Durham Tech will not issue an I-20 for an F-1 visa until after a prospective student has completed the checklist for change of status and met with the counselor/admissions officer for international students.  Admission steps, which include taking a COMPASS placement test at Durham Tech, can be found in the admissions section of the web site.

Durham Technical Community College is an open-door institution, and persons who meet the admissions requirements are usually accepted, although some programs, such as nursing, have additional requirements. After acceptance into the college, students will be advised of how to apply to the Department of Homeland Security for a change of status to F-1 visa status.  This process can take several months and there is no guarantee of approval.

Frequently asked Questions for Prospective Students Not Currently in the U.S.
Do my transcripts need to be in English?
Yes, and the English translation must be completed by a certified translator.

Can I take the placement tests somewhere else?
No, the COMPASS placement test must be taken at one of the three Durham Tech campuses in North Carolina.

Is the COMPASS test the only one that I need to take?
The TOEFL may be required for health programs, but should not be taken until after completion of the COMPASS exam and required pre-requisite courses.

Can I get an I-20 for the ESL program?
No, Durham Tech does not issue an I-20 for this noncredit program.

Do you have scholarships and financial aid?
Durham Tech has no financial aid available for non-resident international students. Please note that non-resident international students pay North Carolina out-of-state tuition fees.

Will you provide housing?
Durham Tech has no dormitories or other living facilities. Students must make their own living and transportation arrangements.

Do I need health insurance?
Evidence of an acceptable U.S. health insurance policy for international students is highly recommended. 

If you have further questions, please call Margaret Newhouse, counselor/admissions officer for international students, at 919-536-7202, ext. 1105, or email newhousem@durhamtech.edu.

For Those in the U.S. with Another Visa

For those who are in the U.S. with another valid visa, it may be possible to change visa status to F-1 student visa. The checklist for change of status lists everything that must be completed before we can issue the I-20. The I-20 is then used to apply for the F-1 student visa (either by returning to the home country or by submitting an application for change of status to USCIS in the Department of Homeland Security). Please note that you must be "in status" with your current visa in order to be admitted into a Durham Tech curriculum program of study.

After reviewing the checklist, if you need more information about admissions and possibly changing your current visa to F-1 student visa status, please contact Margaret Newhouse at newhousem@durhamtech.edu or 919-536-7202. General admissions information is also available under the general admissions area of our web site.

For F-1 Visa Transfer Students

To be eligible to transfer to our college, your current school must verify that you hold the F-1 visa in good standing. If this is not the case and you have fallen "out-of-status" with your F-1 visa, Durham Tech will not admit you into a curriculum program of study at the present time. Please view the checklist for transfer and the transfer clearance form that your current school must complete.

ESL Courses

English as a Second Language (ESL)
Durham Technical Community College offers a variety of noncredit ESL courses for students who need to improve their English skills: three beginning levels, two intermediate levels, and one advanced level. In addition to helping students acquire basic English skills for everyday life, these courses teach students about the American culture.

Classes meet in both Durham and Orange counties in order to meet the needs of the Durham Tech service area. Students are required to take a placement test before enrolling in the classes.

For more information, please review ESL Frequently Asked Questions (Preguntas más comunes) and the ESL Course Information (Información sobre cursos y horarios de ESL).

Inglés como segundo idioma (ESL)
Durham Technical Community College ofrece una variedad de cursos sin crédito de ESL para los estudiantes que necesitan mejorar sus conocimientos de inglés. Se ofrecen tres cursos de nivel principiante, dos de nivel intermedio y uno de nivel avanzado. Además de ayudar a los estudiantes a adquirir conocimientos básicos de inglés; estos cursos también ofrecen información sobre la cultura norteamericana.

Las clases se ofrecen en los condados de Durham y Orange, áreas cubiertas por Durham Tech. Los estudiantes deben tomar una prueba de nivel antes de inscribirse en las clases.

Para más información, vea las preguntas frecuentes de ESL y la información sobre dichos cursos.

Durham Technical Community College
1637 Lawson Street
Durham, NC 27703
919-536-7200

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