Applying to HACC as an International Student

At HACC, we are proud to welcome students from around the world. In 2022, HACC hosted more than 150 international students from over 50 different countries.


Who is Considered an International Student

You are considered an international student at HACC if you:

  • Plan to apply for an F-1 student visa to attend HACC
  • Are studying at another school in the United States with F-1 status and want to transfer to attend HACC

How to Apply
  1. Note and follow the application deadlines
    Please submit all of your application materials by the deadlines listed below to ensure you have enough time to complete the enrollment and visa processes, as well as register for classes.

    Fall Semester (August Start Date)
    Apply by July 1 (Aug. 15 for transfer students within the U.S.)

    Spring Semester (January Start Date)
    Apply by Nov. 1 (Jan. 5 for transfer students within the U.S.)

    Summer Semester (May Start Date)
    No international student admission due to English as a Second Language (ESL) course availability. 

    To learn all class start dates, please view HACC’s academic calendar
    .
  2. Create an account and Apply to HACC.
    Select and complete the international student application.

    Select your preferred campus.* (Harrisburg or Lancaster)

    Harrisburg - HACC’s largest campus, located in Pennsylvania’s capital city, with the most programs available. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are currently only offered in person at the Harrisburg Campus.

    Lancaster - Depending on program availability. HACC’s second-largest campus is located in scenic, rural Lancaster County.

    *Students can take classes at any HACC campus but cannot complete an entire program there and therefore are not eligible for F-1 international student admission.

    Upload the following supporting documents with your online application:
    • Bank Statement* - F-1 visa students are required to be enrolled full-time (12 credits per semester) with at least 9 credit hours on campus. They must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. Please submit a bank statement or multiple statements or a certified bank letter showing the annual financial requirements for one year of studies ($27,588 for the 2024-25 academic year.)
    • Affidavit of Support form* - If you are submitting a bank statement from a financial sponsor, please have them fully complete the affidavit of support form and sign it by hand. If a business is sponsoring you, please provide a letter on business letterhead stating their intention to sponsor you.
    • Proof of high school completion - We require a copy of your original high school record showing completion and the English translation, if applicable. (Optional: you may also upload any English proficiency scores you have with your high school record. English proficiency is required for I-20 issuance.)
    • Copy of the Information page of your passport
       

Additional documents may be required:

  • Affidavit for Free Room and Board* - If you will be receiving free room and board from a family member or friend, please submit the Affidavit for Free Room and Board.
  • Guardian form - If you will be under 18 years old when you begin classes at HACC, your parent or guardian must designate a legal guardian for you in the U.S. by completing this form.

    *Documents must be dated after Dec. 15 for the summer, after Feb. 15 for the fall semester.
  1. Check your email address used to complete your application to receive HACC’s acceptance email. Use the directions in your acceptance email to activate your account. Note that by activating your account, you are accepting your offer of admission.
     
  2. Request your I-20 document
    You will receive an email with a form to complete to request an I-20 document. This is required for you to apply for the student visa or to transfer from another school. Remember, English proficiency is a requirement for the I-20 document.

    Please see HACC’s minimum English proficiency requirements for placement into classes. If you are unable to provide a score report or transcript, an English as a Second Language (ESL) interview or college placement tests will be required before I-20 issuance.
     
  3. Submit your official college transcript (if applicable)
    If you have completed college or university studies, those classes may be considered for transfer to HACC. Transcripts from schools outside of the United States will need to be evaluated by one of HACC’s approved credential evaluators. Please see HACC’s transcript evaluation page for more information.
     
  4. Pay your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee
    The Department of Homeland Security requires all international students and exchange visitors pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. The initial payment is valid for up to 12 months. Students transferring their I-20 document from another school in the United States generally do not need to pay this fee again.
     
  5. Schedule your visa appointment
     
  6. You are eligible to apply for your student visa once you have been accepted to HACC, received your I-20 and paid your SEVIS fee. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information about the student visa process and the documents required for your visa appointment. United States embassies can only issue student visas 120 days prior to the start date listed on an I-20.
     

Next Steps

  • Visit the U.S. Embassies and Consulates website and Study in the States website for additional information.
  • Review the list of commonly asked questions included in your acceptance packet.
  • Follow the Accepted Students Checklist