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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The Intensive English Program is authorized to issue the I-20 form that the student needs to obtain an F-1 student visa for full-time intensive English study. Any person 18 years or older who has a high school diploma or its equivalent is welcome to apply. If you are interested in attending the North Harris College Intensive English Program, please submit the following:
- A completed Application for Admissions form signed by the prospective student.
- A notarized letter indicating evidence of sufficient financial support for the academic year. [Submit a letter from bank and affidavit of support. For detailed requirements please see Visa Information section below.]
- Most recent academic transcript.
- An authorization to transfer if you are transferring from another program in the United States.
These documents must be received no later than the following dates:
Fall Semester July 1
Spring Semester November 1
Summer Semester April 1
International students will be considered for admission only after the previous steps are completed. A student admitted on visa category F-1 must enroll and maintain a minimum of 12 semester hours or 320 clock hours (20 hours a week for 16 weeks) each of the fall and spring semesters. The length of the Intensive English Program is approximately 18 months.
Start dates of the Intensive English Program vary slightly every year. Below are the approximate beginning dates of semesters. You may use them to plan your trip. Detailed information will be mailed to you once you are accepted by the program.
Fall Last week of August
Spring Third week of January
Summer First week of June
Students who register for the first time in the Intensive English Program are required to take a placement test as an initial assessment of proficiency level. The placement test is offered at various times during the year.
VISA INFORMATION
Tourist Visa
If you are coming to the United States for a short vacation you may choose a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) for your vacation trip. B-1/B-2 visitors and their family members may enroll in an ESL program for a temporary period during the time of their authorized stay. Their enrollment in school is only incidental to the time proposed for being present in the U.S. as foreign visitors or businessmen.
Students who were initially admitted to the U.S. as B-1 or B-2 and who wish to pursue a full-time study must apply for a change of status with the international advisor on campus.
F-1 Visa or I-20
When you apply for admission in our program we will request that you provide, in addition to a completed application, proof of financial support (see the application form for detailed information). We will send you an I-20, which you will take to the U. S. Embassy or Consulate in your country along with your passport and other supporting documentation. With these documents you will request an F-1 visa.
Acceptable proof of adequate financial support for study is an I-34 Affidavit of Support and proof of the sponsor's financial resources, which includes two documents: 1) a letter from the sponsor's bank stating the name of the account holder, the date the account was opened, the total ending balance of the past year, and the current balance; 2) A letter from the employer of the sponsor stating the sponsor's employment status and current annual salary. If you are over 21 and have the funds to support yourself, you do not need a sponsor, but you must submit proof of your financial resources. The bank letter must be from an officer of the bank or other financial institution in which the student has deposits (see above for details of the letter). These papers must be obtained in duplicate, so that one set of originals can be presented at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with the visa application.
ADMISSION TO COLLEGE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Students seeking admission to the College for the Associate of Arts Degree, the Associate of Science Degree, the Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificates under visa category F-1 must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and must earn a score of 550 or higher unless they are registered in the Intensive English Program. TOEFL is required regardless of prior enrollment in a United States high school or college. First-time college students should submit a certified English translation of high school transcript showing completion of secondary school. Transfers from a college or university must submit official transcripts and a course-by-course evaluation from an evaluation service which is accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services Inc. (NACES) from each college or university.
TOEFL Waiver Students who successfully complete advanced ESL courses, i.e., ENGL 0326 and ENGL 0313, are not required to present a TOEFL score when seeking undergraduate admission to North Harris Montgomery Community College District.
ESTIMATE OF EXPENSES*
Many of our students tell us that they find the cost of living in Houston to be equal to or less than their country. Basic expenses such as food and accommodations are reasonably priced. Many entertainment choices are available for different budgets. Following is a list of estimated costs for a semester of study in the Intensive English Program.
| Tution and Fees [for 16-week semester] | $1,044 |
| Medical Insurance | 250 |
| Living Cost [housing and food] | 1,760 |
| Books | 220 |
| Total for one semester | $3,274 |
*All estimate figures are subject to change without notice.
Please allow enough time for us to process your application and for you to obtain all necessary documents. If your application is accepted, you will be sent a notice of acceptance and a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form). If dependents (spouse or children) are accompanying you, please include their names on your application form. Your estimate of expenses will increase with each dependent. The I-20 form will cover only your period of study in the IEP. Students are advised not to enter the United States on a tourist visa. If you are currently living in the United States, please indicate your type of visa and date of expiration.
For additional information, please visit our web site at esl.nhmccd.edu or contact:
Language Center
North Harris College
2700 W.W. Thorne Drive
Houston, Texas 77073 U.S.A.
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