International Students Applying to Trinity

Certainly, Trinity Washington University is an inclusive environment and welcomes students from all over the world (as well as from our local community).  International applicants who need an F1-Visa to study full time in the U.S.A. may apply to Trinity for study but must keep in mind that additional steps are required to obtain the I-20 needed in order to apply for a student visa.  As a result, applying early is most helpful to provide ample time for students to obtain the I-20 and apply for a visa (i.e. applying 2-3 months prior to the start of classes is ideal).  International students requiring a student visa are not eligible for fully online degree programs.

In the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Professional Studies undergraduate programs, full time international students on a student visa may compete for institutional merit-based scholarships at Trinity.  Students must apply completely for admission, and if admitted, merit-based scholarship awards are decided upon at the time of admission. Applicants don’t need to file an additional application to be considered for merit-based institutional awards from Trinity – your completed application will put you in the running for consideration.

Yes, any transcript used to apply for admission that is not from a U.S. based institution must be evaluated by a third party evaluation service.  Evaluations from any of the following providers are accepted: NACES | Credentials Evaluations Provided by NACES Members

Yes, if any of the following are true, you will need to take an English Proficiency test and submit valid test scores to apply:

• If English is not an official language in your country
• If you have not earned a college/university degree in the U.S.
• Or, if you are not currently enrolled in a degree program in the U.S.

Test of English as a Foreign Language or an International English Language Testing System  are required to apply to Trinity if any of the above are true. All English proficiency scores are valid for two years from the test date. Official test scores must be provided directly from the testing agency to Trinity Washington. TOEFL: Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language must be submitted directly to Trinity by ETS (Educational Testing Services). Trinity’s code is 5796, and a minimum score of 550 on paper-based test (PBT) or 213 on computer-based test (CBT) or 79 on Internet-based test (IBT) is required.  IELTS – Academic: A minimum 6.5 total band score. is required.

Trinity Washington welcomes international students.  Currently, international students on a student visa represent an overall small yet mighty percent of the overall population at Trinity.  Representation of many cultures is prevalent at Trinity regardless of visa status. The overall population of international students at Trinity is growing also and this is welcomed.

International students enjoy all the privileges of student life at Trinity.  An international student association club has also been established to further support both undergraduate and graduate international students at Trinity Washington.

Yes, some of our international students have agreed to connect with prospective students to help answer general questions about their student experience.  To get connected, email Trinity Admissions at admissions@trinitydc.edu with your request to get connected with a current international undergraduate or graduate student (note: the international student may OR may not be from the same country as the applicant.  We can’t guarantee a direct match on Country of origin).

Yes, in addition to Trinity’s collegiate orientation, international students are required to attend international student orientation. International students accepted for admission to Trinity must “check-in” with the International Student Advisor immediately upon arrival to campus.  After admission, contact Hanan Adnan to schedule orientation (or learned the prescribed date of orientation): adnanh@trinitydc.edu or (+1) 202-884-9141.

International Students requiring a student visa to enroll are not eligible to participate in any fully online degree program at Trinity.  Visa requirements require international students maintain full-time enrollment and limit the number of online courses to no more than 1 online course per semester.

Yes, all international students are required to have health insurance. More information about health insurance via Trinity.

You may enter the US up to 30 days prior to the first day of the semester. We recommend that all students arrive to Trinity at least one week prior to the first day of the semester. This gives students time to check-in with the International Student Advisor and attend the orientation sessions.

Every nonimmigrant entering the U.S. on a sponsored visa (F, J, H, etc.) will have a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record created by the Department of Homeland Security upon entry. This record confirms that you have been legally admitted to the U.S. in a specific visa status, and for a duration of time. For F visa holders, the amount of time is indicated by the notation “D/S,” which means you can be in the U.S. for the “Duration of Status” of your student or scholar program.

The I-94 record is created online; no document is issued on the spot. It is your responsibility to look up your I-94 record after entering the U.S. As soon as you arrive from international travel and have access to a computer, look up your I-94 record  to make sure there are no errors.

Yes! Here’s more information about campus housing and how to apply to live on campus.

No, international students have to be fully admitted to Trinity in order to request an I-20.

No, international students cannot study part time. U.S. immigration law requires that all international students on F-1 student visas maintain full-time enrollment. To be considered full time, undergraduate students must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits. Graduate students must be registered for a minimum of 9 credits to be considered full time.

Yes, according to U.S. law, on-campus employment is the only legal employment for international students as long as they are maintaining their status.

In general, most visas allow for part-time/full-time study. Visa types that are prohibited by US immigration law from studying are B1 and B2. Trinity does not issue M-1 visas.  F-2’s may study part time.

We encourage you to visit the U.S. Department of State website and also Study in the States for more information on the rules and regulations about student visas.

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may join you in the US as F-2 dependents. Please inform the International Student Advisor about your dependent(s) and get the necessary information to obtain an F-2 I-20. Your dependent needs an I-20 to apply for an F-2 visa.

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the system used to create and update immigration records for F-1 Visa students. For more information, see Study in the States. The I-901 SEVIS Fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States.

If you are issued a new I-20 with a new SEVIS number, you are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.

For complete details and to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee visit the Student Exchange and Visitor Program website.

After paying, print a copy of your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt and keep it with your I-20.

You should apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country using the admission letter + I-20 form from Trinity, financial documents and I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. You must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. You can schedule a visa appointment up to 120 days in advance of your program start date. 

No, being accepted at Trinity does not guarantee your F-1 visa.

Yes, an affidavit of support is required as part of the student’s application package. It enables international F-1 Visa applicants to verify that they have the necessary financial means to support their education.  Verifying financial support with Trinity also prepares you for demonstrating to U.S. Embassy/Consulate officials that you can afford your education.

Yes.