Visa Information

There are only two types of visas that allow for study in a degree-seeking program.

If you are attending a workshop, conference, defense, or graduation at the seminary, you can enter the U.S. on a business or visitor visa (B1/B2).

F-1 visa:

If this visa fits your needs, then:

• Students must apply for a new I-20 and F-1 visa for each residency or class.
  • We do not issue an I-20 for the duration of either program because neither program is a full-time program, a requirement set by the US government.
  • The only exception to this is if you are planning on taking a class in the US within five (5) months of another class, then you can discuss options with Bridget Erickson, DSO for DMIN & HMP.
• Students are expected to return to their home countries between residencies or classes.
• During residencies, students are allowed to be in the US no sooner than 30 days before and no later than 60 days after their residencies.

R-1 or Green Card:

If you have already obtained or begun the process of obtaining either an R-1 visa through your employment situation or a Green Card:

• Students must provide documentation showing an R-1 visa or a Green Card that has either already been obtained or is being processed.

Canadian & Bermudian Citizens

• Canadian & Bermudian citizens are not required to obtain an F-1 visa.
• Canadian & Bermudian citizens must, however, receive an I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee.
• Canadians & Bermudians are required to maintain F-1 status, including provisions for employment and full time enrollment each residency period.
  • Bermuda citizens: Click here for more information.
  • Canadian citizens: Click here for more information.

• No TOEFL testing is required.
• International students are expected to participate fully in the language of the program to which they have been accepted.
• Language competency is partially determined through the writing portion of the application.
  • Most DMin tracks are offered in English with Liderazgo Pastoral taught in Spanish, Korean Pastoral Theology and Gospel in Korean Culture taught in Korean, and taught in Mandarin Gospel in Chinese Culture and Mission & Ministry Leadership in the Chinese Church.
  • HMP offers Spanish-speaking courses throughout the year at various locations. See the current course schedule here.

We can officially process the I-20 application of an accepted international applicant once the matriculation fee is received. This fee is specifically written in the acceptance letter.

Note: This fee is applied toward tuition, and is non-refundable.

Once a DMin student pays the matriculation fee, they are then registered to their first residency by the Director of Operations.