International Admissions
Currently CIP is approved to accept foreign students (non-US citizens) with an M1 or F1 status at the following locations:
- CIP Berkshire, (Lee) Massachusetts
- CIP Brevard, (Melbourne) Florida
- CIP Bloomington, Indiana
- CIP Berkeley, California
Admissions Process
It is important to know that when considering admission for an international (non-us citizen) the process of obtaining approval can take an average of three (3) months to complete the immigration and customs process.
Upon acceptance to CIP the Director of Admissions will generate an I-20 form granting F1 or M1 status. This must be a signed original. The F1 status (academic) allows an individual to work in the United States. The M1 status (vocational) allows the individual to study in the United States. The I-20 form must give the student’s name as it appears on his/her identification.
The family and student make an appointment to interview at the Embassy. They must present the I-20, along with proof of funds to cover the cost of tuition and provide support to the student, a valid passport and photo, and other documents. Canadian students must bring the I-20 right to the border with them. Once approved, the family can travel to the United States up to sixty (60) days prior to the student’s start date at CIP.
English Language Requirements
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all international students whose first language is not English.
What is an I-20?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has certified CIP to issue Forms I-20. CIP is able to request the admittance of a foreign nonimmigrant student in order to provide for their educational needs.
United States Immigration issues special student visas precisely for this purpose, but they are reserved for prospective students who have already secured acceptance to a program such as CIP, that has been approved by DHS to issue the I-20. This form is the precursor to obtaining an F-1 or M-1 student visa.
An I-20 certifies that the applicant:
- Is an eligible student
- Meets CIP’s admissions requirements
- Plans to pursue a full course of study
- Has proven to have the funds to study and live in the United States without working illegally or suffering from poverty
An I-20 can be issued only after a student has been accepted to CIP. Once CIP generates an I-20 form, families work directly with the US embassy or Consulate in their home country for approval.
For more information: please visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html
Important Notes
*CIP is in the process of becoming approved to accept international students at all locations. Students who apply to and enroll full-time at a local college or university are also eligible to attend a CIP program.
*Certain applicants who are citizens of Canada, Bermuda, Bahamian nationals or British subjects who reside in the Cayman Islands, or in the Turks and Caicos Islands do not need a visa to enter the United States. Applicants who fit this criteria are eligible to study at all CIP locations.
It is the policy of the College Internship Program to admit and treat all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin or sexual preference.
