Admission Process

To complete the admissions process, the candidate must meet and submit the following requirements:

Admissions Process
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To apply for one of the degree programs at San Ignacio university, prospective students contact the university to reserve an appointment with an admissions representative; to discuss his/her program of choice. The University Recruitment Director is responsible for determining if an applicant has met all admission requirements. Once all the required documents have been received and the admissions criteria met, the enrollment agreement is signed by the Recruitment Director a copy of the signed enrollment agreement is sent to the student along with their acceptance letter. In the event the prospective student does not meet the admissions criteria, the student will be notified in writing.  

‍Admissions Criteria

Prospective students must have evidence of a high school diploma, or its equivalent, a bachelor’s degree if applying for a master’s degree program or verified evidence of having completed a post-secondary education degree. Non-U.S. issued documents will be evaluated by companies that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) into English (if applicable) at an additional cost to the prospective student.   

Prospective students must also demonstrate the ability to be successful in an online learning environment; and meet the technology requirements for participation in the program ( see requirements below).
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English Language Proficiency Requirements The University requires all non-native English speakers to demonstrate a command of the English language that is necessary for success in college level classes taught in English.

Please note: The university offers Spanish courses to Spanish-native students who have completed their high school or post-secondary education in their home country. therefore, they are not required to demonstrate a command of the Spanish language. Students taking courses in Spanish are exempt from the English proficiency exams.
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TECHNOLOGY: COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS 
It is important that all distance education students have convenient access to appropriate technology. It is not required for you to have the newest computer and fastest internet connection to attend courses online. Be aware that individual courses may require additional access to textbooks, CDs, DVDs, videotapes, audio tapes, or other specialized software. To participate in Online distance education courses and programs at SIU, students are required to have convenient access to the minimum technology specifications listed below.
●       Desktop or Laptop CPU: 1GHz CPU (2.5 GHz recommended) ●       Pentium D or higher
●       Memory RAM 1 GB or higher.
●       Video resolution [1024x728]
●       Fixed or wireless Internet Access (1Mb).
●       Microphone and Audio Headphones.    
●       Web Browser Mozilla Firefox v.22 or more recent.
●       Operating System Windows XP or more recent.
●       Acrobat Reader (Free software).
●       Macromedia Flash Player.
●       Microsoft Office or Open Office.
●       Webcam for interacting in course activities that require video feedback from students(such as Voice Thread), video test proctoring (such as Proctorio), or other third-party tools. 

Technology requirements can be found under academics/policies

Students who completed undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to receive a work permit and a Social Security Number through the Optional Practical Training (OPT).

San Ignacio University's International Students Advisor can recommend an OPT  only if the student complies with the next requirements:

• The student has been legally enrolled as a full-time student for at least one year.
• The student has maintained the F-1 status.
• The student will work on a field directly related to his or her studies.
* To learn more about the complete requirement list for OPT, contact:

TRANSFER I-20 TO SIU

Transfer students are always welcome at SIU. Students interested in transferring to SIU must comply with the admission requirements (see admission process):

• Certified bank statement in English to prove funding for at least twelve months of enrollment, tuition, and living expenses (amount must be in USD).
• Affidavit of support form in case of a sponsor.
• Copy of passport and I-94 if required.
Once the student completed the admission requirements and is accepted at SIU:
• The student and his/her school must complete the transference form
Once the I-20 has been submitted to SIU, we will issue a new one and the student and the student will start the next trimester.

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT
SIU knows that academic coordinators are in the business of building futures. Answering questions and finding solutions for our students is how you get it done. That’s why we put together what you and your students need at your digital fingertips, with answers to questions such as:
Find out what we look like by visiting our webpage
Admission process for international students
Type of aid available to international students.

If you still have questions after browsing our online resources, please contact at the Office of Admissions by email or phone.

The University  encourages applications for admission from qualified students regardless of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected group status in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws on non-discrimination and equal opportunity.

COST OF ATTENDANCE
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‍Tuition and fees are based on a number of factors, including undergraduate or graduate status. However, our costs are often competitive with the rates at your local university. Visit the tuition and fee tab to learn more.

Housing: San Ignacio University does not have dormitory facilities under its control, and we do not aid the student in finding housing. The availability of housing near the institution is favorable with the average cost of a home in the area at around $400,000 and rent for a1- bedroom apartment is approximately $1500, but costs may vary depending on the specific area. 

See tuition and fee for an estimates for planning purposes.
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IMMIGRATION INFORMATION       
Most international students come to SIU on F-1 or J-1 student visas. To apply for these, you need eligibility documents (I-20s for F-1 visas or DS-2019s for J-1 visas) from SIU.

F-1 STUDENT VISA – I-20

The F-1 is the most commonly used student visa. Students must have a valid educational purpose for coming to the United States, be a full-time student, and provide proof of their ability to fund their education. Upon admission to an SIU program and receipt of financial documentation, the student is issued an I-20 to be used to obtain the F-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. The spouse or children of an F-1 student enter the US on F-2 visas and are not eligible to attend university or work in the US.
‍Transferring F-1 status from another US Institution: F-1 students who are already attending a US school may transfer their immigration status to SIU, if they are admitted into an SIU program, provide proof of financial support, and have continuously maintained immigration status while in the US. Students must enroll in courses at SIU within 5 months of the last date of attendance at the previous school or the end date of OPT.
After the student is admitted to SIU and receives the official offer letter, they must ask the current institution to transfer the SEVIS record to SIU. SIU DSO must receive the completed  SEVIS record to issue a SIU I-20.
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‍Changing to F-1 from another non-immigrant visa: Students who are in the US using a non-immigrant visa other than F-1 may choose to change their status to F-1 prior to beginning their SIU academic program. This may be accomplished either by traveling outside the U.S. or by applying to USCIS for a change of status. Students who decide to travel to obtain their F-1 must receive an I-20 from International Services. Students who apply for a change of status should make an appointment to meet with the DSOto discuss the procedures.

‍J-1 STUDENT VISA – DS-2019
‍The J-1 visa is an "exchange visitor" visa which is managed under the auspices of the Exchange Visitor Program of the US Department of State. The J-1 visa is used primarily by exchange students (non degree-seeking) and students sponsored by US government agencies. Students who meet the criteria for the J-1 visa will be issued a DS-2019 by a United States government agency. The spouse or children of a J-1 student enter the US on a J-2 visa. Spouses in J-2 status may apply to USCIS for permission to work after their arrival in the U.S. Spouses and children also may attend school.

OTHER VISA TYPES (NON F-1 VISA HOLDERS)
Please note that individuals in F-2 and B1/B2 (visitor) status are PROHIBITED from studying in a degree seeking program. For information about non-immigrant visas go to  U.S. Department of State website.

‍HOW TO GET YOUR NON-IMMIGRANT VISA                                
‍Upon receipt of the I-20 or DS-2019, visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) SEVIS I‑901 Fee processing website to pay the SEVIS (I-901) fee required for all student visa applications. Be sure to print the receipt showing payment of this fee. Following fee payment, contact the US Embassy or Consulate to schedule a visa appointment and download visa application forms. (NOTE: Citizens of Canada are not required to apply for an entry visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate). Take your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, admission letter, and financial support documentation (e.g., award letter, bank statement, etc.) to the US Embassy or Consulate for the appointment.