The following steps outlines the process to become an international student. Additional steps may be required, depending on each students’ situation.
1. Complete the CCA Application
Apply to be a CCA student by clicking here. Click on “Create Account” and enter your information. At the end of your application click on My Account and write down your student number. Your Student Number will look similar to: S01234567
2. Complete the CCA International Student Application
Apply to be a CCA International Student by clicking here.
You must have the following documents and information when you complete this application.
CCA Student Number
Unofficial TOEFL or SAT score report
Passport and applicable visa information
Financial statements demonstrating funds for educational and living expenses
Mortgage or lease information if applicable
We will contact you by email within 3-business days after you submit the CCA International Student Application. If you need assistance completing this form, please contact us at [email protected]
Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be provided an I-20. The Admissions, Registration, and Records Office will review your application to determine if you are eligible for an I-20. Eligibility for an I-20 does not guarantee that you will be issued an F-1 Visa or change of status.
3. New Students: Apply for your F-1 Visa
Compile your documents and schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
For detailed information on how to apply for a student visa and to check wait times for a non-immigrant visa interview appointment, please visit Travel.State.Gov.
Documents needed for your appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
Printed application confirmation page of your Form DS-160
Form I-20 signed by both student and DSO
Detailed financial support documents
Proof of English language proficiency
Proof of academic status (admissions letter, transcript)
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay
2×2 Photograph
Machine Readable Visa (MRV) processing fee
Visa reciprocity fee, if applicable. This fee varies by country. Check with your Consular
We will send you the Transfer Eligibility and Release for International Students form and a pending acceptance letter. Complete your portion of the form and have your current DSO complete their portion. Your DSO can email the completed form to [email protected]
4. Pay the CCA Application Fee
This fee is $75.
CCA will issue your I-20 after we receive your receipt that your fee was paid. Email us a copy of your receipt at [email protected]
4. Send us a copy of your F-1 Visa
We need a copy of your signed I-20 and F-1 Visa.
Email us a copy at [email protected] or visit our office in-person and we can make a copy of your documents. The Admissions, Registration & Records office is located on the CentreTech campus, Administration Building, Room A102. We are open Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am-6:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
5. Sign-up for Health Insurance
International students are required to have health insurance coverage while enrolled at CCA.
We do not currently offer a group plan nor do we endorse any specific company. Students are responsible for finding their own coverage and renewing as needed.
Here are some options for student health insurance:
New students are required to meet with a Pathway Advisor during their first semester.
Schedule a Pathway Advising appointment by contacting them by email at [email protected] or by phone at 303-360-4929. Virtual and phone appointments are available by request.
Register for classes by logging into MyCCA and selecting Navigate.
While taking classes, it is important to maintain your status by adhering to the following rules
Start and finish each Fall and Spring semester as a full-time student, by taking 12 credit hours per semester
Complete each class with a grade of “C” or higher
Do not engage in any unauthorized employment
Notify our office if your name, address, or phone number changes
Maintaining Your International Status
Although not a complete list, the following are the most important rules in maintaining your F-1 Visa status
Start and finish each fall and spring semester as a full-time student
Complete each class with a grade of “C” or higher
Do not engage in any unauthorized employment
Notify the International Students Advisor within 10 days if your name, address or phone number changes
If a student violates his or her status, the student may apply to the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for reinstatement if the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as illness, injury or natural disaster. If a student has been out of status for more than five months, she or he many not apply for reinstatement, and may be required by the CIS to depart the United States.
Full-time study consists of a MINIMUM of 12 credit hours. As an International Student, only 3 of your 12 credit hours can be taken online.
F-1 and M-1 students may work On-Campus up to 20 hours per week (if an On-Campus position is available) while school is in session, and more than 20 hours per week during the summer semester. Off-campus employment requires CIS authorization and approval before work begins. Currently, the Community College of Aurora does not offer on-campus hourly employment for students. Except under extreme circumstances, you will not be granted off-campus employment authorization until you have been in good standing for at least one year.
The International Students Advisor may authorize a reduced course load for the following academic reasons:
student is having initial difficulty with American teaching methods;
student is having initial difficulty with the English language or reading requirements;
student was improperly placed in a particular course level; or
student is in the last quarter of the academic program and will graduate at the end of that particular quarter.
Students authorized for a reduced course load based on approved academic reasons must enroll for at least six credit hours during that semester.
If you fail or repeat a class, you have two choices: 1. Take an extra class to catch-up (you could take an extra class in the spring or fall OR take a class in your optional summer term). 2. Submit a request in writing (to the International Students Advisor) that your program end date is extended by one semester. Use caution, however as extensions are not always granted by Immigration.
Students with medical problems are allowed to have a reduced course load, or enroll in no classes, for a maximum of one year. This medical problem should be documented by a medical professional and a copy placed in your file.
