Apply for a U.S. Visa

Once you’ve been accepted to SPSCC, you should apply for a U.S. Visa as soon as possible when you receive your acceptance packet. Your acceptance packet will include your admission letter and I-20. 

Visit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the student visa process.

You will need to pay a SEVIS fee first and then use your receipt to apply for your student visa before you can schedule an interview appointment with the U.S. Consular Office in your home country. Many consulates recommend that you make an appointment no more than 90 days from the intended date of travel, but some can make earlier arrangements for interviews.

Students already studying in the U.S. must complete the Transfer Verification Form and submit it along with a copy of your Student Visa and I-20 during the application process to SPSCC. 

New Student Arrivals

Form Sign-Up

Select Housing

Select and apply for your preferred housing option as soon as possible and before you arrive on campus. See Housing information for options while attending SPSCC and remember to submit a housing application once you have a Visa.

Attend a Pre-Departure Orientation in Your Country

EducationUSA Advising Centers in your country may offer a free pre-departure orientation session for students attending colleges and universities in the United States. Visit the EducationUSA website to find a center in your area and learn more.

Planning for Orientation and Class Registration

Check your email regularly for updates on orientation and arrival information. When you receive your student visa, make flight arrangements no later than the reported date on your I-20. Submit a new student arrival form once you confirm your travel plans. New students are required to attend an orientation to prepare for their first quarter at SPSCC.  

Health Insurance

Due to high health care costs in the US, we require that all international students carry health insurance continuously while studying at SPSCC, including during breaks and holidays. All international students are required to carry the college-approved health insurance plan provided by Firebird International Insurance Group. The charge will be applied to your student account each quarter. Insurance must be pre-paid the quarter prior to taking an approved quarter vacation.

Who is SPSCC’s approved insurance provider?

Firebird International Insurance Group provides a health insurance policy for purchase for our international students.

  • Student: $495 per quarter/$1980 per year.
  • Spouse of student: Health insurance can be purchased separately upon arrival.
  • Children of student (under 18): Health insurance can be purchased separately upon arrival.

Student Health Insurance Waiver
All F-1 international students at SPSCC are required to have health insurance that meets specific coverage standards. If you already have a qualifying plan, you may request a waiver of the SPSCC-sponsored insurance.

How to Request a Waiver
To request a waiver, complete the online form and upload a copy of your insurance policy:
Submit Waiver Request: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8b2e77ccf5a1494c85f7f01b1e41004b

Your insurance policy must:

  • Be written in English
  • Be submitted by the first day of the quarter
  • Clearly show the following minimum coverage levels:
  • $500,000 per accident or illness
  • $100 maximum deductible per accident or illness
  • $50,000 or more for medical evacuation
  • $50,000 or more for repatriation


Important Information
Waivers will not be granted if your insurance does not meet all of the above requirements.
A new waiver request is required each quarter.
Students who do not submit a waiver by the deadline will be automatically enrolled in—and billed for—the SPSCC-sponsored insurance plan.


Need to Appeal?
If your waiver is denied and you wish to appeal, you may submit a new request using the same form:
Submit Appeal: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8b2e77ccf5a1494c85f7f01b1e41004b

Questions?
Email mjones@spscc.edu for assistance or more information.

Visit the Firebird website for more information or call them at 1-800-899-4233.

Getting to Campus

Before you leave your country, please read the U.S. government’s information about the procedures for entering the United States. When you arrive in the United States, you will need to present your I-20 to the immigration officer. Our office offers free shuttle service to Olympia for all new international students. Submit a new student arrival form once your visa and flight information is confirmed. We are excited for your arrival at SPSCC.

Olympia is located about 45 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (airport code SEA).

  • Shuttle Service: Capital Aeroporter offers shuttle service for about $42.00. Arrange for service before you arrive by visiting the Capital Aeroporter website.
  • Bus Route: IntercityTransit provides a connected bus route from the airport to Olympia, although travel time is over two hours and involves multiples stops and bus transfers.
  • Car Route: Get driving directions to SPSCC from the airport on Google Maps.