An International student is a student who holds a non-immigrant visa. 

For initial admissions to Laredo College, all students must follow the admissions guidelines established under each student’s classification (see First-Time in College Student, Transfer/Transient Student, or Returning Student).

Students applying for an F-1 student visa or M-1 student visa must also submit the following: 

• Copy of the student’s passport

• Submit proof of English Proficiency
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of a 61 or
  • SAT Evidence-Based score of 520 or
  • ACT English score of 20 or
  • IELTS with an overall score of 5.5 or
  • Michigan English Test with a score of 52+ or
• Exemptions: Students may be exempt from submitting proof of English Proficiency by meeting one of the following:
  • One-year of academic studies from an accredited U.S. college or university with passing grades or​
  • Completion of a U.S. high school education or equivalent or​
  • When English is the official spoken language of the applicant’s country or​
  • Completion of an English Intensive Program offered by an accredited U.S. college or university

Financial Documents:

SEVIS federal regulations require students to demonstrate proof of financial independence. Financial documents include:

• Bank Statement
• Financial Statement Form

After completion of the admission requirements and review of supporting International Student documents, Laredo College's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) or Designated School Official (DSO) will proceed to issue a Form I-20 'Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status' and the steps to complete after issuing a Form I-20.

Additionally, students may be required to present proof of medical insurance.

Principal Designated School Official (PDSO): Mr. Jorge A. Dimas, Director, Office of Admissions

Designated School Official (DSO): Ms. Reyna Alvarez, Assistant Director, Office of Admissions

Laredo College is authorized under federal law to enroll students who are valid F-1 or M-1 visa holders under the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). International students must comply with all federal regulations in order to obtain a student visa prior to enrollment and must remain in compliance throughout the duration of study.

F-1 Visa: For students in an academic program, often with a core academic curriculum and can change their major and program of study to another academic program. 

M-1 Visa: For students in a workforce education program, typically without a core academic curriculum and cannot change their major or program of study.