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English Proficiency Requirements

Acknowledging that non-native English-speaking students may experience a language barrier, Allen College uses standardized tests and previous education in the United States to ensure that a language barrier does not prevent the student's success. Proof of English Proficiency may be done by taking a standardized exam OR from previous education.

Standardized exams accepted:

Topic	TOEFL – iBT	IELTS	CEFR
Reading	18	6.5	B2
Listening	17	6.5	B2
Speaking	20	6.5	B2
Writing	20	6.0	B2

Previous education accepted:

Non-native English-speaking students are exempt from submitting testing scores if they have completed their high school education, an associate degree in nursing or medical lab technician, or a bachelor’s degree or higher at a College or University in the United States.

*Note that some Allen College programs may have additional different ESL requirements which can be found in the program’s admissions requirements.

Please direct any questions regarding these courses to Dr. Joanna Ramsden-Meier, Dean of Enrollment Management, at Joanna.Ramsden-Meier@AllenCollege.edu or (319) 226-2004.

All students must be able to answer either “US Citizen” or “Permanent Resident” as “yes” on the Allen College application form. Allen College is not a SEVP Certified School and cannot admit international students.

Additional Information

Transfer Credit from outside the US

Transfer Credit from Colleges or Universities Outside of the United States

If you have College transcripts from outside the United States; you are required to send them for evaluation to Educational Perspectives.

You MUST request a Catalog Match Evaluation. If you do not use Catalog Match, your evaluation will NOT meet the requirement.

Current International Students

Additional International Student Admission Details

Admission Requirements for Students Studying on an F-1 Visa

Proof of English Proficiency (see English Proficiency requirements) This requirement must be completed BEFORE you can be considered for admission.
Once admitted, you will be requested to submit the following:

Submit bank statement(s) that include funding for one year of tuition, fees and living expenses. If you submit a bank statement with an educational sponsor's name, the Declaration of Financial Support form must be completed. See cost of attendance for the current tuition.
If transferring from another U.S. institution, send your international advisor the link to the School Transfer form. You must be in good standing at your current school to transfer to Allen College.
If you are coming from outside of the U.S.; after you have been admitted and received the form I-20, pay the SEVIS fee PRIOR to your visa appointment. Make your fee payment here.

Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20)

Once you have been admitted and have completed the additional admission requirements listed above, you will be provided your Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20).

To apply for an F-1 student visa you will need to take your Form 1-20 and any other required materials for your visa appointment to a United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The F-1 student visa is required for you to enter the United States as a student.

Check the website of the Embassy or Consulate office you will visit for specific requirements needed to apply for an F-1 student visa. You may want to access the Education USA office closest to you for additional assistance and suggestions.

If you choose to attend another institution after Allen College has issued a Form I-20 you will need to contact us immediately so that it may be corrected in SEVIS.

Responsibilities of Admitted International Students

Once you are admitted to Allen College, you must stay in communication with the Dean of Enrollment Management in order to remain in compliance with your F-1 visa status. Notification and authorization is required for address changes, travel outside of the U.S., and current enrollment must be reported timely.

Declaration of Financial Support form

School Transfer form

Other Student Information & Resources

International Student Information and Resources

Allen College admits non-immigrant students holding an F1 visa. F1 students must follow specific federal laws. You can review your requirements as an F1 student by visiting Study in the States.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) requirements each semester

Students enrolled in any program with clinical must complete the CPT form in its entirety. A separate form must be completed for each clinical site used to complete clinical hours for any course.

Traveling while an F1 student

Students who travel outside of the United States during breaks should take the following information into consideration prior to travel.

Request an updated form I20 prior to leaving the country. Requests can be made by contacting Dr. Joanna Ramsden-Meier at Joanna.Ramsden-Meier@AllenCollege.edu or (319) 226-2004.
It is recommended to include your admission letter, college transcript, course schedule, and bank statements with your other documentation when traveling.
Do not travel if your passport expires in six months or less.
Do not travel if your visa has expired.
It is recommended to get medical insurance to cover all emergencies, including travel back to the United States.
Carry the phone number to the nearest Embassy in case you need assistance while traveling abroad.
Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection webpage before you travel.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

After graduation, students may be eligible to work for up to one year in the United States using OPT. You can view regulations at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Students who would like to apply for OPT must complete the OPT Request Form. If you are applying for post-completion OPT, you may apply up to 90 days prior to program completion or up to 60 days after program completion. Once Allen College notifies you that you meet the requirements for pre- or post-completion OPT, you will have 30 days to complete form I-765.

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