Forms & Resources

Forms for F-1 Students

The city of Kalamazoo offers abundant options for student housing with only a short commute to campus. Students have the option of finding their own apartment or arranging a home stay.

Apartments in Kalamazoo

Research Options

Students should research all the options available in Kalamazoo while making sure to note where bus routes and services are located. See the list of housing options where past KVCC students have lived.

Contact Apartments

Once you find a few apartments that fit your needs, contact each one to see if there is availability and learn about the application process.

Complete Paperwork

Submit all required paperwork to the apartment management office. Make sure that you are able to move in to the apartment before the start of the semester. Remember, all international students are required to attend orientation before the start of the semester.

All international students are required to carry an approved health insurance program to cover major medical expenses, accidents, and/or illness. Admitted students must show proof of this coverage for the duration of the semester they wish to register for. Students must show proof of medical insurance coverage before they are eligible to register for classes at KVCC.

Minimum coverage requirements

Medical benefits $50,000 minimum per accident or illness
Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500 minimum
Medical evacuation coverage in the amount of $10,000 minimum

Helpful Links*

*These plans are not recommended or endorsed by KVCC. The links provided are for student information and research purposes only. Final responsibility for plan coverage, cost, and benefits lies with the student.

How do I apply?

Applying to Kalamazoo Valley is free. The college accepts applications year-round; however, new international students are not admitted during the summer terms. There are international intakes each fall and winter semester. Go here to submit an application. Once the college has reviewed your application and an admissions decision has been made, you will receive a notification to your email. Please note that this acceptance is just preliminary and does not guarantee enrollment as an international student. You must also complete an additional international application packet in order to receive your Form 1-20 Certificate of Eligibility.

After your initial application has been processed, you will receive an email from the International Student Services office regarding next steps. This email will include an outline of the required application documents and a link to our International Student Document Upload Portal. All documents must be submitted through that portal.

Upon receipt of all appropriate documents, a Form 1-20 Certificate of Eligibility will be issued to you by our Designated School Official (DSO).

For students applying from outside of the United States

The Form 1-20 is used to apply for an F-1 visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the student’ current country of residence.

For students applying from within the United States

The Form 1-20 is used to complete a I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

For students transferring from another U.S.-based institution

You will not receive a new Form 1-20. Your existing SEVIS record will be transferred to KVCC from your current institution.

What programs does Kalamazoo Valley offer?

Kalamazoo Valley offers a variety of two-year associate and short-term certificate programs. To see the full list of programs available for international students please see the online course catalog.

When is the deadline for admission?

New international applicants must apply and submit all documents by July 1 for fall intakes and November 1 for winter intakes. Transfer students must apply and submit all documents by August 1 for fall intakes and December 1 for winter intakes.

Does Kalamazoo Valley have on-campus housing?

Kalamazoo Valley does not have on-campus housing, however, there are abundant options for student housing nearby. See our list of housing options.

What is the cost of tuition?

Your tuition amount will be based upon the number of contact hours you register for. Per semester, international students can expect to pay around $4000-6000 USD per semester. Please note that health careers, such as nursing; industrial trades, such as automotive and electrical; and culinary programs are high-contact-hour programs and may cost upwards of $10,000 per semester. Students interested in these programs should make financial arrangements accordingly. For more information on the cost of tuition, please visit our tuition webpage.

Are there scholarships for international students?

Scholarships are extremely limited for international students. For this reason, we ask that all F-1 visa applicants submit proof of funding of at least $23,000 USD. The college does offer an Honors program scholarship; however, the program is very competitive and rigorous. For more information on the honors program, visit their program webpage.

When do I pay tuition?

Tuition is due 5 days after registering for a class.

Does Kalamazoo Valley have payment plans?

Tuition can be paid in full, or a payment plan can be arranged. See payment plan options by viewing the Student Financial Services webpage.

Does KVCC offer an ESL (English as a Second Language) program?

KVCC does not offer an ESL program. If you need an ESL program, consider visiting Western Michigan University's CELCIS program.Students who complete the CELCIS program are eligible to transfer to Kalamazoo Valley upon completion of the program, provided you can meet our admission requirements.

Do I need to apply for a visa?

All foreign nationals who intend to come to the United States for the purpose of enrolling in an academic program at KVCC are required to have an F-1 or M-1 visa. For more information about visa types visit Study in the State.

Can I transfer credits from another college or university?

If you have attended another college within the United States and wish to transfer credits to Kalamazoo Valley, request the previous school to send an official transcript. If your previous university was outside the United States the transcript must be evaluated by one of the organizations below:

Please note that transfer credits are awarded at the discretion of Kalamazoo Valley’s office of Admissions, Records and Registration. Credits may not be applied if the course does not properly correlate to the Kalamazoo Valley curriculum.

What can I do if my visa is denied?

If your visa is denied you are permitted to arrange another interview and try again. You will need to pay a new visa application fee each time you reapply. Depending on the country from which you are applying, there may be up to a six-month waiting period before you are eligible to reapply. During the re-application process, communication with the Kalamazoo Valley DSO is essential to ensuring you have the proper, up-to-date documentation for each interview attempt.