International Students

All international students must establish English language proficiency. All applicants whose first language (“mother tongue”) is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL). Though there are three different forms of the TOEFL exam, the Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL exam is the only form accepted by Reformed Theological Seminary. To be considered for admission to the MDiv or MA degree programs, applicants must have a total score of 84 or higher, with score no lower than 21 on the four components of the exam (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing).  To be considered for admission to the DMin or ThM degree program, applicants must have a minimum total score of 100, with scores no lower than 25 on each of the subtests (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing).

For more information or to register for TOEFL, please visit: http://www.ets.org/toefl

The institutional code for Reformed Theological Seminary is 9771.  If you put this number in the appropriate place on the test registration form, your score report will be mailed to us.

Students must submit official transcripts from all previous academic work (a baccalaureate degree or its foreign equivalent with a 2.6 cumulative GPA is ordinarily required). Undergraduate transcripts (baccalaureate degree or equivalent) from international colleges and universities should be submitted through the World Education Services for evaluation. Make sure to request the Course-by-Course Report and specifically request that they include the language of instruction on the report. Please see the WES Frequently Asked Questions page for further information about fees and processing times. Official transcripts for post-baccalaureate studies (master’s, doctorate, etc) should be submitted directly to RTS Orlando.

International Students are legally required to be full-time students (12 credit hours per fall and spring semesters)

The US Government requires proof of finances and financial support in the amount covering both your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your degree.

Upon admittance to RTS Orlando you will be issued an I-20 (having completed steps 1 and 2 in their entirety). This I-20 document allows you to apply for your F1 visa.

Please note: Once you have received your I-20, the visa application process, interview wait times, and return of passport with visa, vary from country to country. Please allow at least 6-8 weeks from your visa application date to be granted an interview and receive your visa.

Before applying for your visa, confirm that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your expected stay in the USA.

Visa Application Steps

1. Register on the SEVIS Website  by submitting  I-901 Form (includes USD $350 fee) .
   WHAT IS SEVIS: The Department of Homeland Security and Department of State are responsible for monitoring schools, F-1 status students and others. Student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate information on non-immigrant students (F-1 visa) and their dependents (F-2). SEVIS enables schools to transmit mandatory information and event notifications, via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student’s stay in the United States.) Unless otherwise exempt, participants must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program.Submit your online SEVIS form.
2. Complete the online visa application forms . Please follow all instructions carefully. These are legal documents. (Includes approx. USD $200 fee)
3. Schedule Visa Interview
4. Attend visa interview with all necessary supporting documents.

For complete student visa information please visit this the US Visa website.

PLEASE BE INFORMED OF THE FOLLOWING REGARDING VISA APPLICATION:

As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. Wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information is available on most embassy websites. Because each student’s personal and academic situation may differ, two students applying for the same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student’s situation.

Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to issue a student visa 120 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date as listed on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to accomplish any of the necessary special clearances or other processes that may be required.

New Students may not enter the United States more than 30 days before course of study

Start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making

Travel plans to the U.S

NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU DO NOT BOOK AND PAY FOR TRAVEL UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ISSUED A VISA.

Please provide your enrollment counselor with a copy of your passport and copy of your F1 Visa

You have made it. You are officially in the United States of America. Welcome to Orlando, FL! We are excited to have you here! Below you will find very important information on steps you need to take once you have arrived.

Check in with DSO

Please report to RTS Orlando on the next business day after your arrival. Check in with your DSO who will note your presence and enter your address into SEVIS.

Health Insurance

International students receiving financial aid are still required to show proof of major medical insurance coverage for all dependents listed on form I-20. For international students, proof of major medical insurance must be shown to the appropriate campus staff member by the first day of classes for the fall and spring semesters. Students in the past have used:

• The Student Insurance Program – http://www.collegiateinsuranceresources.com/
• Humana – https://www.humana.com/
• Samaritan Ministries – http://samaritanministries.org/
• International Student Insurance – http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/

Click here for more information about our student health insurance policy.

Social Security

If you are offered on campus employment you will need to have a social security card. You must apply for a social security card in person at the Social Security Card office located at 5520 Gatlin Avenue, Suite 102, Orlando, FL 32812. You must bring with you your passport, I-94, I-20, 2 x proof of address, and a letter from the Work Study Coordinator stating that you are approved to work on campus. You can down download the application form at www.socialsecurity.gov or you can apply at the Social Security Office.

NOTE: If you have not been given employment you will need a letter from social security stating you are not legally able to obtain a social security number in order to obtain your driver’s license.

Driver’s License

You will need a Florida driver’s license to drive in Florida. You will be required to pass both a written and practical driving test. To obtain a driver’s license you need to go to the DMV located at 104 Wilshire Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707. Please take the following documents with you:

• I-20 Forms
• Passport
• Current Driver’s License from home country
• Social Security Number (or the form you have obtained from social security indicating you are not legally allowed a social security number. The social security office is located at SUITE 101, 5520 GATLIN AVE , ORLANDO, FL 32812)
• Printed I-94 form
• 2 forms of proof of address

If you don’t have a license from your home country please don’t worry. You can still obtain a license. You will have to take a four hour course on drug and alcohol use before you can take the tests for a license. Everyone must take two tests: A written exam on Florida driving laws and road signs and a practical driving exam. You may request a study guide at www.hsmv.state.fl.us, where there is a practice exam online so that you will know what to expect. During the practical driving exam, you will drive a car (road worthy and all lights working) with an evaluator who will accompany you in the vehicle. You may take these exams more than once. There is no cost the first time you take them. If you do not pass the exam on the first try, you may take it again but there will be a fee of $10.

Buying a Car (Plus Registration and Insurance )

Florida is a driving state. Florida is not a pedestrian-friendly state. Where the school is located public transport does not exist. You will need to purchase a vehicle. By law you are required to register this vehicle and have insurance. A number of students purchase their vehicles off www.craiglist.org or visit a dealership in the area.

• If you purchase off of Craigslist you can register and pay the sales tax on your new vehicle at The County Tax Collector’s office: 1490 Swanson Dr #100, Oviedo, FL 32765
• The only insurance company who will insure you for the first six months is State Farm. This will be at a cost of approximately $240 per month. After six months you can choose to change to other insurance companies that may have less expensive policies.
• If you purchase from a dealer then the dealer completes the registration application, provides you with a number plate, and applies the sales tax for you. The dealer can also provide more affordable insurance options. Anecdotally, the dealership option is the much more simple and hassle free option than Craigslist, but it will likely cost you more money. You will need an already established USA checking account to purchase from a dealer.

Banking

Open a Checking Account with a local bank. Students commonly use Bank of America, Sun Trust, and Wells Fargo as they are close to the school. Opening a bank account requires:

• 2 forms of Identification (passport recommended)
• Money to establish your account (at least $100)
• Proof of address and contact information