Get Started - International Students

Contact an International Student Advisor at Aims

• Fax: (970) 506-6947
• Phone: (970) 339-6675
• Email: marie.gallegos@aims.edu
• See the International Student's Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information

Deadline to submit all of your paperwork, including English Proficiency test results:

• Fall Semester: June 1
• Spring Semester: November 1
• Summer Semester: March 15

Submit the proper documents to apply for an F-1 student visa through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

• Completed signed International Student application
• International Student Affidavit of Financial Support demonstrating a minimum amount of $26,000 US dollars available to support your studies.
• Certified transcripts from high school, college/university, or other schools attended. Transcripts must be translated into English.
• English proficiency results
• Health Insurance - Proof of health insurance is mandatory prior to admission to Aims.
• Copy of your current passport.

Receive your I-20. Once your completed application has been received and you have been accepted you will receive your I-20 from Aims Community College.

Obtaining an F-1 student visa:   You must apply for a student (F-1) visa in order to enter the U.S. to study. To do this, once you receive your I-20 contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an appointment. Go to www.fmjfee.com to pay the SEVIS fee. Write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20. When you go to the Embassy or Consulate, take your I-20, passport, and financial documentation. You may also need to show other information.  Allow several weeks to complete the visa application process. Direct questions about applying for a student visa to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country, or visit www.travel.state.gov.

Notify the International Student Advisor at Aims Community College once you have received your F-1 student visa.

Notify International Student Advisor at Aims Community College when you plan to arrive in the United States.  Arrival must be no less than 5 days prior to the start of the semester.

Once you have arrived in the United States report to the International Student Advisor at Aims located in the College Center. 

If your I-20 was approved for you to take college level courses, you will need to take the ACCUPLACER placement test.  Visit the Aims Assessment website for study guides.   If you were approved for the Intensive English Program, you will take a placement test (LOEP).

Meet with International Student Advisor who will help you register for classes.

Complete the payment process.  100% of tuition and fees must be paid at the time of registration. Failure to do so will result in your being removed from all of you classes.   

Attend the International Student Orientation.

Maintaining F-1 Status: College level courses – you must successfully complete at least 12 credit hours each semester (except summer) and maintain at least a 2.0 (“C” average) Grade Point Average (GPA).  Intensive English courses – you must successfully complete all four classes.   If you fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress, you will not be allowed to remain at Aims Community College.