Q: Am I an international student? [top]
A: You are an international student if you are studying in the United States or planning to study in the United States on an F-1 student visa (international student with an approved I-20), an M-1 student visa (international student enrolled in a vocational studies program), or a J-1 visa (exchange visitor). Most Siena Heights University international students are enrolled on F-1 student visas.
The conditions of these visas vary. F-1 and M-1 students are expected to be enrolled in a Homeland Security (SEVIS) approved FULL TIME CONTINUOUS academic studies program. J-1 students may work and do research on their visas in specifically approved programs. F-2, M-2, and F-2 (dependent spouses and children of F, M, and J visa holders) may also study in the United States in private and public studies programs. F-2, J-2, and M-2 students do not have to be enrolled full time at the institution where they wish to study. There are no restrictions on F2, M2, or J2 student studies: people with these classifications can study as little or as much as they want in any type of program, approved by SEVIS or not. They do not need to study at all. Siena Heights University welcomes F-2, M-2, and J-2 status spouses and dependents to study in the English language program.
TOURISTS on B1/B2 tourist visas MAY NOT enroll full time in an academic or vocational studies program but may study in the English program on a less than 18 hour a week basis.
I-20 = Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Schools
SEVIS = Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (international student computerized tracking system)
Full Time F-1 Status = F-1 students are required to study at least 18 hours a week and to be continuously enrolled in their specific studies program.
Q: Can I process a student visa while I am in the United States? [top]
A: No, you cannot. You must be outside of the United States in order to process a student visa. It is not necessary that you be in your own country to process the visa. Any United States consulate abroad may process the visa application. You must appear in person for your interview at a United States consulate abroad.
Q: Can I change my visa to F-1 from a B1-B2 tourist visa while I am in the United States? [top]
A: Yes, you may be able to do this. Siena Heights University will consider such applications for change of visa status, but Siena Heights reserves the right to accept or deny any such change of status request for study at Siena Heights University. This is because Siena Heights University must participate in the process and may not enroll such a student until the change of status is approved. Siena Heights University will charge an administrative fee if admissions officers decide to help process the change of status request. Expect the process to take from 4 to 6 months. YOU CANNOT enroll for studies at Siena Heights University until the student visa change of status is officially approved in writing by Homeland Security. The form for changing visa status is known as an I-539 and can be downloaded from the USCIS.com 
website. There are fees involved (payable to Homeland Security) and you would be well-advised to consulate with a qualified American immigration attorney before requesting such a change.
Q: Can I change from a J-1 visa to an F-1 visa? [top]
A: Probably not. J-1 scholars are normally expected to return to their countries to contribute their new knowledge to the benefit of their nation. Some J-1 visas waive this requirement and allow for a change of visa status. The waiver will appear on the J-1 visa notification form. F-2, M-2, and J-2 spouses may request a change of status to F-1 through the same I-539 form and become subject to the same requirements and conditions explained above for B1/B2 tourists. Again, Siena Heights University reserves the right to accept or deny any such change of status requests for study at Siena Heights University.
Siena Heights University welcomes all F-2, J-2, and M-2 dependents to study in the English Language Program. Students who do not qualify as independent must provide parental information on
the FAFSA application.
Q: If I am attending as an F-1 student can I study English first? [top]
A: Yes. Oftentimes you must study English first in order to achieve a university specified TOEFL or MELAB score before enrolling in the general studies program.
Q: What do I need to do to obtain an F-1 Visa? [top]
A: Start the application procedure and make sure to follow the checklist . Also, send us an e-mail and we will be happy to establish first contact and assign you a native speaker of your language with whom you may communicate directly.
Q: Is there an application deadline for international students? [top]
A: Yes. Check with our website admissions calendar showing application deadlines.
Q: Can I apply for admission to Siena Heights if I already have a college degree? [top]
A: You certainly may. Check with our website for the required TOEFL/MELAB score for admissions to our undergraduate and graduate studies programs. If you have not achieved this score, you may enroll in English classes to improve your English proficiency or, in the case of students with higher but not yet suitable levels of English proficiency, you may be allowed to study in the English and the general studies program simultaneously.
Q: What happens if I cannot complete all the requirements listed on the international student forms? [top]
A: We will hold your application open as you complete the requirements. In the case of a missing TOEFL or MELAB score, or certain other components of the admissions requirements, we will grant you conditional acceptance. If only the TOEFL or MELAB score are missing, we will give you conditional acceptance and administer our own in-house placement test when you come.
Q: Does Siena Heights University accept transfer credits?[top]
A: We certainly do. We will analyze your transcripts to see if you have acceptable transfer credits and offer you credit for those completed courses deemed suitable to your elected studies program.
Q: Does Siena Heights University use the TOEFL exam, the MELAB (Michigan Test), or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for admittance? What is the minimum score required? What happens if my score is below the acceptable score? [top]
A: Siena Heights University will accept TOEFL, MELAB, and IELTS results for admissions. The minimal TOEFL score accepted for admissions to the general studies (non ESL) program is 163. The minimal MELAB score acceptable for admissions to the general studies program is 72. The minimal IELTS score acceptable for admissions to the general studies program is Band 6. HOWEVER: If you do not have time to take the TOEFL, MELAB or IELTS before coming, we will give you conditional acceptance to our program and test you with our own placement test when you arrive, thus sparing you the expense and bother of taking these tests in your country.
TOEFL: go to www.ets.org/toefl/
MELAB: go to www.melab.org
IELTS: go to www.ielts.org
Q: How is the IELTS test graded/banded? [top]
A: The results IELTS candidates are graded/banded using a 9 BAND scale. The candidate will be given a Test Report Form on which they will find a full or half band for each part of the test and a final full or half band along with details of the candidate's nationality, first language and date of birth. The 9 bands correspond to a series of descriptions that relates to the candidate's English ability at that level. These band descriptors for the IELTS results are as follows:
BAND 9
Expert User Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
BAND 8
Very Good User Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles detailed argumentation well.
BAND 7
Good User Has operational command of the language, though occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
BAND 6
Competent User Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
BAND 5
Modest User Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
BAND 4
Limited User Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
BAND 3
Extremely Limited User Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
BAND 2
Intermittent User No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
BAND 1
Non User Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
BAND 0
Did not attempt the test. - No assessable information.
For more general information about the IELTS test, look at the handbook section on the official IELTS website: ielts.org
Q: Is Financial Aid available for International Students?[top]
A: For information regarding available scholarships and aid contact the financial aid office or download the International Student Report (973k) 
.
Q: What is an I-20 and How to Obtain One?[top]
A: New and current International Students may need to obtain an I-20 in order to enter the United States.
The I-20 is also known as the Certificate of Eligibility. The initial I-20 (for Siena Heights applicants) is issued by the Siena Heights Office of International Student Services. It is one of the documents international students must present to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country in order to apply for a student visa (if entering the University from abroad) or maintaining non-immigrant student status (if already in the United States). Students coming to the U.S. for the first time as a Siena Heights University F-1 student must present evidence of financial support, English language ability, and academic qualifications. Applicants must also prove that they have strong ties to their home countries and plan to return home upon completion of education in the United States.
Students already in the United States should follow the instructions above. In addition, these students must also take the Immigration Transfer Recommendation Form to their current International Student Advisor. S/he must complete the form and email it to international@sienaheights.edu. Students should pay special attention to the question that asks about travel plans. The I-20 will be mailed to students who are traveling. These students should re-enter the United States using the Siena Heights I-20. For students who are not traveling, the I-20 will be held in International Student Services until arrival.
Current Siena Heights University students may need to obtain a new I-20 for a variety of reasons.
- Dependents who need an I-20 to enter the United States
- Change in major
- Change in degree including level
- Lost previously issued I-20
- Traveling outside the U.S. for 5 months or more
- Previous I-20 is expiring
Students who have any of these situations should come to the ISS to process a new I-20.
The Office of International Services at Siena Heights University can answer all questions pertaining to visas, I-20, status and other related issues. international@sienaheights.edu
Q: What is a SEVIS fee ?[top]
A: The U.S. Government charges a $100 fee for all international students and exchange visitors and some returning students. The SEVIS I-901 fee went into effect September 1, 2004.
The fee must be paid if the applicant is:
- Seeking an F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1, or M-3 visa from an embassy or consulate abroad for initial attendance at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), or for initial participation in an exchange visitor program designated by the Department of State (DOS). There is an exception, noted below in j, for J-1 exchange visitors participating in a program sponsored by the Federal government.
- A person who does not need a visa to enter the United States as a student or exchange visitor who will be applying for admission at a U.S. port-of-entry to begin initial attendance at a SEVP-approved school or initial participation in a DOS-designated exchange visitor program. There is an exception, noted below in j, for J-1 exchange visitors participating in a program sponsored by the Federal government.
- In the United States seeking a change of status to F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1, or M-3. There are exceptions noted below in sections j and n.
- A nonimmigrant who was initially granted J-1 status as a participant in an exchange visitor program sponsored by the Federal government, as specified in section j below, and who is now transferring to another J program in the same category that is not sponsored by the Federal government.
- A J-1 nonimmigrant who is applying for a change of category within the United States. There is an exception, noted below in j, for J-1 exchange visitors participating in a program sponsored by the Federal government.
- A J-1 nonimmigrant who is applying for a reinstatement after a substantive violation of the rules governing your J status, or who has been out of program status for longer than 120 days but less than 270 days during the course of his or her program. There is an exception, noted below in j, for J-1 exchange visitors participating in a program sponsored by the Federal government.
- An F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 nonimmigrant applying for reinstatement of student status, who has been out of student status for more than 5 months.
- An F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 nonimmigrant who has been absent from the United States for a period exceeding 5 months, was not working towards completion of curriculum in authorized overseas study, and now wishes to re-enter for a new F or M program of study in the United States.
Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996, Public Law 104-208, Subtitle D, Section 641.
Payment is not Required if Applicant is:
- An F-2, J-2, or M-2 dependent.
- A J-1 participant in an exchange visitor program sponsored by the Federal government. An exchange visitor program sponsored by the Federal government is identified by a program number starting with G-1, G-2, or G-3.
- An F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1, or M-3 nonimmigrant who has previously paid the fee, or whose form I-20 or DS-2019 for initial attendance was issued on or before August 31, 2004, and who is applying for a visa to return to the United States as a continuing student or a participant in a single, continuous exchange visitor program.
- An F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 nonimmigrant transferring between approved schools, changing educational levels, or applying for post-completion practical training.
- A J-1 nonimmigrant transferring between programs in the same exchange visitor category where no differential fee exists.
- A nonimmigrant applying for a change of classification from within the United States between F-1 and F-3 status or between M-1 and M-3 status.
- An F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1, or M-3 nonimmigrant requesting/applying for an extension of stay in a single program.
- Reapplying for a visa from an embassy or consulate abroad after having paid the SEVIS fee for a previous F-1, F-3, J-1, or M-1 visa that was denied, and is applying again for the same type of program within 12 months of the initial denial.
- Reapplying for a visa from an embassy or consulate after having paid the SEVIS fee for a previous J-1 visa that was denied, and is applying again for the same type J-1 exchange visitor category within 12 months of the initial denial, unless there is a fee differential.
- A nonimmigrant who has paid the SEVIS fee in conjunction with an application for a change of status in the United States to an F, M, or J classification, had the initial application for the change of status denied, and is applying for a motion to re-open the case within 12 months of the original denial.
The payment website at https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml is operational. New students and exchange visitors with a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 issued on or after September 1, 2004 are subject to the fee. Continuing students and exchange visitors are not required to pay the fee except under certain circumstances. For complete information on who needs to pay the fee (or does not need to) see the SEVP website at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/faq.htm . There is a complete list of questions and answers on all aspects of SEVIS I-901 fee payment.
Additional information about the SEVIS fee can be found of the governments's SEVP website at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/faq4.htm#_Toc81222043 This information, along with a copy of the Form I-901, will provide the student or exchange visitor with basic information needed to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. You may also want to provide students and exchange visitors with the sources of help provided in Question 8A at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/faq8.htm#_Toc81222155.
You can obtain a copy of the form at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/students/formSelection.htm . Prospective students and exchange visitors who are not in the United States and who do not have web access may have problems getting the form. You can print the form from the PDF or order pre-printed copies through the Eastern Forms Center at fax number 1-800-870-3676.