About American Medical Sciences Center

F-1 Visa Students

AMSC College welcomes international F-1 visa students applying from within the United States or abroad. AMSC is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and offers two Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree programs: an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) consisting of 2,290 clock hours and 101 semester credits, and a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) consisting of 3,010 clock hours and 130 semester credits. For additional information about F-1 visa eligibility, admissions requirements, and visa procedures, please refer to our Admissions page and school catalog.

Visa Procedures

AMSC is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program(SEVP) authorized under Department of Homeland Security(DHS) and Department of State as a institution of higher learning for non-immigrant F-1 visa students. Students attending another institution in the United States on an F-1 visa may enroll in AMSC by completing the admissions process filing a Form I-539. It is also possible for prospective students in the United States on some other type of visa to apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for change to an F-1 visa. Most classes of nonimmigrants can begin studying while their application is pending. The exceptions are currently in B-1, B-2, or F-2 status. These nonimmigrants cannot begin a program of study prior to approval of their change of status. Before international students may be considered for admission, they must:

1. Complete the application form; enclose a $75.00 processing fee.
2. Provide evidence of completion of high school or equivalent diploma.
3. Take the admissions entrance SLE test and achieve a score of at least 21.

Applicants not currently in the U.S. may demonstrate proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English in several ways and should include the documentation with their application.

1. A TOEFL score of at least 450 or
2. High school or college transcripts documenting English language skills or
3. Completion of an appropriate English as a Second Language (ESL) course or
4. Other equivalent verification of communication skills.

I-20 Certification

After the application process has been completed and all relevant materials have been submitted, the file is reviewed by the admissions committee. If the student fully meets the criteria for admission and has adequate funds to meet the expenses of the program of study, the school obtains specific biographical and financial information about the student which will be necessary to issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student.” Applicants will be notified in a timely manner and will be mailed a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) along with further information regarding registration and helpful visa information.

Applying for a Student F-1 Visa

Prospective nonimmigrant students who are not in the U.S. must apply to the local U.S. consulate for an F-1 visa. This requires a visa interview. The student must bring several items to the interview. The consular officer will need to verify the student’s I-20 record electronically in order to process the student visa application. The potential student must pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security prior to applying for a visa and may prove payment of the fee through the internet at http://www.fmjfee.com with a credit card and printed receipt as an evidence that the fee has been paid. For this case you need the information from your I-20 form to fill out the Form I-901. All applicants should be prepared to provide:

1. Form I-20, signed by the Designated School Official (DSO);
2. Receipt as a evidence that the fee for Form I-901 has been paid;
3. Diploma of completion of high school or the equivalent;
4. Scores from standardized SLE test and documentation of English language skills;
5. Program Outline with starting and ending date
6. Financial evidence that shows the student or parents who are sponsoring have sufficient funds;
7. Completed Form(s) for the Application for Nonimmigrant Visa;
8. Valid Passport for travel and admission to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States;