What is MICA's international community like?
At MICA, the international student population is diverse and complex. Currently, international students comprise 30% of our undergraduate and graduate students.
An additional 3% of the student body are citizens of foreign countries who have gained Legal Permanent Residency in the United States. MICA also attracts many US citizens who have studied outside the United States before coming to MICA, and therefore have many experiences to share. In addition to our degree-seeking students, MICA welcomes approximately 20 international exchange students to our campus each year.
Who does MICA consider an international applicant?
Any applicant who is neither a US citizen nor a US Legal Permanent Resident is considered "international." If you are in the process of applying for permanent residency, you are considered "international" until you have achieved official Permanent Resident status (green card). However, it is important to know that not all applicants considered "international" are required to submit the same international forms. Please refer to the chart under the next question to ascertain your requirements based on your status.
Which international forms do I have to submit?
Not all international applicants are required to submit the same paperwork. There are many different immigration status possibilities, and therefore many scenarios for what MICA will require to better understand and assist you with your immigration needs. Please refer to the International Form Chart for your specific international requirements. International forms and directions include the Immigration Information Form, the Financial Statement for International Students, and the I-20 Transfer Form and Instructions.
How do the international forms affect my chance at admission?
International forms have no bearing on your competitiveness for admission or scholarship. Although it is strongly encouraged that you send the international forms at the time of application, they are not required to complete your application, and therefore will not hold your application from being reviewed by the committee.
Why does MICA require a Financial Statement?
The financial statement is only required for students seeking to study under an F-1 student visa. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mandates that all foreign students applying for (or transferring their current) F-1 student visa sponsorship, show sufficient funding for at least one year of study. MICA is required to verify and report this information to
Do I have to send the international forms when I apply, or can I send them later?
The international forms have no bearing on your admission decision or competitiveness for merit scholarship* and therefore are not required to complete your application. Although it is strongly encouraged to include all international credentials along with your application, you may wait to submit these after notification of admission and merit scholarship.
It is strongly suggested that you at least include the Immigration Information form and along with any supporting documents at the time of application so that MICA may better understand and assist you with your immigration needs.
*The Immigration Information form may aid in determining your eligibility for several of MICA's international and general merit scholarships.
By waiting until after notification of scholarship, the Financial Statement can reflect any merit scholarship you may have been awarded.
The I-20 Transfer release form should not be completed until you have been fully accepted and decide to attend MICA. This form is only applicable and required for international students currently studying in the US under an F-1 visa.
What TOEFL score does MICA require for full admission?
- 75 Internet Based TOEFL Test (IBT)
- 6.0 IELTS Test
PLEASE NOTE: The average test score among admitted students for fall 2018 was 90 IBT, 6.5 IELTS.
What if my TOEFL/IELTS score isn't high enough?
Please do not hesitate to call with questions, concerns or other suggestions.
What is a Form I-20?
The SEVIS generated Form I-20 is the official paperwork required to apply for a United States F-1 Student Visa. This document is processed and issued by MICA in compliance with terms set forth by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Once issued a SEVIS I-20, it is your responsibility to contact a US embassy in your home country in order to apply for F-1 visa status.
How and when can I get a Form I-20 from MICA?
- You must be fully admitted to the college as a full-time
degree seeking candidate and have demonstrated English proficiency. - You must submit a completed Financial Statement verifying sufficient funding for at least one year of expenses at MICA.
- You must complete and return the Immigration information form indicating your intention to apply for an F1 Visa or transfer your existing F1 Visa to MICA.
- If you already hold a valid F1 Visa from another school and plan to transfer to MICA you must also complete and return the I-20 transfer release form along with a photocopy of your current I-20 form. For complete instructions and materials regarding this process please refer to I-20 Transfer Form and Instructions
- You must pay the required advance deposits toward tuition (and housing if living on campus).
Does MICA accept the International Student Financial Aid form?
No, international students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid but may compete for limited merit-based scholarships.