Application Process for International Students

Complete and Submit the Application for Form 1-20/F1 Visa Certificate

After you are accepted to Gordon-Conwell, you begin another application process to receive a Form I-20 to use in support of an application for an F-1 student visa at a United States Embassy or Consulate. The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by a United States Embassy or Consulate abroad to international students coming to the United States for the purpose of pursuing full-time studies at an academic institution.

Complete and submit the all of the relevant forms for applying for the Form I-20/F1 Visa Certificate:

• Overview – Obtaining an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility and the F-1 Non-immigrant Student Visa
• 2024-25 – Application for the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
• Sponsor Affidavit of Support (Parents or Family, Private Sponsor)
• Sponsor Affidavit of Support (Church, Nonprofit, or other Ministry)
• SEVIS Record Transfer-In Form (If already studying in the U.S. under an F-1 Visa)

When completing the Application for I-20 Certificate of Eligibility, you are required to show full proof of funding for one academic year in the amounts specified on the application Financial Certification form. You must submit all original documents, including original bank statements, support letters/affidavits of support, and any other information requested of you. Because Gordon-Conwell and the embassy/consulate both require original documents, request two sets of financial documents from each source of funding.

All documents must have been prepared within the last 3 months and should indicate reasonable means of support for future years. Gordon-Conwell will not accept any financial documents more than 3 months old. Gordon-Conwell and the embassy official will subject financial documents (especially private sponsor guarantees) to careful review and consideration. Especially during your visa interview, be prepared to explain all financial sources and if requested, submit additional documentation as needed.

If you are receiving financial support, each supporter must complete an Affidavit of Support form. Complete and submit these forms, as needed, along with your application. You may also choose to provide another affidavit of support format, provided that the affidavit contains all of the information contained in the forms provided.

Once you have met all the requirements for receiving a Form I-20 (including the financial certification portions of the application), please submit your completed application materials (PDF format) to [email protected].
 

Canadian Students

Canadian citizens are not required to obtain an F-1 visa. Canadian citizens must, however, receive an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility and pay the SEVIS fee. Canadians are also required to abide by all other provisions and restrictions for lawfully maintaining F-1 status, including provisions for employment and full-time enrollment each semester. Click here for more information regarding the visa exemption for Canadian citizens.

After you receive your F-1 (and F-2) visa(s), please notify the International Student Office ([email protected]) to confirm your plans and receive further instructions. As you begin to make travel arrangements, please remember that by U.S. law, you are permitted to enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20.

• Applying for on-campus housing: Housing information and application, which must be submitted by April 1 to be given priority for assignment for Fall semester housing or November 1 for Spring semester.
• Arriving on-campus: Your arrival date and time must be approved by Gordon-Conwell. Rides from Boston’s Logan airport may be available by request, please complete the Arrival Planning survey to request a ride in advance.
• Preparing for life in the United States: We offer a mandatory orientation for all international students during New Student Orientation, which will include information about lawfully maintaining your F-1 visa status.

Massachusetts law mandates that all full time students (6 or more credit hours) at Gordon-Conwell’s Hamilton campus have health insurance coverage. Gordon-Conwell students are, therefore, required either to purchase the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Program through University Health Plans, or demonstrate proof of sufficient health insurance coverage for each semester enrolled (also referred to as “waiving coverage”).

Non U.S. Based Insurance: Students with non-U.S. based health insurance plans are not permitted to waive coverage. This means any insurance provider that is not based in the U.S. and does not have a U.S. based claims payable address cannot be used to waive the student insurance requirement.

Family Members: It is important that students obtain adequate health insurance coverage for each member of their family. While the seminary plan is available to dependents at additional costs, coverage is available through other sources as well. However, we encourage students to determine what other plans cover and whether this coverage will be sufficient for their family. Regardless of the cost, students must ensure that family members are covered under a comprehensive medical plan.

As an F-1 student at Gordon-Conwell, you must lawfully maintain visa status throughout your entire course of study. In order to pursue study in the U.S. it is your sole responsibility to comply with all non-immigration regulations that apply to F-1 visa students (and F-2 dependents). Lawfully maintaining F-1 visa status includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Full Time Enrollment Requirement: F-1 visa students are required to register full time each semester (fall and spring) at Gordon-Conwell. Full-time status at Gordon-Conwell is equal to 7.5 credit hours per semester. At Gordon-Conwell, most classes are 3 credits each, so this generally means you need to take at least three classes per semester to be considered full time. Only one Semlink (i.e. Gordon-Conwell’s distance learning format option) course per semester can count toward full-time status.

Employment Restrictions: F-1 student visas have strict employment restrictions. Employment is broadly defined by the U.S. Department of State as “any service provided in exchange for financial or material compensation.” F-1 students must not accept any form of off-campus employment unless prior USCIS authorization is granted, which may be granted to students who apply with the Designated School Official/International Student Adviser in the Office of Student Life Services for training related to their degree program. This training is referred to as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Authorized on-campus employment is permitted for F-1 visa holders only, though it is limited.