International Students

 

Welcome! Bienvenidos! Yokoso! Swaagat! Willkommen! Whatever your native language, we extend a hearty welcome to you, and invite you to join us at Hudson County Community College! 

Hudson County is one of the most vibrant and ethnically diverse areas of the United States (more than 90 different nationalities!) Our student body reflects this rich ethnic mix, with substantial communities of individuals of African, Argentine, Asian, Arab, Colombian, Cuban, Dominican, Egyptian, Filipino, Indian, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Polish, and Puerto Rican descent (to name but a few!). Proudly, the College is host to international students representing more than 20 countries!

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to achieving your goals as an HCCC International Student.

Apply to HCCC

You have several choices. The fastest way is to apply online. If you download a form, print it out, and send it or drop it off to the Enrollment Services office.

Dates and Deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis, but you should apply as early as possible for the semester you wish to join.

  • Find dates in our Enrollment Guide.
  • International Application Deadlines
    • Fall: June 1st
    • Spring: October 1st

Government Links

  • USCIS- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (WWW.USCIS.GOV)
  • DHS- Department of Homeland Security (WWW.DHS.GOV)
  • ICE- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (WWW.ICE.GOV)

International Student Application

F-2 STUDENTS (PART-TIME ONLY)

F-2 visa holders (the family dependents of F-1 students) are now eligible to study in the United States on a part-time basis.  F-2 students may study in either non-degree or degree-seeking status and online classes.

F-2 study limitations include:
1. Are limited to no more than 3 courses (under 12 credits) per semester.
2. Not eligible for On-Campus employment
3. May not participate in internships/externships nor clinical placements

 

Maintaining F-1 Visa Status

Under U.S. law, you are fully responsible for abiding by the rules governing your F-1 student status. The International Student Services will try to help you understand these rules but you are required to follow the Requirements and Responsibilities of F-1 Student Status explained below.

The International Student Services office is required to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in SEVIS when an F-1 student does not fulfill the following requirements of status.

1. Always be full time
Enroll for and complete a full course of study every fall and spring term.  If you do not believe you will be able to fulfill this requirement for any reason, contact the ISS before you withdraw or stop attending class.  There are a few limited exceptions to the full time requirement for which you might qualify if you obtain permission in advance. You may only register for one (1) online class per registered nine (9) credits.

2. Course locations
Hudson County Community College has a license to teach International Students at the Journal Square and Union City Campus ONLY.  Unless you are a Culinary, Nursing Majors or you are registered for an externship course. 

3. Paying tuition
I understand that if I do not make a payment arrangement with the Bursar’s office, I risk being de-registered and falling out of F1 visa status by not being enrolled. You may also login to your HCCC portal and your pay tuition online.

4. Mandatory Orientation
International Student Services Orientation mandatory every Spring and Fall semester.  If you do not attend, you must submit a written explanation of non-attendance.

5. Obtain permission to be enrolled less than full time before you drop, withdraw or stop attending.
If you do not believe you will be able to maintain a full time course load for any reason, please contact the ISS before you drop, withdraw or stop attending class.  

6. Only work as authorized
Qualified F-1 students may work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session. On-Campus employment will be terminated if you do not maintain your F1 visa status

7. Program Evaluation
You must follow your program evaluation and inform ISS if you decide to change my major.  If you do not follow your Program Evaluation, you may not qualify for a program extension on your Form I-20.

8. Make sure your program completion date on your Form I-20 is accurate
Your program completion date on your Form I-20 must always be up to date.  If you don’t think you will be able to complete your program by the completion date on your Form I-20, you must apply for a program extension at least 60 days prior to the completion expiration date and obtain an updated Form I-20. If you expect to complete your program earlier than the I-20’s program completion date, you must get an updated Form I-20 with the correct program completion date before you complete your program.

9. Request for a F1 Program Extension
If you believe you need additional time to complete your degree requirements and you are in good academic standing, you must apply for an extension and submit a new sponsor statement as well as updated financial records.

10. Obtain a SEVIS transfer in order to attend another U.S. school.
If you plan to attend another educational institution in the United States, you must notify the ISS and request for your SEVIS I-20 be transferred out before your completion date ends.  

11. Obtain a change of education level to begin a new program of study
If you have been admitted to a new program of study at Hudson County Community College, you must obtain a Form I-20 for your new program before you complete your current program of study 

12. Depart the U.S. within 60 days of your program completion date or Optional Practical Training end date
If you have completed your program of study you must depart the U.S. within 60 days, Likewise, if you have completed your Optional Practical Training after completion of your studies and have no further plans of study, you must depart the U.S. within 60 days of your EAD’s end date.

 

OTHER RESPONBILITIES OF F-1 STUDENTS

1. Keep your passport valid at all times. 
You must have a valid passport at all times.  If your passport will expire, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the United States to renew it.

2. Report any address or name change to the ISS within 10 days of making the change.

3. Get an updated Form I-20 when any of this information changes.
Notify the ISS if there are any changes in the information on your Form I-20, such as name, citizenship, degree level, major, or funding, and get an updated Form I-20.

4. Get a travel endorsement on your Form I-20 every term to return to the U.S.
When you plan to travel outside the U.S. you need a travel endorsement from the ISS for the current term to reenter. Your Form I-20 will not be endorsed if you plan to travel during a semester that is still in session, such as Spring and Fall unless you can provide supporting documentation. Be sure to submit your request at least two weeks in advance of your pre-planned trip. 

After You Apply

You will receive a welcome email with more information from your assigned HCCC Admissions Advisor. Until then, you can start preparing for your next steps before taking classes.

The College offers Associate degree programs for F-1 international students, and we provide English as a Second Language and Academic Foundations courses for students who may need to strengthen their skills before starting their degree program studies.

The HCCC Office of International Student Services provides advice and assistance to non-immigrant F-1 students. However, we do not provide assistance with processing Change of Status to F-1 Visas.

Begin the process by contacting our International Student Representative, Sabrina Bullock, at internationalstudentsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE or call 201-360-4136. 

The state of New Jersey requires that we ask all students who are enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more) to provide proof of measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B immunizations. All new students, regardless if they are full-time or part-time, must provide proof of meningococcal meningitis immunization, unless they are exempt. Students can provide evidence that they are exempt because of the following reasons:

  • Medical reasons (such as pregnancy or immunity): Show a physician's statement or official record.
  • Religious reasons: Show a statement from an official of the religious organization.
  • Anyone born before January 1, 1957: Still must provide proof of hepatitis B immunization. 

We accept the following as evidence of immunization:

  • An official school immunization record.
  • A record from any public health department or physician.

Download and Fill Out Our Immunization Record Form.

Click here when you're ready to register for clases. 

Being at HCCC

Applying for college is about more than filling out forms. Start imagining yourself here.
Get Excited for Your Orientation

Get Excited for Your Orientation

We’re excited to meet you! After you register, we will send you more information about an upcoming orientation.

 

Contact Information

HCCC Enrollment Services
70 Sip Avenue - First Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 714-7200 or text (201) 509-4222
admissionsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE

You can also turn to these departments for specific questions: