Frequently Asked Questions

Common abbreviations used in the FAQs:

BC – Broward College | DSO – Designated School Official | I-20 - Form I-2 | SEVP – Student and Exchange Visitor Program

SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System | U.S. - United States | USCIS – U.S. Citizenship an Immigration Services

OPT – Optional Practical Training | ICE – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

 

COVID DISCLAIMER: Broward College is committed to making sure that international students have the classes in the required modalities that will allow them to maintain their F1 status. Students who started their F1 status after March 9, 2020, are required to have at least one class (3 credits) on campus. Students need to be ready and willing to take face-to-face classes at the locations and times they are available.

COVID Updates

BC is constantly updating COVID-19 information related to the school. Please see the latest updates on COVID-19 regarding safety protocols, vaccines, social distancing, COVID-19 testing, reporting, and more.

Yes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has posted guidance for Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) stakeholders about COVID-19. A list of frequently asked questions is available online. And SEVP continues to receive questions from schools and students.

Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders about COVID-19

July 24, 2020 Broadcast Message: Follow-up: ICE continues March Guidance for Fall School Term

March 9, 2020 Broadcast Message: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M nonimmigrant students

For information about course modalities, remote learning, bookstore hours, and more visit the Covid-19, Students FAQs page.

For the Fall, we anticipate at least 50% of our classes being offered on campus.

SEVP issued new guidance on April 26, 2021, for Summer 2021 and the 2021-22 academic year which requires students whose F1 status began after March 9, 2020, to have at least one class on campus. The class should be at least 3 credits.

Students whose F1 immigration status began before March 9, 2020, can take all classes fully online. However, they cannot take remote learning classes from their home country. Not being present in the U.S. will affect a graduating student's eligibility to apply for OPT. Students need to inform ISSO and/or their DSO if they are studying from their home country right away.

SEVP issued new guidance on April 26, 2021, for Summer 2021 and the 2021-22 academic year. Students whose F1 immigration status began before March 9, 2020, can take all classes fully online. However, they cannot take remote learning classes from their home country. Not being present in the U.S. will affect a graduating student's eligibility to apply for OPT. Students need to inform ISSO and/or their DSO if they are studying from their home country right away.

No. International students are eligible for annual vacation once they have (1) entered the United States under their F1 status and (2) have been completed one academic year (at least 30 weeks and 24 credits). Contact your DSO to verify your eligibility for Summer vacation.

Please refer to the vaccine section on the Coronavirus Website.

F1 international students who wish to get the vaccine once in the U.S. will have to show proof they are currently residing in Florida.

We are aware it may be difficult to get a visa appointment. If you are unable to get an appointment in time to arrive for classes, contact your DSO to have your program start date changed to a future term.

Some students have been able to request emergency appointments at the embassy.

You may also be able to get an F1 visa appointment at an embassy in a nearby country.

U.S. Embassy contact information

Please check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for recommended vaccinations or other requirements.

If you are unable to get an appointment in time to arrive for classes, contact your DSO to have your program start date changed to a future term.

SEVP issued new guidance on April 26, 2021, for Summer 2021 and the 2021-22 academic year. Students whose F1 immigration status began before March 9, 2020, can take all classes fully online. However, they cannot take remote learning classes from their home country. Not being present in the U.S. will affect a graduating student’s eligibility to apply for OPT. Students need to inform ISSO and/or their DSO if they are studying from their home country right away.

You may be able to complete your program with BC Online if it is available. Your F1 immigration status will be terminated if you choose to transition to BC Online. Contact your DSO for additional information.

Currently, due to COVID, SEVP allows I-20s to be digitally signed and emailed to the students.

Additionally, I-20s issued electronically or with electronic signatures - as permitted during the COVID-19 emergency – will remain valid until students have a need for an updated I-20.

Currently, due to COVID, all placement testing is being offered remotely.

For current students, most tests are still remote. However, you should check the Testing Center site to verify on-campus availability.

Currently, we do not recommend leaving the U.S. due to travel bans and restrictions. Before making a decision to travel outside the U.S., check the U.S. Travelers in Europe information. You should also check the U.S. embassy in your home country. You can find their contact information on USEmbassy.gov.

Prospective & New Students

We accept international students (F1 and M1 visas) in the FALL (August), SPRING (January), and SUMMER (May) Terms. Students are required to begin classes in session 1 of the desired term.

International Students (F1 and M1 visas) [Term, Session, and Deadline]
Term Session Deadline
International students must start classes in session 1

(1) complete the online application

(2) provide all supporting documents by email to idocs@broward.edu

See Admissions Steps
FALL Session 1 August - December

For initial I-20s from outside the U.S. - June 15

Students in the U.S. transferring their existing I-20 - July 15
SPRING Session 1 January - May

For initial I-20s from outside the U.S. - October 15

Students in the U.S. transferring their existing I-20 - November 15
SUMMER Session 1 May - August

For initial I-20s from outside the U.S. - March 15

Students in the U.S. transferring their existing I-20 - April 15
Note: Initial I-20 applicants are encouraged to apply earlier than the deadlines listed above. A student's application is reviewed as soon as it is complete (all documents and required test scores received). Applying early will increase the chance of getting an F1/M1 visa appointment at the American embassy/consulate in time to arrive before the start of classes.

Yes, we issue the I-20 once the applicant has been admitted to the College. The estimated review period after your application is complete is 7 to 10 business days. During peak times, it may take 14 business days. Completed applications are reviewed in the order they were received.

Proof of English proficiency is required when (1) English is not the primary language of the applicant and (2) the person is applying for a college degree program. View a list of acceptable tests.

Language Training program applicants are required to take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test as part of the application process.

Applicants must have a basic level of English proficiency to successfully take the LOEP test.

You will take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test as part of the application process when:

  1. English is not your primary language and you are in the United States.
  2. English is not your primary language and you are in your home country, but you don't know what is your level of English proficiency.

The test can be taken remotely.

The LOEP test will determine if you have at least a basic level of English proficiency to successfully enroll in our Language Training program: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes.

Yes. The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program is for students who already have some basic understanding of English. It is an ideal option for degree-seeking students. The program offers English language courses that are designed to prepare non-native speakers for a degree program at Broward College. The EAP program consists of fifteen courses in three main skill areas: Grammar & Writing, Listening & Speaking, and Reading & Vocabulary.

Learn more about the EAP program.

International student applicants are encouraged to request to take the test remotely in their home countries to verify their proficiency before making the decision to travel to the United States (U.S.). Send an email to ISSO@broward.edu to request the remote testing information.

Once you complete the Language Training program, you are already admitted to study for an Associate's degree with us (the first two years of a Bachelor's degree).

No, you do NOT need to re-apply.

International students are self-funded. We require financial documents with sufficient funds to cover the estimated annual cost of education: 24 credits (tuition), lab fees, books, and living expenses.  

Financial resources information