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Group of International Students

International Students

Welcome! We are very happy that you are considering College of the Siskiyous as a great place to begin your higher education. We look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions, and welcoming you to our special college in the far northern, beautiful mountains of California.

COS is also unique in that we are one of a few two-year colleges that offer on-campus housing. Many students spend at least their first year in the residence halls, which offer meal plans and activities.

Students tell us that the best thing about COS is the helpful staff, excellent education, help for writing, reading, math, the friendly faculty, and the beautiful location. COS is located in a rural, forested area at the base of Mt. Shasta. Our location provides students with the opportunity to go skiing, snowboarding, hiking, swimming, rafting, and other outdoor activities year-round.

We look forward to hearing from you and answer your questions. We have a detailed FAQs page for your possible questions; feel free to visit that area to learn more about us. Continuing International Students click here for continuing eligibility and enrollment requirements.

COS is certified by Student & Exchange Visitor Program to issue Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Below is the information you need to complete the application process for issuance of the Form I-20. Please email international@siskiyous.edu if you have any questions regarding the required documents or the application process.

International Admissions is closed for Fall 2023.

We recommend that you begin the international application process at least 3 months before your intended arrival. Deadlines are as follows:

Application Deadlines
Term Received by
Fall May 15
Spring October 15
Summer March 15

It takes time to process the I-20 (the document we issue) and obtain the F-1 student visa (issued by the U.S. consulate in your home country).

Submissions after deadline may not be processed in time for that term.

Before you submit the application, you will need to fill out and assemble the following documents:

  • Completed International Student Admissions Application whether you are a first-time student (you have never attended a U.S. school), or if you have had a gap of more than 5 months between academic programs, or a student transferring in from another U.S. school without a gap.
  • Evidence of English proficiency by meeting one of the following requirements, please click on this link for a list of accepted exam scores, or other forms of meeting proficiency.
  • Proof of Financial Support
    • Official bank letter or bank statement in English verifying $19,000 USD for one year of study, additional financial resources required for each dependent (email international@siskiyous.edu for more information regarding dependents). An official bank letter or statement issued within 3 months of the application deadline is required.
  • Statement of Financial Responsibility
    • Fill out and sign the Statement of Financial Responsibility, Certification, and Acknowledgement for each sponsor (attached to the International Student Admissions Application), family contributor, or scholarship.
    • Tuition costs can be found by clicking here and is updated annually in April for the following academic year.
    • For general information on estimated costs of attendance for tuition, textbooks, living expenses, and room and board, click here.
    • Fees are subject to change without notice pending Board of Trustees and California State Legislature actions.
  • Education
    • Must show official proof of completion of High School or Secondary Education by submitting an official transcript, diploma, or letter from your school certifying that you will be completing. Go to this link for more information regarding meeting English Proficiency by attending an English Language School.
    • Please submit your transcripts from post-secondary educational institutions (in order to have credits count toward your degree) to International Education Research Foundation at IERF.org for a formal evaluation. Transcripts submitted must be translated to English.
  • $100.00 USD non-refundable application fee. After all of your documents are submitted, you will be contacted by the International Student Services department with instructions on how to submit payment before your Form I-20 is sent to you.
  • Copy of your Passport
  • In addition to the documents listed above, the documents below are required to be submitted by students transferring in from another U.S. educational institution.
    • Current I-20
    • Transfer In Form fill out this form completely and submit it to your current school’s Designated School Official.
    • Official Transcripts from any past U.S. educational institutions you have attended should be sent to:
      Admissions and Records
      College of the Siskiyous
      800 College Avenue
      Weed, CA 96094

Submit all of the required documents and the International Student Application to international@siskiyous.edu.

Step 1: Complete the Application Process

Before enrolling, the above application and admissions requirements must be completed and submitted.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Once you have met all the admissions requirements and are accepted as an International Student, we will enter your information into our system and report to SEVIS to issue you your I-20.

When you receive your I-20, you are required to complete an I-901 form and pay a fee of $350 USD before the U.S. Department of State issues a visa. Please access the link below for the form and payment information.

https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html

Step 2: Make an appointment with a Consulate

Once you have received your I-20 in the mail and paid the I-901 fee, you will make an appointment with a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country to have your F-1 Visa issued. There may be fees associated with processing the visa. Once issued, send a copy of the F-1 Visa to College of the Siskiyous with your proof of health insurance. Once we receive all your documents you will be cleared to participate in orientation and registration.

Step 3: Siskiyou Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR)

Contact Counseling and Student Support Programs to set up an appointment by emailing counselingservices@siskiyous.edu or calling +1-530-938-5353.

International students are required to be enrolled in a full course load of 12 units or more with a minimum of 9 units being in-person classes. Exceptions have been made for the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact international@siskiyous.edu for most recent guidelines.

  • Bring your I-94 to the International Student Services Office and check in with your Designated School Official (DSO).
  • Submit a tuberculosis clearance in-person or by sending it to international@siskiyous.edu.
  • Submit proof of Health Insurance. F-1 International Students are required to have health insurance that covers them while living and studying in the U.S.
  • Attend the required International Student Orientation scheduled by your DSO.
  • Check-in with your DSO on a monthly basis to stay in compliance with your F-1 Visa.
  • Upload your COVID-19 Vaccination record through mySiskiyous by clicking on COVID Reporting - Company Nurse. Do not send your vaccine record to us by email. Instructions on how to submit your record can be found here.

Contact International Admissions

International Admissions Officer
Email: international@siskiyous.edu
Phone: (530) 938-5374
Fax: (530) 938-5367
Address: International Admissions, 800 College Avenue, Weed CA 96094