English Language Competency & Visa Information

Results of the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo are required if English is not a student's first language. English competency waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency:

  • TOEFL- A minimum score of 61
  • IELTS - A minimum score of 5.5
  • Duolingo - A minimum score of 95

* In some cases, students who are presently in the U.S. can make arrangements to complete the Middlesex Placement process.

Test score must be sent to:

MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Enrollment Management Center
33 Kearney Square
Lowell, MA 01852-1987
U.S.A.
admissions@middlesex.mass.edu 

** MCC's CEEB code is 3554.


Visa Information

PROCESS FOR OBTAINING AN F-1 VISA:

  1. An application will be processed only when ALL of the required documentation is received.
  2. The College will then issue an I-20 Form, along with other acceptance information.
  3. You will then take the admissions package we send you (which will have the I-20 Form, a copy of your Affidavit of Support, your letter of acceptance from Middlesex and copies of any financial documentation provided) to the U.S. Embassy in your country for processing. You should also bring documentation showing your intent to return to your home country such as: a job offer, home ownership or information regarding family members at home.
  4. Department of Homeland Security is assessing a $350 fee to all persons who are initially issued a Form I-20 and are seeking to attend school as an International student under an F-1 visa. This fee is to cover the costs of administering and maintaining the newly implemented Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Payment is made directly to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by downloading and completing form I-901 at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/ and submitting it with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank. International money orders or bank drafts drawn on a financial institution chartered or operated in the U.S. and payable in U.S. Currency may also be used. Payments can also be made electronically by completing the form I-901 via the internet at FMJfee.com and using a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card issued in the U.S. or overseas. Regardless of which method you use, payment must be received by DHS no later than a week before the date upon which the alien reports to the consulate to submit the visa application and undergo a visa interview. This will ensure that the check is processed at least three (3) days prior to the interview, as required by the regulations. Students making the payment electronically with a credit card will be able to print out a receipt at the time of the payment and will be able to use that printed fee receipt for immediate verification of payment. DHS will issue an official paper receipt acknowledging every payment, via express delivery service, to the address provided on the Form I-901 regardless of payment method used.

B-1/B-2 VISA HOLDERS
If you are already in the United States on a Visitor's Visa, you may complete the Middlesex International Student admission process while in the United States to receive your I-20 then return to your home country to petition for the F-1 visa.

F-1 VISA STUDENTS TRANSFERRING FROM A U.S. COLLEGE
F-1 transfer applicants must complete the Middlesex International Student Application to obtain an I-20. Applicants must be "in status" with USCIS and come directly from another college or university with a satisfactory grade point average. Visa holders out of status must apply to USCIS for reinstatement.

International Student's Course Load:

All international students must maintain a full-time course load (12 credits or more) each semester in order to fulfill visa requirements.

To learn more, contact:

Middlesex Community College
33 Kearney Square
Lowell, MA 01852-1987
U.S.A.

phone: +1-978-656-3207

e-mail: international@middlesex.mass.edu

Last Modified: 8/4/23