International Students

International students are expected to meet the same requirements as other students under the new freshman or transfer student classification. In addition, all international students must:

• Show proficiency in written and oral English usage. If English is not the first language of communication, send official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to the Admissions Office.
• Provide notarized statement(s) certifying the source of all financial resources to be utilized to cover the cost of tuition.
• Have all transcripts translated and evaluated into English by an independent agency, examples below:

SpanTran: The Evaluation Company → (10% discount)

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) →

World Educational Services (WES) →

• Submit a copy of your Visa and Passport

International Student Application Deadlines:

• Fall Semester: June 1
• Spring Semester: November 1

The Registrar’s Office will issue the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) after the applicant has been admitted to the institution, provided a copy of his/her passport, and completed the Form I-134, Affidavit of Support (with supporting documentation.)  Additionally, international students are expected to pay a deposit (half of the tuition/fees and room/board charges) 2 months prior to the semester student is applying for. The University has no financial aid for international students and permission to work is usually not granted by the Department of Homeland Security. International students may, however, work on campus (less than 40 hours per week.)

International students should have a completed admission application on file three months before the beginning of the term in which they intend to enroll.

Documents required:

• Official High School transcript or College transcripts
• SEVIS ( I-20 form)
• I -134 Affidavit of Support: must include an official bank statement or letter reflecting $27,212 or more. If they will be awarded scholarships, their bank statements and scholarship should total $27,212.
• Health Clearance Form – Health documents.
• SAT/ACT Scores – Will be required for the Fall 2024 Admissions process.
• Transfer Approval form – Only required if they have attended a University/community college in the United States of America.
• Exam Scores- Evaluated or Translated transcripts (high school/ college transcripts)
  • TOEFL – This requirement applies to applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

All F and M students that study in the United States need a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Once accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, international students will receive a Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO).

You must also obtain a Form I-20 for any eligible dependents you plan to bring to the United States with you. However, please note that the name (i.e., Academic and Language students vs. Vocational Students) on the Form I-20 an SEVP-certified school issues you will dictate the type of student visa you may obtain from the U.S. Department of State and the status you will need to maintain in the United States. You and your DSO must both sign the Form I-20. If you are under age 18, your parents must sign the Form I-20 for you. 

Form I-20 Uses

The Form I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe, as you will need it throughout the international student life cycle.

I-901 SEVIS Fee

Before you pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee, you must receive the Form I-20 from a DSO at the school you plan to attend. You will need information from the Form I-20 to pay the fee. The I-901 SEVIS Fee is mandatory and must be paid before you enter the United States. 

In order to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, all prospective F and M students will need to provide their:

• Name, address, date of birth and email address.
• Country of birth and country of citizenship.
• School Code as listed on the Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
• SEVIS Identification Number as listed on the Form I-20.

The payment website for this fee is at www.fmjfee.com. Continuing students and exchange visitors are not required to pay the fee except under certain circumstances.

For complete information on who needs to pay the fee (or does not need to) see the SEVP website at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq.htm. There is a complete list of questions and answers on all aspects of SEVIS I-901 fee payment.

For more information about applying for a student visa, visit this website: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/students-and-the-form-i-20

Maintaining Valid Immigration Documents

I-20: International students must be aware of the expiration date on their I-20. If it is not possible to complete their academic program by that date, students must request a program extension before the expiration date on the I-20. Students who do not file a program extension in a timely manner will be considered out of status.

Passport: Students should keep their passport valid at all times. If the passport will expire soon, student must renew it through the embassy or consulate of their home country.

Change of Local Address

Students who change their local address must report the change to DSO/International Student Advisor within 10 days of moving.

Grace Periods

International students have a set of grace period regulations that are appropriate to their visa status.

• F-1 students who complete an academic program or OPT have a 60-day grace period.
• F-1 students who have received prior authorization to withdraw from classes have 15 days to depart the U.S. after the withdrawal date. Students who withdraw from classes without prior authorization are not eligible for a grace period.

Transfer to SAU From Another College/University

To transfer from another U.S. college or university to SAU please contact the International Student Adviser at SAU and follow the below steps:

1. You must submit the required admissions documents to be accepted at SAU.
2. You and the International Student Advisor/DSO at your current institution must fill out and submit SAU’s Transfer-In Form 

About Raleigh

Raleigh has so much to offer during your time here: music festivals, art galleries, dozens of trending restaurants, and numerous nature trails and parks. Raleigh is a top-rated destination for students and young professionals, so you can expect an amazing experience during college and post-graduation.

Airports

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Morrisville, North Carolina – located about 30 minutes from Saint Augustine’s University.

SAU will provide transportation to pick up new international students and bring them to campus if they arrive to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport only, as it is the closest airport to Saint Augustine’s University. Please be sure to discuss your travel arrangements with the international student advisor before purchasing your ticket for your flight so that transportation may be arranged.