must contact their international student health insurance agent regarding policy requirements before buying the insurance since not all policies cover students on OPT.

  COVERAGE PERIOD (students must make sure there are no gaps in coverage)

  • Fall Coverage: August 15 to August 14 of the following year
  • Spring Coverage: January 1 to August 14
  • Summer Coverage: May 1 to August 14

  Students arriving prior to the effective date of their insurance policy must also buy travel insurance to avoid gaps in coverage.

  To show proof of health insurance coverage, use the Health Insurance Coverage Form or send your policy's visa or coverage letter to idocs@broward.edu.

  Application and Tuition Fees

  • Log in to One Access
    Use the login and password you sent to you when you completed your online application. You will then be prompted to create a new password and password recovery questions.
  • Click on the student portal tile (myBC)
  • Read and complete all the policies before moving to the next step
    Note: if you do not see your information at the top of the page for the 2nd policy on finances, you have been logged out, restart the browser (close and open the browser)
  • Once you get to your myBC homepage, you will see the $75 application fee* (if you have not already paid it) in the top right corner and if you have already registered for classes, you will see the fees for your tuition and the due date

  * Note for the application fee: the term displayed is always for the current term even if you applied for a future term. Do not worry, the application fee is applied to you regardless of the term displayed. This is a one-time, non-refundable fee.

  Apply for Visa

  Homeland Security's regulation requires all prospective F1 and M1 students to pay the I-901 Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee. Dependents (accompanying spouse and/or child under 21) applying for F2 and M2 visas are NOT REQUIRED to pay for the I-901 SEVIS fee.

  • Pay the I-901 SEVIS as soon as you get the Form I-20
  • Payment options:
    • Credit Card or Debit Card (VISA, American Express, or Master Card): if you are submitting your form online
    • US Check: Checks are accepted subject to collection. If the bank on which it is drawn does not honor the check, you will be charged a $35 fee.
    • Western Union Quick Pay: You will be required to fill out Form I-901 on the website prior to visiting Western Union. You must have the coupon number to complete the payment (Western Union Quick Pay instructions).

    Resources:

    • Learn about each step of the payment process
    • Information about paying the I-901 SEVIS fee
    • I-901 SEVIS fee frequently asked questions

    Estimated Cost of Attendance

    Freshman and Sophomore years or Language Training program:

    Estimated cost of tuition for one academic year (at least 24 credits and 30 weeks) at $373 per credit hour: $8,952
    Estimated cost for laboratory fees and books: $1048
    Estimated annual cost of living expenses:* $12,500
    Total estimated annual cost of attendance: $22,500
    Total estimated annual cost of attendance for Associate of Science in Professional Pilot Technology: $50,000 ($22,500 + $27,500 flight training costs)

    * The estimated annual cost of living expenses is $12,500. Broward College does not provide housing.
    Note: Students and/or their sponsor(s) must show $22,500 to be admitted to Broward College and to show the embassy to get their F1 visa. However, there are additional expenses of which students need to be aware:

    • All students are required to have health insurance. The estimated annual cost of health insurance is $1300. Broward College does not sell health insurance.
    • The estimated cost of $5000 per term or $10,000 per year for tuition and books is based on students who start in the Fall Term and then take vacation in the Summer. While students who apply to start in a Summer or Spring term still only need to show $10,000 for tuition and books plus living expenses to be admitted to the embassy, students who start in the Summer Term must attend classes three terms in a row (Summer, Fall, Spring) and would need to be prepared for three consecutive terms of $5,000 each for tuition and books ($15,000 total) before taking a Summer vacation. Students who start in the Spring Term would need to attend classes for four consecutive terms (Spring, Summer, Fall, and then the following Spring) for a total of $20,000 before taking a Summer vacation. The consecutive term rule may not apply to F1 transfer students.

    Junior and Senior Years:

    Estimated cost of tuition for one academic year (at least 24 credits and 30 weeks) at $589.45 per credit hour: $14,146.80
    Estimated cost for laboratory fees and books: $853.20
    Estimated annual cost of living expenses:* $12,500
    Total estimated annual cost of attendance: $27,500

    *The estimated annual cost of living expenses is $12,500. Broward College does not provide housing.
    Note: Students and/or their sponsor(s) must show $27,500 to be admitted to Broward College and to show the embassy to get their F1 visa. However, there are additional expenses of which students need to be aware:

    • All students are required to have health insurance. The estimated annual cost of health insurance is $1300. Broward College does not sell health insurance.
    • The estimated cost of $7,500 per term or $15,000 per year for tuition and books is based on students who start in the Fall Term and then take vacation in the Summer. While students who apply to start in a Summer or Spring term still only need to show $15,000 for tuition and books plus living expenses to be admitted to the embassy, students who start in the Summer Term must attend classes three terms in a row (Summer, Fall, Spring) and would need to be prepared for three consecutive terms of $7,500 each for tuition and books ($22,500 total) before taking a Summer vacation. Students who start in the Spring Term would need to attend classes four consecutive terms (Spring, Summer, Fall, and then following Spring) for a total of $30,000 before taking a Summer vacation. The consecutive term rule may not apply to F1 transfer students.
    • In general, a student needs 60 to 77 credit hours to complete an associate degree. Thus, the estimated tuition cost for the program may range from $22,380 (60 credits) to $28,721 (77 credits). These costs do not include books, lab fees, or living expenses.
    • Some students may be required to complete Developmental Education (Dev Ed) courses before beginning college-level work depending on their placement test scores. Dev Ed courses are in addition to the required credits for the associate degree.
    • The associate degree can be completed in approximately 2 1/2 years.
    • In general, a student needs an additional 60 credit hours to complete a bachelor's degree. The total estimated tuition cost for the 60 credits is $35,367. These costs do not include books, lab fees, or living expenses.
    • The bachelor's degree can be completed in approximately an additional 2 1/2 years.
    • The estimated cost and length of the Language Training program (EAP - English for Academic Purposes) will be determined once the student takes the LOEP (Levels of English Proficiency) test.
    • Certain programs may require special fees in addition to tuition.
    • Students in the Associate of Science in Professional Pilot Technology are required to complete their flight training to graduate. The flight training cost is in addition to tuition, books, lab fees, and living expenses. Contact the Aviation Department to ask for the estimated cost of the flight training.

    Please note: Broward College reserves the right to increase fees at any time with the Board of Directors' approval.

    Contact Us

    For questions about application status, email isso@broward.edu (include name and BC student ID).

    For general F1/I-20 questions, contact ISSO during regular business hours by email, phone, remote queue, or in person.

    Office Location
    Broward College Central Campus
    Building 27
    3501 Davie Road
    Davie, FL 33314

    Office Hours
    On-campus
    Sunday: Closed
    Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Saturday: Closed

    Remote QLESS
    Monday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    Tuesday and Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Designated School Official (DSO) at ISSO (For students who have already been admitted)
    You can schedule in-person or remote meetings with your DSO by sending an email. Please allow up to 48 business hours for a response.

    F1/M1 students with last names A - L
    Evelyn Ruiz
    eruiz@broward.edu

    F1/M1 students with last names M - Z
    Jennifer Brandsma
    jbrandsm@broward.edu

    All F1/M1 students
    Giovana Guevara - Academic Advisor
    gguevara@broward.edu

    Campus - Designated School Officials (DSOs)

    Designated School Officials (DSOs) in campus Student Services Offices can give general information on maintaining the F1 status and signing the Form I-20 for travel.
    Current students who have specific questions about their immigration status, changing their program, or extending or terminating their I-20 should contact their assigned DSO. (Last name A-L – Evelyn Ruiz; last name M-Z – Jennifer Brandsma)

    Central Campus
    Hiromi Ninomiya
    hninomiy@broward.edu

    North Campus
    Claudia Forero
    cforero@broward.edu

    South Campus
    Henry Duperval
    hduperva@broward.edu

    Request More Information

    Visit one of our offices or request info online.

    Office Hours:
    Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.