Next Steps After Admission
After you’ve been accepted to Highline, here’s how to apply for your visa and get ready to arrive on our campus.
Visa & SEVIS (New Students)
Step 1: Print the I-20, sign it, and hold it until your visa interview date. Print your acceptance letter.
Step 2: Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
Step 3: Apply for the F-1 student visa and pay the visa fee.
Step 4: Wait for your F-1 visa interview date. View visa wait times here.
Step 5: Notify us at ispadmissions@highline.edu to let us know if your visa has been approved or denied. Our staff will provide further instructions at that time.
Visa & SEVIS (Transfer-in Students)
Step 1: Provide the advisor/DSO at your current school with a copy of your acceptance letter. Often, an electronic copy will be sufficient.
Step 2: Complete your current school’s exit requirements and request to have your active SEVIS record transferred to Highline College (SEVIS code SEA214F00344000). Many schools require you to complete a special form for this purpose.
Important Notes for Transfer-In Students:
- If you learn that your SEVIS record is in “terminated” or “completed” status, please inform Highline’s International Admissions staff BEFORE your SEVIS record is transferred to Highline College. This will not void your admission; it will, however, mean that additional steps will be necessary for you to regain your F-1 status.
- If you will be traveling internationally before your program start date, please send your travel dates to ISPadmissions@highline.edu so that our staff can provide you with a Transfer-Pending I-20. If you are staying in the U.S., you will receive your Highline I-20 after you begin your academic program.
Preparing for Highline College
At Highline College, all students use two accounts on a regular basis:
- ctcLink Account: For enrollment, payments, classes and student records. Activation instructions are in your “student folder” from ISP Admissions.
- myHighline Account: For email, Canvas, and Google Drive. Activation instructions will be emailed by the ITS Department (helpdesk@highline.edu) after you have been admitted to Highline College.
Activate both accounts as soon as possible and save your login details securely. Need help? Contact welcometeam@highline.edu.
You have met the admission requirements for Highline, but now we need to see what classes you are ready to take! We use the “Milestone” in ctclink to indicate your English and math levels.
English:
All students need English placement.
- If you have provided a TOEFL or IELTS score, no further testing is required.
- Other students: Take one of two placement tests based on your application. We will send you specific instructions by email.
Math:
Most Highline degrees require students to take at least one math and one science course.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) majors will take a math placement test before your first quarter.
- Non-STEM majors can wait to take the test until your first quarter of enrollment.
If you have questions regarding testing, email welcometeam@highline.edu. Please include your full name and ctcLink ID.
ISP Advisors are here to help you transition to Highline College, understand your program requirements, and enroll in classes that fulfill both your academic requirements and your F-1 status requirements.
Enrollment:
- Enrollment dates are on the Dates and Deadlines
- Advisors offer in-person and Zoom appointments.
To request an appointment, email welcometeam@highline.edu with:
- Name
- ctcLink ID
- Major
- Appointment type (in-person/Zoom)
- Available dates/times (Seattle time).
Appointments are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Use a time zone converter if outside Seattle.
After enrolling, you’ll see a total due, including tuition and other fees, including medical insurance.
- Tuition: Students have the option to pay the quarter in full or pay using the payment plan. Please pay as soon as possible after enrolling.
- Medical Insurance: This fee is included in the total amount and is required for F-1 students. Learn more on the Medical Insurance page.
We offer a New Student Scholarship for international students who are taking classes at Highline College for the first time.
All first-quarter international students are required to stay at Campus View Housing to build community. Apply now to reserve your room.
- Exemptions: Complete this form if eligible.
- Other housing Options: click here to view more options.
We’re here to ensure a smooth transition!
- Book your flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). You can arrive up to 30 days before your program starts (see “Earliest Admission Date” on your I-20 and on our important dates chart).
- Click here to report your flight details to us.
- Arrange Transportation:
- We offer airport pick-up on Move-In Day for students arriving at designated times.
- For others, use this guide for alternative transport options.
- Campus View residents can be reimbursed up to $50 for travel costs (save your receipt).
- Travel Documents: Keep your passport, F-1 Visa, I-20, Acceptance Letter, and US address in your carry-on. See additional information about traveling internationally.
For urgent issues when traveling (for example, if you are stuck in the airport or if your flight is cancelled), call ISP at +1 (206) 592-3725 or Public Safety at +1 (206) 592-3218 after hours.
All new international students must attend in-person orientation, which includes two full-day workshops and a third day of social activities. It starts on the program date listed on your I-20 (also on the Important Dates page). You’ll receive a detailed calendar 1-2 weeks before orientation.
During Orientation Week, you’ll gain valuable information and connect with new and current Highline students.
Orientation covers many subjects, including:
- F-1 status regulations
- Medical insurance
- Tuition & scholarships
- Campus resources
- Class selection & enrollment
- Safety
Over the course of the week, students will:
- Take placement tests
- Meet with advisors
- Update your ctclink profile
- Submit the I-94
- Make friends!
- Have fun!
Students wishing to transfer credits from another U.S. college should start the Transcript Evaluation Process before their first quarter.
- Order an official transcript from your previous school(s) and have it sent to Highline. (This is different from the unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.)
- Complete the Evaluation Request Form (immediately after ordering the transcript) on the Transcript Evaluation page.
The evaluation won’t start until both items are received. Processing can take 10-14 weeks.
If your credits are from outside the U.S., please speak to an ISP Advisor.
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