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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​International Students will find information in this site regarding admissions, F-1 Visa, transcripts, transfer info, E​nglish pr​oficiency, transportation, government agencies, and things to do​ in our community. During these difficult times, College of the Sequoias understands the need for current and straightforward communication.  

Osiris Deleon, International Students Coordinator. DSOOsirisDeleon_web-0032.jpg


Phone: (559) 730-3970 

E-mail: osirisd@cos.edu

​Location: Sequoia, Rm. 103​

Recursos Estudiantiles​ - Preguntas@cos.edu​ 


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Obtaining an F-1 Visa

​​​​​​​First, you must have a passport from your home country and obtain a visa from the United States Embassy/Consulate in your home country to enter the united States. To attend College of the Sequoias (COS) you will need to apply for an F-1 Student Visa by completing the following steps:

Step 1: English Language Proficiency

One test is required unless English is your native language:

  • TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language - Minimum score: 500 paper test; 173 computerized test; 61 IBT OR
  • APIEL - Advanced Placement International English Language - examination score: 3 OR
  • IELTS - International English Language Testing System - minimum score: 5
Exceptions: If you have not taken the TOEFL test or if your TOEFL score is less than the above minimum scores, and are interested in admission to College of the Sequoias, you can be CONDITIONALLY admitted if you meet all of our requirements, except English proficiency, plus the following:
  • You must enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses each Fall/Spring
  • You may not enroll in regular COS academic classes until you have received an authorization letter from your ESL instructor stating you have achieved English proficiency.


Step 2: Application for Admission​

All four items are required:

  • Complete and submit an application to COS at CCCApply, AND
  • Submit College of the SequoiasCOS International Student Admission Requirements . Application, as well as an Affidat of Support form verifying a minimum of $28,559 (U. S. Dollars) being available for the first year. As a public supported community college, we do not offer any type of financial aid or scholarships to international students. AND
  • Submit copy of your passport (pages showing name, date of birth, country of birth, photo, and passport expiration date)


Step 3: School Transcript

  • Submit complete certified English translations of transcripts from colleges / universities attended.
  • Engineering/Science Major - Submit certified English translations of High School transcripts.


Step 4: Application Fee (non-refundable)

Submit check or credit card information for $100 (U.S. dollars) International Student Application Fee drawn on United States Bank. This is an application fee and cannot be refunded.


Step 5: Insurance Coverage

One Required:



Step 6: Pay SEVIS Fee

Effective September 1, 2004, individuals seeking an F-1 Student Visa pay a $350.00 SEVIS I-901 fee. If you do not pay the fee, you will:

  • Not be issued an F-1 visa and will not be admitted to the United States, OR
  • If you are present in the United States, your application will not be processed.
A copy of form I-901 is available at The Department of Homeland Security website. Review the SEVIS I-901 instructions to determine if you might be exempt from the fee and for other information regarding the submission of the form.


Step 7: Obtain an F-1 Student Visa

When your I-20 arrives from College of the Sequoias, make an appointment at the nearest United States Consulate or Embassy to apply for an F-1 Visa. You can check the anticipated wait times for an appointment in various cities of your country on the following web site: U.S. Visas.
Learn how to schedule an appointment for an interview, pay the application processing fee, review embassy specific instructions, and much more by visiting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will apply.​

After Obtaining a Visa

Step 1: Arrival Information:

​After you receive your F-1 Student Visa, you can arrive in the United States 30 days before the start of classes (which will be the first day of school) shown under "Program of Study" page #1 of your I-20. By arriving 30 days before the first day of school, you will complete orientation, see a counselor and register for a minimum of 12 units of classes. In addition, an early arrival time permits you the time needed to locate suitable housing and be ready for the first day of classes.
You must report to the International Student Office of located in room 103 (Counseling Center) of the Sequoia Building after you arrive in the United States. Please bring the following documents:

  • your passport
  • I-94 (be sure it is marked "D/S" and NOT an expiration date)
  • stamped I-20
  • copy of your medical insurance policy which includes accidental, hospitalization, repatriation and medical evacuation for a term of one year.


Step 2: Health Clearance

Upon arrival to College of the Sequoias obtain a health clearance through the College of the Sequoias Health Center (TB testing).Click here to view the Health Services website.


Step 3: Sign up for Orientation

Contact Osiris Deleon, DSO, at osirisd@cos.edu ​for information on Orientation dates and times .


Step 4: Counseling Appointment

Osiris Deleon, DSO who is located in room 103, Sequoia Building, will help schedule a counseling appointment to develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP). You can also click here to view the Counseling website and/or email Osiris at osirisd@cos.edu


Step 5: Register for Classes

Must be a full-time student by completing a minimum of 12 units each Fall and each Spring semester. W's do NOT count toward the 12 units. A maximum of three units of distance education classes will count toward the 12 unit requirement each semester for academic classes. If you are taking ESL classes, NO distance education classes will count toward the 12 unit requirement. Summer classes are optional.


Step 6: Pay Your Fees

Fees must be paid within 14 days of registering for classes. If you fail to pay on time, your classes will be dropped.  ​International Costs​ (estimated). 

Problems? See the Osiris Deleon in room 103 (Sequoia Building) or email osirisd@cos.edu .