International Student Reference Guide
Rock Valley College (RVC) welcomes international F-1 students to our campus.
RVC is mandated by USCIS (United States Citizen Immigration Services) and currently works with SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitors Immigration Services) to successfully enroll international students in college courses. RVC operates under the Department of Education, Recognized Accrediting Agencies North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Higher Learning Commission. Effective: 03/31/1971, Expires: 03/31/2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is defined as an international student at RVC?
· Foreign students are persons admitted by a country other than their own, usually under special permits or visas, for the specific purpose of following a particular course of study in an accredited institution of the receiving country.
What student categories does RVC accept?
· RVC accepts students with F-1 status. An F-1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program at a U.S. college or university. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load of full-time student status. They can remain in the U.S. up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program, unless they have applied and have been approved to stay and work for a period of time under the optional practical training (OPT) program. F-1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) which is provided by the U.S. college or university that the student has been accepted to and will attend.
Who is a Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) or a Designated School Official (DSO) at RVC?
· Mary Foreman – Primary Designated School Official (PDSO)
· Amy Diaz – Designated School Official (DSO)
· Howard Spearman - Designated School Official (DSO)
· Sonia Reising - Designated School Official (DSO)
NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHECKLIST
1. Complete a Rock Valley College Enrollment Form for admissions.
2. Submit proof of English language competency by one of the following:
a. Minimum score of 79 internet based, 213 computer based, or 550 paper based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
b. A statement of completion of the 9th grade level at an ESL Language Center
c. If you are here in the U.S. as a foreign student with an F-1 or J-1 visa attending a U.S. high school or college, you will need to supply the transcript from that institution
3. Complete the statement of financial support and have it notarized, or submit proof of “live-in-guest” status for in-district tuition rate with a service fee of $500.00 for each semester.
4. Submit proof of financial support document by one of the following.
· I-134 affidavit of support
· Bank statement on bank letterhead
· Official award letter from a sponsoring agent
Financial Aid is not available to international students!
5. Submit original transcripts for secondary and post-secondary course work complete with English translations. Translations may be obtained from the Educational Credential Evaluators.
For more information visit www.ece.org or call (414) 289-3400.
· Foreign college or university transcripts must include copies of course descriptions with the transcripts. If the course descriptions are not included, we cannot evaluate your transfer credits.
· If original copies of previous academic work would be difficult to replace, a certified or attested copy should be submitted.
· Applicants enrolled at U.S. institutions may have certified copies of the foreign records sent to their current institution for tentative evaluation.
What are RVC deadlines for International students?
SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS BY:
June 15th - Fall Term
November 15th – Spring Term
April 15th - Summer Term
*Note-Once the international student admissions process has been completed students will receive an acceptance letter.
What are status changes and why would they happen?
· A change of status only happens when a potential student wants to attend Rock Valley College on a visa that is not an F-1 visa. Such visas are A, B, D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, T, U, V.
· Rock Valley College is only approved to enroll students on an F-1 visa.
Who takes payments when a check or money order is required for a filing fee?
· The filing as well as the fees for change of status is taken care of by the potential student.
Additional information that could be helpful to know
If a change in an international student record needs to occur below are the following Datatel Codes that a DSO needs to be aware of.
Ø RGPE – Screen to look at for district information.
Ø PRSP – Screen to enter and enrollment form.
Ø SHAP – Screen to finish putting on application.
Ø RGN – Screen to register students on.
Ø FPER – Screen to put international information on.
Ø FINF – Screen to finish putting international financial information on.
Ø PERC – Hold screen for international students with a code of (IS).
- International students can only be register by Mary Foreman, Michelle Rothmeyer, or Holly Viren.
If someone has questions and the International Student Coordinator is unavailable, please use the following protocol:
Ø In the absence of Mary Foreman, International Student Coordinator, RVC staff should go to Sonia Reising, Coordinator of Intercultural Student Services, for assistance with an international student.
Ø If the questions can wait until the return of Mary Foreman simply schedule an appointment for the student to meet with Mary.
Ø If the DSOs’ (Designated School Officials) are unable to answer the questions and the
questions cannot wait until the International Student Coordinator returns, Mary can be reached via phone on her personal number.
RVC and government phone numbers or email information to be aware of:
Ø E-mail:
Ø E-mail:
Ø Fax: 202-414-8299
Undocumented New Student Checklist
GETTING STARTED: ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
1. Submit the attached Enrollment Form as well as the Illinois Public Act Form. There is no fee to enroll.
2. Submit high school transcript or GED completion certificate to the International Student Services Office.
3. Complete placement testing at the RVC Testing Center, located on the ground level of the Student Center. Walk-in testing is available from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For an appointment, call (815) 921-2380. Students must have a valid photo ID to complete testing. All new students are required to test in the areas of English, mathematics, and reading unless they meet one of the following waiver requirements:
o ACT scores in Math, English, and Reading, of 18 and above
o Has taken credit classes at a different college or university
4. Register for and attend an Educational Planning Session (EPS). The session will assist you with your transition to Rock Valley College. You will receive information regarding the registration process, residency, tuition options, prerequisites, deadlines, and other essential Rock Valley College information. You will also learn about our course schedules and Online Services. To learn more about our EPS or to register for a session, visit us online or call (815) 921-4080.
*Note
*Attending an Educational Planning session is mandatory for all new students. All students must have a valid photo ID to complete the Educational Planning Session.
*Bring in your high school transcript along with the in-state tuition form to receive in-district fees.
*Refer to the Undocumented Student Guide for specific information as it relates to support and resources for undocumented students.
In-State Tuition Charges Form
To Applicant: Please be advised that completing this form is optional. However, if you are seeking in-state tuition charges, this form must be completed in order for the College to determine if you are eligible for in-state tuition pursuant to 110 ILCS 6-4a.1 If you do not complete this form, you may be required to pay out-of-state tuition if accepted as a student by the College.
If you can answer “yes” to all of the following questions, you may be eligible for Illinois resident tuition in accordance with 110 ILCS 6-4a:
1. Did you reside with your parent(s) while attending a public or private high school in Illinois?
____ Yes ____No
2. Did you graduate from a public or private high school or receive the equivalent of a high school diploma in Illinois?
____Yes ____No
3. Did you attend school in Illinois for at least three (3) years as of the date you graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma?
____Yes ____No
4. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, will you provide Rock Valley College with an affidavit stating that you will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at your earliest opportunity?
____Yes ____No
If you answered “yes” to Question 4 above, you will also need to complete the following:
AFFIDAVIT
I, ______, hereby swear that I will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at my earliest opportunity to do so.
______
Signature of Affiant
Subscribed and sworn to before me
This___day of ______, 20___.
______
Notary Public
Note: If the above criteria are all met, but you subsequently establish a residence in another State before or during your enrollment at Rock Valley College, you will not be eligible for Illinois resident tuition under 110 ILCS 6-4a. 110 ILCS 805/6-4a, effective Fall Semester 2003, applies to U.S. citizens and non-citizens and serves as a supplement to the general Illinois residency standards for Rock Valley College.
Updated July 17, 2014