International Students
CSM welcomes students from all over the world, and we benefit from the cultural diversity they provide.
As a two-year accredited college, we have developed transfer partnerships with more than 300 four-year colleges and universities that will allow you to continue your education and complete your bachelor's degree.
Dreamers—undocumented migrants who came to the United States as children—and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are considered international students and should follow these steps. Students must meet all the criteria in §15-106.8 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryalnd.
Please see this guide for more information.
F-1 Student Visa and Form I-20
To purse your education in the United States, you’ll need to apply for and receive an F-1 student visa from the U.S. Department of State.
The F-1 visa application process requires you to have a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” The Form I-20 is issued by the college where you plan to study—in this case, CSM. To receive and maintain an F-1 student visa, you must register as a full-time student.
Please note that it is the State Department that makes the decision to grant your F-1 student visa and not the college.
The international admissions process can be complex, but we’re here to help guide you on your pathway to possibility here at CSM. See below for answers to the most common questions or email us at csminternational@csmd.edu.
More information on specific residency regulations per COMAR 11.11.06.02, please visit: Maryland Division of State Documents.
Please note that none of the information presented here constitutes legal advice, and CSM staff members cannot provide legal advice related to your visa and immigration status.
Steps to Enroll
The first step to becoming a CSM student is to apply for admission.
You’ll need to create an account on our application portal. Fill in the fields with your information.
In the drop-down menu under “Choose the statement that best describes you,” select the option for “I am an undergraduate student, finished with high school.”
To be considered for admission to CSM as an international student, you also need to complete and submit the International Student Admissions Packet. Those documents will enable us to issue you the Form I-20 that you will need to request your F-1 student visa.
View the International Student Admissions Packet
Deadlines
Your CSM International Student Admissions Packet—with all required forms and documents—must be submitted to the college by the deadline that corresponds to the academic term when you plan to begin studying at CSM.
- Fall semester: June 15
- Spring semester: Oct. 15
- Summer semester: March 15
Your International Admissions Packet will not be reviewed for eligibility for the Form I-20 until all required documentation is received by CSM.
Applying for the F-1 Visa
Once CSM’s Admissions Office has received your complete International Student Admissions Packet, we will review your materials to determine your eligibility for the Form I-20.
When you’re approved, the Admissions Office will submit your information to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for the I-20. CSM will then send you your acceptance letter, the student copy of the Form I-20, and other required documents that you’ll need for your embassy appointment to request your student visa.
You will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee after receiving your I-20 and before your visa appointment at the embassy.
Once you’ve been granted your F-1 student visa, please contact us at csminternational@csmd.edu.
A strong start in your first semester builds momentum and confidence. Take the CSM Placement Test to ensure that you’re placed in the classes that are the best fit with your current knowledge and abilities.
You will also need to provide proof of high school completion, such as a high school transcript, diploma, certificate, or exam scores. You can submit this documentation as part of your International Student Admissions Packet or email it directly to us at csminternational@csmd.edu. (Please note that it must be translated to English.)
Before registering for classes, you will be required to meet with the International Enrollment Coordinator. They'll work with you to plan your first semester at CSM and prepare you for the next step on your pathway to possibility.
To maintain your F-1 student visa, you will be required to register as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester).
Credit for Prior Learning and Transcript Evaluation
If you’ve previously earned college credits from another institution and want to transfer to CSM, you’ll need to submit your official transcript and a transcript evaluation request. The transcript evaluation process will vary depending on whether the credits were earned at an institution in the U.S. or abroad.
Learn More about Transcript Evaluations
In addition to college-level coursework at your previous institution(s), you may be able to receive credit at CSM for your past educational and professional experiences, such as International Baccalaureate exams, technical education programs, and more.
Next Steps on the Road to Success
Arrange to pay your semester bill by the payment due date. International students are charged out-of-state tuition and are not eligible for most financial assistance.
You can pay your balance in full or enroll in the CSM Payment Plan to pay your bill in monthly installments—a convenient, interest-free way to budget your expenses. The monthly payment plan isn’t a loan program, so there’s no credit check.
Learn more about payment options.