International Student

Moraine Valley’s International Student Affairs department has been helping international students since 1989 and is an excellent place to begin your studies in the United States.
At ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú, students have opportunities to improve their English, succeed in degree and certificate programs, transfer to top universities, and pursue career pathways through local internships. Students enjoy a beautiful, tree-lined campus that is within easy access of Chicago by public transportation. Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and is home to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities. Moraine Valley students benefit from transfer agreements between the college and many renowned local universities
Experience comprehensive academic programs, small class sizes and access to our outstanding facilities, hi-tech classrooms, large diverse campus environment.
Admission Process
If students are already studying in the US on an F1 visa and wish to transfer to ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú, they must complete the following steps.
New Students (Outside of the USA)
Student Visa and I-20 Form
Once issued an I-20 form from Moraine Valley, students will need to visit a U.S. Embassy, or Consulate, to obtain an F-1 student visa. This document is proof that a student has been officially admitted to a college or university and it is needed to obtain the correct non-immigrant visa.
Students must make an appointment with the closest U.S. Embassy, or Consulate, for an F-1 STUDENT VISA. There may be special fees, interview procedures, and processing times. Students should contact the U.S. Embassy, or Consulate, in the most convenient location. Students may find locations for student visa issuance at the .
Prepare for an interview at the US Embassy
- Students must be able to prove to the US Embassy or Consular officials that they can afford education in the USA. Students should be prepared to bring current financial support documents to prove that they, their family, or sponsor has enough money to support them during their studies. Consular officials may ask for information related to a student’s academic background to determine if the student has adequate preparation for an academic program in the USA.
- Students may be asked to provide information about their family, parents’ occupation, employer, property ownership, or other evidence of family connections to a home country. Information that might demonstrate opportunities after degree completion could be helpful in such situations. Student applicants may be asked to demonstrate ties to their home country and why they plan to return.
- All students should be prepared to discuss the reasons for choosing Moraine Valley and their academic goals. Visa officials may wish to discuss the decision process to ensure that the student is prepared for an academic program in the USA. It is recommended that student applicants be prepared, honest, and friendly.
After receiving a student visa, students are allowed to enter the United States up to 30 days before the beginning of the semester. However, Moraine Valley may not be able to assist new students with overseas arrivals or housing if before specified arrival dates. Students who choose to arrive early must make their own arrangements for arrival and housing. We are prepared to assist students with arrival and housing ONLY on the scheduled arrival dates.
Students are required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service to report to the college by the date shown on the I-20 form. This date is usually the first date of the required International Student Orientation Program.
Transfer Students (Inside of the USA)
After receiving acceptance into a program at Moraine Valley, students must submit the following documents to the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current institution:
- Acceptance Letter
Present a copy to the DSO of the current institution with the International Student SEVIS Transfer Form. - International Student SEVIS Transfer form
ISA staff will issue a transfer form with the acceptance letter. Both must be submitted to the DSO.
Once both of these forms are submitted and the record is transferred to ISA staff, the new I-20 can be picked up at Moraine Valley, or mailed to the student’s current address.
Students should review costs carefully and be prepared for the expense of living and studying in the USA. The estimated costs presented to students represent the minimum estimate of expenses for an academic year from August through May. This estimate does not include the summer semester or other expenses such as additional coursework, entertainment, travel, clothing, medicine, automobiles, special recreation, and leisure activities. Actual tuition and other expenses could be higher and are subject to change. ISA staff continually update costs as up-to-date information becomes available.Ìý
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Estimate of Expenses
Tuition Payment
Tuition may be paid with cash, credit card, traveler’s check, certified international bank check, U.S. bank personal checks, or wire transfers. You can download the wire transfer form here. For new students, tuition is paid during the week of arrival as part of the orientation process. Students must have full access to their financial accounts and have funds available upon arrival to the USA. To make a pre-payment of estimated tuition and fees before arrival, please see the Wire Transfer Form on our webpage. The actual cost of tuition and fees may be affected by the amount/ type of courses selected. Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other expenses are due one semester at a time. Living expenses are not paid to the college.
Credit Hours and Course Registration
International students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester to maintain legal full-time status according to U.S. government regulations. The exact schedule of classes and costs are determined after students complete placement testing and select classes. Intensive English level 1 requires 13 credit hours of enrollment, so the tuition estimate is calculated at 25 minimum credit hours for an academic year.
*Tuition payment plans are not available to international students on F-1 visas.
International Student Orientation
All new students are required to attend the International Student Orientation Program. This week-long program provides international students with information to help with the transition to Moraine Valley. Students are provided with information about living in the community, the American academic system, academic programs available at Moraine Valley, and class registration requirements.
During the International Student Orientation, international students are comprehensively tested in areas ranging from language ability to math and science. After the tests are completed, students are given individual appointments with advisors to discuss test results and class placement. Students who do not meet university-level English language requirements are placed in the Intensive English Language Program. Students who do meet English language requirements are assisted with registration for regular academic coursework. Orientation also includes social activities and sightseeing opportunities.
International Student Affairs provides assistance to international students arriving in the community. For international students participating in the International Host Home Program, ISA staff can help make arrangements with host home families.
Housing Assistance
International Student Affairs offers housing assistance to international students. To meet student needs, the Host Home Program allows students to rent a room in the home of a local community member. Many new students take advantage of the Host Home Program to help during the adjustment period of studying in the United States. ISA also provides assistance in locating apartments for students who prefer to live more independently. In either case, the International Student Housing Specialist provides support with locating accommodations. You can download the Incoming Student Housing Application here.
Host Home Program
Living with a host family allows students to experience life with an American family and develop lasting relationships. A host family provides a supportive, friendly atmosphere to help international students adjust to the community. Students who request the benefits of the Host Home Program enjoy the conveniences of a furnished home, private bedroom, laundry facilities, television, and other appliances. Moraine Valley hosts live in communities near the college and students use the public bus system to travel to the college.
Apartments
Many apartments are within walking distance of the college, or along local bus routes. Apartment price ranges vary with the level of accommodation. Moraine Valley’s International Student Housing Specialist provides roommate referral services for students looking to share living expenses. New students who wish to rent an apartment are provided with housing assistance and ongoing support, but apartment complexes do not have college affiliation.
International Students
Getting Started
To apply to Moraine Valley as a new international student, or an international student who is not currently on an F1 visa, students must complete the following steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start your admission application today
Why Choose Moraine Valley
International students can complete their first two years of study at Moraine Valley for virtually any bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college, or university. Each of the Moraine Valley’s associate degrees — Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.), Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.) and Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.)—are a combination of core general education courses and major-specific electives.
Ensure a Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year School
Students who know their intended transfer institution are advised to meet with an academic advisor each semester to create a detailed education plan that will make the transfer process simple and easy.
Community and Support
Do you have any questions?
Get in touch and our team will answer all of them.

Hours
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Spring/Fall |
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Monday – Tuesday |
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
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Wednesday – Friday |
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
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Summer |
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Monday – Thursday |
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
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Friday |
Closed |
Office Location
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