Additional Considerations for Trinity Florida International Applicants
Trinity Florida welcomes students from all over the world to our sites in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. International students are valuable members of the Trinity community, and we are committed to serving them through the enrollment process. In addition to the regular application process outlined above, international applicants must also consider the following items: pre-application information form, financial requirements, and visa requirements.
Pre-Application Information Form for International Applicants
Prospective international students need to provide their e-mail address to the Trinity Florida International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) representative (located within the Trinity Florida Records Office) so that a Welcome Letter / Information Packet can be sent to them. The packet contains detailed instructions and an internal I-20 Application form that must be completed and returned to the ISSO. In the I-20 Application, the prospective international student provides preliminary documentation, as required by the U.S. Government, to identify their sources of funding for both education and living expenses while at Trinity (see Financial Requirements section below). Applications for program admission will not be reviewed until the internal I-20 Application and Certificate of Finance (see below) have been received and approved by the Trinity Florida ISSO. This begins the application process. Subsequent to approval of the internal I-20 Application, the prospective student’s Application for Admission will be received and reviewed for admission to Trinity Florida. NOTE: Although this pre-application process must be completed prior to the Admissions process, Federal regulations require that a student be fully admitted (no conditions) prior to the issuance of an I-20.
Financial Requirements - Certificate of Finance (COF)
According to U.S. law, international applicants must demonstrate how all expenses related to education, travel, and living will be paid prior to issuing a U.S. Immigration Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) or F-1 student visa. International applicants may apply if they have a financial guarantor in the United States or if they have sufficient evidence from legitimate individuals or organizations that their expenses while attending Trinity can be met. Living expenses can add more than $20,000 annually to the costs of education (tuition, fees, books). Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) information is available from the Financial Aid office at Trinity Florida.
International students on an F-1 visa should not plan on working in the U.S. to fund their studies. They are required to register as a full-time student each semester and Trinity Florida requires payment in full prior to starting semester classes. Please note that the Trinity Alternative Payment Plan (TAPP) is not available to international students.
In addition to the I-20 Application detailed above, International applicants must complete the Certificate of Finance (COF). The COF must identify monies readily available for the first year of study and document additional funding for the duration of the student’s program. Most international applicants, depending on anticipated living arrangements and the number of family members accompanying them to the United States, will need to identify available funds of around US $34,000 to satisfy this requirement.
At this time, accepted international applicants living outside the United States must also submit a US $2,000 tuition deposit (partially refundable) before the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) for a student visa will be issued.
Visa Requirements
Trinity International University - Florida is authorized under U.S. law to enroll non-immigrant alien students; however, these U.S. laws are becoming increasingly stringent. International students must enter the United States with an F-1 visa, which is granted by the U.S. government. Applicants already in the United States in a visa category other than F-1 (including F-2, B-1, and B-2) may be admitted as Visiting Students or part time students for credit depending on visas as long as the studies are not the primary purpose for being present in the U.S. Failure to observe this limitation will place one’s visa status in doubt and could jeopardize a student’s ability to secure an F-1 visa in the future should their educational goals change.
A U.S. Immigration Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) will be issued by Trinity International University - Florida, enabling the international applicant to apply for an F-1 student visa, after the following have been met:
- The applicant has demonstrated English language competence meeting or exceeding Trinity’s standards,
- The applicant has been admitted as a student,
- The applicant has demonstrated adequate financial resources through documentation provided with the Certificate of Finance, and
- The applicant has submitted a US $2,000 tuition deposit and accepted their offer of admission.
Trinity Florida's staff is available to help you with any of these steps.
In accordance with U.S. immigration law, Trinity does not allow non-immigrant aliens to register as full-time or degree-seeking students without an F-1 visa. Permanent residents are exempt from these limitations, as are certain other visa statuses (i.e., R-1 or H1B). Further questions regarding visa status and eligibility to study at Trinity may be directed to Trinity’s International Students & Scholars Office on campus. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain legal immigration status.
For full details on the process of becoming an international student in the United States please refer to the Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website (external link).
Housing and Transportation Cosiderations
Trinity International University - Florida is a "professional" or "commuter" campus. All courses are held in the evenings or weekends. Trinity Florida does not offer any housing options. Therefore it is important to note that all students are expected to secure housing and a means of transportation in order to attend classes at Trinity Florida. Public transportation is available near both Florida sites, however the evening and/or weekend schedule may impact the availability of these services. It is important for prospective students to consider their living and transportation options while applying for admission to Trinity Florida. Trinity Florida's staff is available to help you if you have general questions regarding these considerations.