International Student Resources
Campus Experience
International Student Campus Experience
If you want to know more about our campus atmosphere for international students, select the video or language links below to view experiences of international students at Tulsa Community College.
International Student Services Staff
The TCC Office of International Student Services is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the TCC Northeast Campus. It was created specifically for Tulsa Community College international students, no matter which visa you may have. Currently more than 250 international students from more than 40 countries are pursuing their academic goals at Tulsa Community College. The ISS Office provides a variety of support services in the following areas: admissions, F-1 visa regulations advisement, academic advisement, orientation, seminars, international student clubs and other cultural trips and activities to assist students in successfully completing the English as Second Language program or an associate's degree.
Tulsa Community College is accredited through the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges to provide programs for four-year university transfer, technical training and English as a Second Language.
Office of International Student Services
TCC Northeast Campus
3727 E. Apache St.
Tulsa, OK 74115-3151
ISS Staff
Gary Young-Allen
International Student Counselor
(918) 595-7509
EMAIL
Thomas Wallis
International Student Specialist
(918) 595-7533
EMAIL
Caroline Broderick
International Student Admissions Assistant
(918) 595-7478
EMAIL
The TCC Office of International Student Services (ISS) is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the TCC Northeast Campus. It was created specifically for Tulsa Community College international students, no matter which visa you may have. Currently more than 250 international students from more than 40 countries are pursuing their academic goals at Tulsa Community College. The ISS Office provides a variety of support services in the following areas: admissions, F-1 visa regulations advisement, academic advisement, orientation, seminars, international student clubs and other cultural trips and activities to assist students in successfully completing the English as Second Language program or an associate's degree.
Tulsa Community College is accredited through the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges to provide programs for four-year university transfer, technical training and English as a Second Language.
Tulsa, Oklahoma is a culturally diverse city that offers many activities such as amusement parks, theatres and museums. There are many nearby lakes for water sports. An excellent source of information about the Tulsa area is www.tulsachamber.com.
*TCC is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation (International)
All new international students on a TCC I-20 must attend the International Student Orientation in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the Tulsa Community College Southeast Campus. Orientation is held on the Friday prior to the start of the fall/spring semester. International students who begin their studies in the summer must attend the new student orientation at the start of the fall semester. TCC's International Student Orientation requirement includes transfer students from other U.S. institutions to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Other Types of Visa
Some visa classifications permit incidental study, while other classifications allow for none whatsoever. In addition, dependents of some visa holders are allowed part-time to full-time study options. However, prior to the age of 21, most dependents are required to apply for a change of status to F-1 if they wish to continue their studies in the U.S. Please consult with International Student Services (Northeast Campus) or TCC Enrollment Services at one of the following campuses to inquire about studying on your current visa type:
Metro Campus:
+1 (918) 595-2010
909 S. Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119
Northeast Campus:
+1 (918) 595-2010
3727 E. Apache, Tulsa, OK 74115
Southeast Campus:
+1 (918) 595-2010
10300 E. 81 Street, Tulsa, OK 74133
West Campus:
+1 (918) 595-2010
7505 W. 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74107
NOTE: All applicants who have entered the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa wishing to enroll in credit courses must consult with International Student Services about changing to F-1 student visa status before enrolling in classes. View special instructions for B-1/B-2 visitors who want to enroll in school.
Work Program
Working on-campus at TCC
Eligibility: All international students on a TCC I-20 are eligible.
Benefit: Work Part-time up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester and up to 40 during the summer, job type is not important.
Application: No immigration application required, apply through TCC.
Note: "Once a job offer is received, the international student will need a letter from the ISS Office and the TCC Human Resources Office to file for a social security card. You will be eligible for a FICA tax exemption." Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Eligibility: All international students on a TCC I-20 who have been in-status at least one academic year and whose degree requires an internship.
Benefit: Work in a field related to the international student's major. The work must be a part of the student's curriculum / required coursework. The international student must be supervised and receive a grade for the course.
Application: Apply through the International Student Services Office BEFORE you begin work. A notation must be made on your I-20. Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Eligibility: All international students on a TCC I-20 who have been in-status at least one academic year.
Benefit: Work part-time, off campus, in the international student's field of study, for one year while the student is still taking classes at TCC.
Application: Apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help of the ISS Office.
Current cost to apply: $380 (subject to increase).
NOTE: One year of this OPT prevents doing the post-completion OPT.
Severe Economic Hardship
Eligibility: All International students on a TCC I-20 who have been in-status for at least one academic year. Must have a severe, documented, unforeseen change in financial support.
Benefit: Work part-time, off campus, for one year while the international student is still taking classes at TCC.
Application: Apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help of the ISS Office.
Current cost to apply: $380 (subject to increase).
FAQs
Q. How do I apply to Tulsa Community College?
A. Complete the International Student Admission Packet (F-1 Visa) or Concurrent Enrollment Packet, and submit required documentation to the International Student Services Office before enrollment deadlines.
Q. When do I need to pay tuition?
A. The Office of the Bursar offers three payment options. Students can sign-up online to pay in full, pay cash, or submit documentation for third-party billing in person at any Campus Bursar Office. There is no administrative fee if the student is paying in full up front. Students can go online and choose a payment plan in MyTCC.tulsacc.edu. There is a $35 dollar non-refundable service fee for students who select a payment plan. Students can use a third-party method of payment under the conditions that the college can verify the payment source or that the student can provide acceptable documentation of the payment source. More information is available online.
Q. What is the minimum TOEFL score required for admission?
A. The minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission into college-level courses is 500 (paper-based); 173 (computer-based); 61 (Internet-based); and 6 (IELTS). The minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission into the ESL program is 460 (paper-based); 140 (computer-based); 48 (Internet-based); and 5 (IELTS).
Q. Do my credits at TCC transfer to other colleges and universities?
A. Yes, they do. You can verify with the institution which you wish to transfer to after TCC. You can also look at our University Transfer Guide for more information.
Q. What financial aid or scholarships are available at Tulsa Community College?
A. International Students do not qualify for federal financial aid at Tulsa Community College, which is often a scholarship application requirement. However, a small number of international students have been awarded scholarships by applying within a department. More importantly, finishing an associate's degree will strengthen transfer scholarship applications to senior institutions.
Q. Why does TCC recommend a local contact?
A. Tulsa Community College does not provide dormitories; nor does TCC have a shuttle system for campus-to-campus transportation. The requirement of a local contact ensures our international students will have no difficulties establishing a place to live, obtaining transportation, and depositing their money into a bank account.
Q. Does TCC require students to have health insurance?
A. While health insurance is not required by TCC, it is VERY important to have health insurance when you are in the United States. Health care is expensive and a person who does not have health insurance MUST pay everything out-of-pocket. A simple visit to the emergency room can cost you $1,000 or more. The following is a list of insurance companies offering coverage to international students:
- The Harbour Group
- International Student Insurance
- ISO Student Health Insurance
- Collegiate Care
- NRIOL.NET
*The U.S. government will not pay for medical expenses accrued by international students. Actually, it is a violation of immigration law for F-1 students or their dependents to accept public assistance including medical care. You could have problems renewing your visa, re-entering the United States, or even be asked to pay back expenses in full.
Q. Do all students have to attend orientation?
A. All new F-1 visa students on a TCC I-20 must attend the International Student Orientation. Orientation is held during the last Friday prior to the start of the fall semester, or on the Friday of the first week of the spring semester. Students who begin their studies in the summer must attend the new student orientation at the start of the fall semester. TCC's International Student Orientation requirement includes transfer students from other U.S. institutions.
Q. If I want to work on campus, where should I apply?
A. Start by completing an application on the TCC website. If you need additional assistance, visit with an advisor in Student Career Services on any campus.
Q. When can I work off campus?
A. Students with an F-1 visa may only work off campus if approved by the USCIS. Students applying for either OPT or CPT must have maintained their visa status for a minimum of one academic year.
Q. Do I need a Social Security Number? How do I get one? Where is the Office?
A. No. However, any international student who is approved for employment must apply for a Social Security number before the first day on the job. Students will need to visit the Office of International Student Services for assistance with the Social Security application once an on-campus job offer is received. The Tulsa-based Social Security Administration Office is located at 4750 S Garnett Rd. The telephone number is (918) 641-2400. For more information visit SS website.
Q. Do I need to pay taxes?
A. It depends on the amount you earned. Employed non-immigrants are expected to file federal income taxes. In addition, International students should request a "FICA Exemption Form" from Human Resources. As an international student, you are not required to pay Medicare or Social Security Taxes. If you do not complete the form, these taxes will be deducted from your check automatically. For more information visit IRS website.
Q. Can my spouse on an F-2 be employed?
A. Federal regulations prohibit employment of anyone on an F-2 dependent visa. They should NOT work under any circumstances.
Q. What documents do I need to apply for a driver's license in Oklahoma?
A. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety requires students to present a passport, I-20, and a second form of identification. If an I-20 is marked as "pending," it will also be accepted. The second form of identification may be your TCC student ID or an out-of-country license (or ID).
Q. Where can I get a driver's license or Oklahoma ID Card?
A. 3190 West 21st Street, Tulsa OK 74107 Monday-Friday (918) 428-4030
1635 South Main, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 Monday-Friday (918) 259-0764
Q. What do I do if I am not in status?
A. Depending on the actual circumstances, when a student is determined to be "Out of Status," the usual consequence is that the I-20 is terminated (or cancelled) in the SEVIS system. Once the I-20 is terminated, if the student is eligible, he or she should file a request to be "reinstated to F-1 status" so that they may legally remain in the U.S. and continue their studies. Reinstatement should be done as soon as possible after the status violation to avoid any problems with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reinstatement is costly and it stays on the immigration record permanently and does affect eligibility to apply for certain immigration benefits such as being authorized to work. The ISS Office will advise you and provide you with the proper forms. In very serious cases, you may need to contact an immigration attorney.
Q. I'm not graduating by the last day of my I-20 program date. Can I extend it?
A. TCC students may apply for an extension in the Office of International Student Services before the program completion date. You must have maintained your visa status, and should be able to provide evidence that the delay was caused by a credible academic or medical reason.
Q. What are my options after graduating?
A. Graduates have 60 days to arrange one of three options. First, you may decide to transfer to another institution. Secondly, you may apply for Optional Practical Training (The ISS Office recommends students apply 90 days in advance of graduation). Thirdly, you may leave the U.S. and return to your home country.
Q. I will be traveling home for a vacation. What do I need to do?
A. Before you travel, please confirm the signature on page three of your I-20 is current. The travel signature is good for one academic year. Call the ISS Office at 918-595-7478 and confirm someone is available to provide you with an updated travel signature.
Other recommended steps:
- Before your departure, enroll in classes for the next semester and carry a copy of your schedule while you travel and re-enter.
- Confirm your passport is valid for a minimum of six or more months into the future before it expires.
- Have a valid F-1 visa upon re-entry into the U.S. If it has expired, you will need to renew it at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country before returning.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now suggesting you carry a copy of your receipt for the initial SEVIS I-901 fee.
Q. I lost my I-94 card, how can I get a new one?
A. The Customs and Border Protection Office is located in Tulsa at 2222 N. Cargo Road (near the airport). Telephone: 918-832-4130. The CBP can assist you with the following I-94 card problems:
- Filing the I-102 form for a lost I-94 card. They can't issue you a new one, but they can help you speed up the process.
- A missing entry stamp on your I-20.
- Getting you an I-94 if you did not receive one at your initial port of entry in the U.S.
- Electronic record errors on your I-94 card. These errors include your name, date of birth, passport number and visa classification.
- Status errors on your I-94.
Q. I lost my I-20, how can I get a new one?
A. Please contact the ISS Office as soon as you notice your I-20 is missing. A new I-20 will be issued to you after you report the reason why it is missing.
Q. Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
A. Please refer to Government of Canada for a list of nations whose citizens are required to apply for a visa when visiting Canada.
Q. Can I renew my visa in Canada?
A. Renewing your visa in Mexico or Canada may or may not be permitted. It is best for you to apply for a visa renewal in the country of your nationality.
Q. How do I renew my passport?
A. It is the responsibility of each student to renew his or her passport before it expires. Federal law requires passport validity to be six or more months beyond the date of expiration. You may consult the Embassy website for quick access to embassy contact information for your nation based in the U.S. and begin the renewal process.
Q. What is the best way to get involved on campus?
A. The ISS Office strongly supports the International Student Support Coalition and recommends international students attend the weekly ISSC meetings. Additional on-campus opportunities are often announced during ISSC meetings.
Q. How does college life in the U.S. differ from college life in my home country?
A. Instructors usually expect classroom participation and want students to respond with originality. Homework will generally require extensive amounts of reading and your written assignments that quote someone else's work must be supported with a full list of citations. Colleges encourage toleration of diverse personal values, which may require some cultural adjustment.
Q. What is the current estimated cost per credit hour for nonresident tuition and fees?
A. The current estimated cost per credit hour, including nonresident tuition and fees, is $304. This includes tuition ($257.03 per credit hour) and fees per credit hour (approximately $47). The estimate is subject to change without notice.
Forms
Available Forms
Please visit International Admissions to fill application forms to attend Tulsa Community College.