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Other Immigration Class

Other Immigration Class

Western Seminary requires that all students who are not US citizens supply proof of legal immigration status in order to be admitted and enrolled.  Immigrant and Non-immigrant status holders other than the F1 have varying requirements listed below, but all would go through the normal application process plus two additional steps:

  • They must submit documentation that shows legal status.
  • Additionally, any student who is not a native English speaker must show proof of English proficiency.

Requirements for typical Non-Immigrant/Immigrant visa type:

H1B/H4

Students on a work visa are permitted to study at Western Seminary.  However, since the stipulations for the H1B visa are that any educational pursuit is incidental to the primary work, students on an H1B visa are typically limited to enrolling part-time, though they may study full-time.  Students must supply a valid copy of an unexpired H1B visa as well as an official letter from the appropriate authority at their H1B sponsoring employer that they are currently employed and have permission to pursue studies at Western Seminary.  The dependent on an H4 visa is not limited to part-time study and does not supply such a letter.  He or she must give a copy of the current H4 visa.

R1/R2

Students on a religious worker visa are permitted to study at Western Seminary.  However, since the stipulations for the R1 visa are that any educational pursuit is incidental to the primary religious work, students on an R1 visa are typically limited to enrolling part-time, though they may enroll full-time.  Students must supply a valid copy of an unexpired R1 visa as well as an official letter from the appropriate authority at their R1 sponsoring church or religious organization that they are currently employed and have permission to pursue studies at Western Seminary.  The dependent on an R2 visa is not limited to part-time study and does not supply such a letter.  He or she must give a copy of the current R2 visa.

Permanent Resident

A permanent Resident of the United States is permitted full or part time study.  He or she must supply a copy (front and back) of their current and still valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

Other Immigrant/Non-immigrant Visa type

If you are in the United States legally under a different visa classification, you may or may not be permitted to enroll at Western Seminary.  Please contact Andy Peloquin, in the International Student Office, for more information - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In the case of undocumentadults who were brought into the United States as minors, Western Seminary makes allowances to pursue study by requesting an F1 exemption. However, in the case of an applicant who did not study in the US as a minor, they will need to pursue the normal international student application process to obtain an 1-20 document and F1 visa. In order to request an F1 exemption, the applicant must supply the following additional information along with their application for admission:

  • Proof that the applicant has continuously resided in the US starting in 9th grade and has completed 9-12th grades in a US secondary school.
  • Proof that the applicant has graduated from an accredited US college/university.

Applicants who are granted an F1 exemption will not be required to provide proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL or IELTS exam.

  • Proof that the applicant has continuously resided in the US starting in 9th grade and has completed 9-12th grades in a US secondary school.
  • Proof that the applicant has graduated from an accredited US college/university.