Attend MCC as an International Student

McHenry County College is authorized under U.S. federal law to enroll nonimmigrants (a person who seeks temporary entry to the United States for a specific purpose and who has permanent residency abroad) as Academic Students in F-1 visa status, according to 8 CFR 214.2 (f) Academic and Language Students. Upon acceptance, the College will issue the student’s Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility and the student may apply for F-1 student visa status.

MCC is a two-year public community college located in Crystal Lake, Illinois. We are authorized to admit and enroll F-1 international students for two-year Associate Degrees.

MCC is a commuter institution; on-campus housing is not available. Public transportation is very limited.

Visit Study in the States for more information about United States regulations and requirements for international students.

  • What do I do to become an international student at McHenry County College?

    Nonimmigrant students who intend to study in the United States in F-1 student visa status must apply for international admission by completing and submitting the following to MCC Admissions:

    All international applications are reviewed and admission is conditional. Additional documentation may be required.

    Submit all correspondence and documents to:
    MCC Admissions, A260
    McHenry County College
    8900 US Hwy 14
    Crystal Lake, IL 60012-2761

    Email: admissions@mchenry.edu | Phone: (815) 455-8530 | Fax: (815) 455-3766

    International students must apply for admissions prior to the following deadlines:

    • Fall Semester Admission - May 15
    • Fall Semester Transfer Admission – June 15
    • Spring Semester Admission - October 15
    • Spring Semester Transfer Admission – November 15
  • When will MCC issue my Form I-20?

    When all items listed above are received and approved by MCC Admissions, the College will issue a letter of acceptance and a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. The Form I-20 authorizes you to apply for an F-1 Student Visa at a U.S. Consulate or U.S. Embassy in your home country.

  • What do I do next?
    1. See the list of U.S. Consulates and U.S. Embassy locations
    2. Pay the $350 non-refundable I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before the date of your visa interview. Save your receipt.
    3. Contact your local U.S. Consulate or U.S. Embassy to schedule your visa interview.
  • What if I have transcripts or credentials from a school outside the United States?

    University/college coursework completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to an organization that specializes in evaluating international transcripts. MCC will accept official evaluations of earned international credentials from any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). See a list of NACES member organizations

    Read more about international transcript evaluation

  • What do I do when I arrive in the U.S.?

    After your F-1 Student Visa has been approved by the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country, you will be ready to a travel to the U.S. Plan to arrive in the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the semester starts (refer to your Form I-20 for your earliest arrival date). Contact MCC Admissions immediately upon arrival for information about your next steps.

    MCC Admissions, A260
    McHenry County College
    8900 US Hwy 14
    Crystal Lake, IL 60012-2761

    Email: admissions@mchenry.edu | Phone: (815) 455-8530

  • How can I calculate my first-year expenses (Cost of Attendance)?

    First-year expenses are determined by calculating Cost of Attendance, or COA, the estimated expenses a student may be expected to pay during each academic year of full-time enrollment based on the current international tuition rate.

    U.S. federal immigration regulations require that international applicants provide proof of adequate financial resources to live and study in the U.S. in a full course of study (full-time enrollment in 12 or more credit hours per semester) for at least one full academic year (fall and spring semesters).

    You may provide proof of financial capability by documenting personal financial holdings, or by sponsorship.

    International students enrolled at McHenry County College are required to have sufficient funds to meet all expenses while attending MCC. Failure to fulfill tuition obligations may result in loss of F-1 visa status. McHenry County College cannot offer loans, scholarships, or other forms of financial assistance to international students.

    See a list of estimated educational and living expenses which the typical student may be expected to pay during each academic year of full-time enrollment at MCC, also known as the International Cost of Attendance (COA) for 12 credit hours

  • How do I maintain my F-1 student visa status?

    International students must enroll in a full course of study on a full-time basis and must stay enrolled as a full-time student throughout the course of their program. International students must follow these requirements to maintain F-1 student visa status:

    • International students must enroll in at least three in-person or blended classes/nine credit hours per semester.
    • No more than one fully online class/three credit hours per semester may be counted toward the student’s full-time enrollment requirement.
    • International students must be registered for full-time enrollment (at least 12 credit hours) within 30 days of the start of the semester.
    • Students must not drop classes unless they have approval from MCC Admissions.
    • International students must demonstrate normal academic progress toward graduation or completion of their program of study according to the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy:
      • International students must achieve and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.0 in all credit courses attempted throughout an entire enrollment at MCC.
      • International students must complete at least 67% of the credit courses attempted throughout an entire enrollment at MCC.
      • International students must complete an academic program before the total number of attempted credit hours exceeds 150% of the credits required to complete that academic program.

    Please reach out to your Designated School Official (DSO) in the MCC Admissions Office with any questions or concerns about maintaining your F-1 student visa status. MCC Admissions is here to help support your success as a student enrolled at McHenry County College.

  • Do I need health insurance?

    MCC Admissions strongly recommends that international students purchase a health insurance plan suitable for their needs. Please speak with MCC Admissions for more information about international student health insurance options.

  • Can I work as an international student?

    Academic study is the primary and intended purpose of the F-1 student visa. Work opportunities are limited for international students. If granted the opportunity to work, international students should not view employment as a significant source of financial support while attending MCC.

    International students must not work without authorization. Students must first speak with MCC Admissions about any work opportunities that may be available for F-1 international students.

    Regulations and requirements governing work opportunities for F-1 international students can also be found at Study in the States.

  • What are my options after I attend MCC?

    International students who complete an academic program at an authorized institution in the U.S. are required to return to their home country within a “grace period” after completion.

    Depending upon an international student’s program of study and academic plans, the student may transfer to another institution to continue their studies.

    International Students attending MCC should speak with MCC Admissions for guidance on completing or continuing their studies.