Download International Student Packet
SEVIS F-1 Program Certification, International Student Admissions, Proof of Financial Resources, and English Language Certification
VWMTC is pleased to announce that as of early September, 2008, the training program is certified and approved by the Student Visitor and Exchange Program (SEVP), Department of Homeland Security to accept international students with F-1 visa status for enrollment. As a matter of fact, we already have enrolled a few F-1 visa international students.
In past years, VWMTC has trained numerous international nonimmigrant students with great results of multiplication in winning the lost in their home countries. VWMTC highly values the participation of international students in the program. During the pioneering school year of 2007-2008, VWMTC, as a new stand-alone school, had to petition SEVIS, undergo a site visit inspection by SEVIS and present documentation to prove its qualifications.
Finally, the petition has been approved. We are SEVIS F-1 visa qualified. Again, we already have some F-1 visa international students. VWMTC is accepting more applications from nom-immigrant international students. You can apply right now – no more waiting for the government to approve us. It is done! Praise the Lord!
VWMTC has developed an International Student Admissions Packet that supplements the regular VWMTC Application for Admission form. Each international student who desires to attend VWMTC must complete these documents. These forms list the estimated tuition and living expenses for an international student to attend VWMTC over a period of 12 months and also forms to list and certify proof of sufficient financial resources. This is because the international student is required by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services to demonstrate proof of financial resources to support themselves and their dependents for a minimum of one year in the United States.
The current estimated school and living expenses for an international student are listed at the end of this section.
It is also necessary that all international students have sufficient knowledge of the English language so that they can successfully assume a fulltime class load. VWMTC will offer an English language prerequisite course for those students who fail to meet passing levels for the TOEFL and other English language proficiency survey instruments. This course will be offered a few weeks in advance of the beginning of the school year.
International Student Eligibility to Enroll
International nonimmigrant students must qualify for and receive a Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20, completed by the VWMTC International Student Advisor (ISA) and signed by the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO). The prospective international student must also process a Form I-901 and pay the I-901 filing fee, which will be for the amount of $200 effective October 27. This fee may also be paid on-line at www.fmjfee.com. Be sure you retain a printed receipt of payment.
At VWMTC, Reba Altizer is both the appointed PDSO and ISA. VWMTC then mails the Form I-20 to the prospective student, but the prospective student must pay the shipping charges if he or she wants the Form I-20 shipped via DHL or FEDEX. The prospective student must submit a completed application package to VWMTC and pay the required $100 filing fee to SEVIS through an online process. Then the student presents the Form I-20, the receipt for Form I-901 payment, an acceptance letter from VWMTC, an official transcript with school seal to certify completion of one year of Bible foundations, and bank statements and other documentation to prove financial ability to attend VWMTC to the immigration section of the U.S. Embassy or consulate in his or her country, in order to apply for an F-1 visa. This visa classifies the student as a nonimmigrant student. Upon being approved for the F-1 student visa, he or she is eligible to attend VWMTC.
Upon arrival at VWMTC, all international students are expected to perform all required actions to maintain F-1 status, such as reporting a change of address or reporting travel outside the U.S., progress satisfactorily in the program of instruction. Each international student should also budget wisely for school and personal expenses.
Authorized Employment
An F-1 student will be allowed to study at VWMTC for a maximum of one year and has the privilege to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and remain in the US for an additional year or more during the OPT period subject to the latest SEVIS policies. The F-1 student is eligible to apply for part-time employment throughout Victory Christian Center, and indeed Victory provides many work-study opportunities for international students. The F-1 student will be allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term and up to a maximum of 40 hours per week during school vacations and holidays approved by the institution. Upon completion of the VWMTC program, the F-1 student has the option of transferring to a higher level program at another institution (e.g., transferring to Oral Roberts to enroll in a master degree program), applying for OPT, or returning to their country of residence.
Spouses and Dependent Children
Spouses and dependent children of F-1 students must apply for and receive their own Form I-20’s. They are considered to be in F-2 status. A spouse may not work and cannot enroll in school except for courses recreational or vocational in nature. The F-1 sponsor must demonstrate in advance adequate financial resources to support his dependents while attending VWMTC. If the F-1 student sponsor falls out of status, the F-2 dependents also lose status.
Quality of Life for VWMTC International Students
We want our international students to have a life-changing experience and also enjoy their time at VWMTC. VWTMC is committed to helping the international student adjust successfully to the routine of VWMTC student life and also to successfully adjust to living in Tulsa far from their countries of residence. Victory Christian Center provides many activities and services to internationals in general. The VWMTC ISA/PDSO coordinates the various family and community services available within Victory and also within the Tulsa metropolitan area. VWMTC will conduct special orientation to incoming international students one week prior to the beginning of classes. All VWMTC international students are encourage to participate in the activities of the Victory International Cell Ministry (VICM) headed by Pastors Steve and Pearl.
Estimated School & Living Expenses for One Year for an International Student at VWMTC
Application fee to enroll at VWMTC - $35
Tuition for 2008-2009 VWMTC school year - $2,200
Graduation fee - $50
Books (estimated) - $600
Estimated rental apartment, food - $9,500
Other incidentals, pocket money - $1,440
TOTAL Estimated School, Living Expenses $13,825
For any required English language training, add an estimated $500.
These figures are for an unaccompanied international student (no spouse or children) and may vary according to individual lifestyle.
Point of Contact: The PDSO/International Student Advisor is Reba Altizer, Phone: 918 491-7695, E-mail: RAltizer@victory.com.
