How to Get Started at Montgomery College
if You Require a Transfer I-20.
(For persons currently studying in the U.S. wishing to
transfer their student status to Montgomery College.)

Definitions of I-20 and Immigration Status:

• What is an I-20?
  An I-20 is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students.”I-20 forms are issued by “Designated School Officials,” who are usually your International Student Coordinators. The completed form verifies that an international student has been admitted to an academic program for full-time enrollment and has shown evidence of financial support. The form is used by international students to request student visas (F-1) and student immigration status (F-1).
  
  
• What is F-1 Immigration Status?
  F-1 immigration status allows an individual to be engaged in full course academic study in the United States in an accredited educational program.
  
  
• What is M-1 Immigration Status?
  M-1 immigration status allows an individual to be enrolled in a vocational school or certificate program in the United States.
  
  (For additional information on visas, or to make an appointment, if required, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for a visa.)

Deadlines for Transfer I-20 Requests:

August 1 for fall semester (classes begin early September)
December 1 for spring semester (classes begin late January)

Note: For summer semesters, no initials or transfers I-20's are allowed.F

How to Request an Transfer I-20:

I. Complete the following materials and submit them to the Montgomery College campus you wish to attend prior to the deadline dates above:

A. Apply to Montgomery College and pay a $25 (check or money order) non-refundable application fee.

B. Complete and submit a Supplemental Information for I-20 Request form.

C. Provide proof of High School graduation.
All documents must be in English. If translated, submit the original or certified copy of the native language version together with a certified English translation. Submit one of the following:

•  High school diploma or Secondary School Credentials
•  U.S. GED certificate

D. Provide evidence of English Language Proficiency with one of the following:

•  Transferable credit from a U.S. College or university for a first year English composition course equivalent to EN101 at  Montgomery College.
•  TOEFL score of 575, written, 231 computerized, or 90 Internet-based exam

Note: Applicants from abroad must take the TOEFL or IELTS. Students scoring at least 400 written/97 computerized/30 Internet-based on the TOEFL exam OR 5.0 overall on the IELTS exam may be admitted, but will be required to take testing and possible additional courses in English/ESL upon arrival. For information on how to take the TOEFL, please visit http://www.toefl.org for the IELTS, please visit http://www.ielts.org.

•  Results of the Montgomery College American Academic English Placement, called the LOEP Test.  For scheduling and information see http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/AssessCtr/assessment-placement.html#nextsteps

E. Provide a legible photocopy of your passport, I-94 visa, and all previously issued I-20 forms.

F. Submit a completed Transfer Clearance Form.

G. Provide evidence of financial support. (For more information, please visit Evidence of Financial Support, Estimated Annual College and the USCIS website.)

H. You may transfer credits from outside the U.S. (Anticipate this to be a 7-week process.)

I. Mail all above documentation for review to the Admissions, Records & Registration office at the campus you choose to attend.

II. Attend College Orientation (MANDATORY)—dates to be announced.

III. Meet with a Montgomery College Counselor to discuss the I-MAP Process.

IV. Register for Full-Time Class Enrollment (12 credit hours (billing hours) per semester or 18-24 contact hours for continuing education ESL program per semester)

•  Credit Class Schedule
•  Non-credit Class Schedule
•  Catalog

V. Meet With an International Student Coordinator to receive the I-20. Call to schedule an appointment.

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