Steps for F-1 Students Transferring to Durham Tech

Steps for F-1 Students Transferring to Durham Tech

Students or applicants who need to submit documentation to International Student Services should do this via the secure Electronic Document Submission Process (to Center for the Global Learner ONLY) or they can be submitted in person during office hours (Durham Tech main campus, Building #1, Room 148). Email international@durhamtech.edu with questions.

Please feel free to email the International Student Advisors with any questions regarding your F-1 status and beyond, and you can also schedule a virtual appointment with Amelia Tokarsky, advisor (times in US eastern time zone) at https://tokarskya.youcanbook.me.

Important Notes

1. To be eligible to transfer to Durham Tech, your current school must verify that are in valid F-1 status and eligible for transfer. 
2. Durham Tech does not assist current out-of-status F-1 students who need reinstatement.
3. If you are currently on post-completion OPT you must be transferred before the end of your 60-day grace period (after OPT ends). If you want to transfer prior to your OPT end date, your OPT will automatically terminate early.
4. You may not be eligible to apply for, or renew, an NC Driver’s License/Permit until you are registered via the SEVIS system for your first term at Durham Tech. 
5. Admission to Durham Tech does not constitute admission to a specific program. Many programs have additional requirements and may have competitive admissions requirements.
6.  Allow 1-2 weeks after you have completed all requirements (and after your transfer release date) for your I-20 to be prepared.
    

Admission Steps

1. Complete an online Durham Tech Enrollment Application for an eligible F-1 program of study. 

Complete an online Durham Tech Enrollment Application for an eligible F-1 program of study. 

• Please enter your name(s) exactly as the name(s) on your passport to avoid admissions process delays.
• If you attended high school out of the US, follow these instructions (pdf) to complete the educational section of the application.
• When you complete the Residency Determination Service (required as part of the enrollment application to determine the tuition rate you will pay), respond "NO" to the first question of “Do you claim to be a North Carolina resident?”.  F-1 international students cannot qualify as NC residents.
• After you submit the application, you will receive an email with your ID number in a few business days.  With that number you can complete the next steps.  While you are waiting prepare the documents below.

2. Provide proof of completion of high school (or equivalent) degree.

• Official high school degree/diploma/national test scores or official college/university degree or diploma. For many countries, a high school or college transcript does not have the information required. Contact us if you are unsure what document to provide. Any documents that are not in English, must be accompanied by an official English Translation.

• If you have completed college or university courses outside of the US, you must obtain an official evaluation to receive any transfer credit for past courses.

• Any documents not in English, must be accompanied by an official English Translation.
   
• If you have completed college or university courses in the US, an official transcript must be sent from the US directly to Durham Tech.

3. Set up your Durham Tech accounts. 

After you have received an email indicating you have been admitted to Durham Tech, follow the instructions to Activate Your Account and Accessing ConnectMail

4. Pay the international student application fee. 

Log in to Self-Service and pay the $50 non-refundable international application fee.  If you do not see the fee, contact international@durhamtech.edu.  Email international@durhamtech.edu after the fee has been paid.

5. Submit F1 student I-20 Request Form

 F1 Student I-20 Request Form. Print out the form, read carefully, and sign, then submit electronically to the Center for the Global Learner.

6. Prepare for and take Placement Tests

Prepare for and take placement tests.

• If you have adequate AP, SAT, or ACT scores or college level English taken in the US, you may not need to take tests.
• All students who need English testing must first take the Accuplacer ESL test (reading, language use, sentence meaning, and listening).
• After English testing, meet with an EFL Advisor for an evaluation of your test scores. EFL classes may be required.
• Health and Wellness program applicants should consult with a Health Tech advisor to review additional testing requirements

7. Provide other documents

Provide the following documents:

• I-20 showing status from current school, plus all previous 1-20s issued.
• Current valid passport and VISA stamp and/or approval notice.
• I-94  and entry stamp and other docs indicating status. 
• OPT EAD (if applicable)

8. Provide Evidence of Financial Support

• Bank Statement or Letter from Bank (recent - within last 6 months) showing a balance of at least $25,000 USD or the equivalent. View Estimated Expenses needed.  All funds should be in US dollars or a currency equivalency (www.xe.com) must be submitted along with the bank information. The bank account must be a personal account and not a business account. 
• Sponsorship Documents if the funding is in a sponsor’s account. 
  • Affidavit of Support along with financial documents
• $5,000 is required for each F-2 dependent.

9. Review Health Insurance Options.

Review Health Insurance information. Durham Tech strongly recommends health insurance for all F-1s and F-2s.

After you complete the previous steps, we will give you a Transfer Eligibility Form

Submit the Durham Tech Transfer Eligibility Form signed by you and by a “Designated School Official” at your current school. Your school may require proof of admission to Durham Tech or other paperwork before they release your record. We can provide an admission letter for you if needed.

After we receive the signed Transfer Eligibility Form

If you are eligible for transfer to Durham Tech, we will contact your school to have them “release” your record in SEVIS. After your record is released to Durham Tech, we will prepare a pending transfer I-20 for you. Our office will email you once it is ready.

1. Register and Pay for Classes

If you do not pay by your registration deadline, your classes will be dropped.

• Durham Tech offers a payment plan.
• If you qualify for Non-profit Sponsorship, the required documentation is due one week before the payment deadline. Tuition fees can be found on the Tuition and Fees Chart.

2. Attend the mandatory International Student Orientation

You will learn all about Durham Tech and know the next steps before you begin classes.. Ask ISS for the details.

Term	Date of Orientation
Spring 2024	Thursday, January 4, 2024

After classes begin we will prepare a Transfer Completed I-20

We will contact you to pick up the newest I-20. You will be able to obtain/renew your NC Driver’s License one week after the date this I-20 was issued.