International Applicants
International Applicants
Are you an International Applicant?
You are considered an International Applicant if you are not a U.S. Citizen and are not currently residing in the United States on an eligible visa.
If you are already in the United States on an eligible work visa, hold a Green Card, or hold Permanent Resident status, you may attend any of our U.S. campus locations — either our Main Campus in Woodland Park, Colorado, or a U.S. Extension Campus — and are not required to apply for an M-1 student visa. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please call us at +1-844-360-9577.
International Students on an M-1 student visa may only attend our Main Campus in Woodland Park, Colorado. M-1 students are not eligible to attend any U.S. Extension Campus.
If attending in the United States is not the right fit, international students may also choose to attend one of our International Campuses worldwide or complete Year 1 through our Online Campus.
Visa Requirements
M-1 Vocational Student Visa
To study at our Main Campus, international students must obtain an M-1 visa through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
What is an M-1 visa?
The M-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for international students enrolled in full-time vocational education programs in the United States. Because Charis Bible College does not confer academic degrees such as Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, it is classified as a vocational institution for U.S. visa purposes. Students complete ministerial training and receive a minister’s license upon graduation.
For additional information on the M-1 visa, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ‘s Study in the States website.
Admissions Requirements
To begin the M-1 visa process, International Applicants must:
- Complete and submit all required international (These documents become available once an application has been submitted.)
- Provide proof of funds for tuition and living expenses.
- Demonstrate English proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking.
- Be admitted to Charis Bible College.
- Receive a Form I-20 from Charis Bible College.
- Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.
Important: All required documents must be submitted by July 1 to allow sufficient time for review, visa appointment scheduling, and arrival before the start of the term.
About Admission
Currently enrolled international students must complete their present program year before being admitted into the next program year. Due to SEVIS regulations, Charis cannot offer conditional admittance to international students. For example, a student enrolled in Year 1 must complete all Year 1 academic requirements before being admitted to Year 2 and issued a new Form I-20. Once academic requirements are met, we will process the new enrollment and issue the next Form I-20 promptly.
About the Form I-20
The Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is issued by the Designated School Official (DSO) and confirms both admission into a full-time program and that the student has proven financial ability to study in the United States. A new Form I-20 is required for each year of attendance.
Important: You are not considered admitted until all required documents have been received, reviewed, and approved
Financial Requirements
Proof of Funds
International applicants must demonstrate adequate funds to cover tuition and living expenses for each academic year.
International students, along with any accompanying spouse or dependents, are not permitted to work or earn income while in the United States on an M-1 student visa. This includes remote work for a home-country employer and any other source of income. If the Designated School Official becomes aware that a student is working or earning income while studying at Charis, the DSO is required to report the violation to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Unlawful employment in the United States is grounds for termination of M-1 status and removal from the country.
Financial Requirements for I-20
Year Total Required (in USD)
Year 1 $25,850.00
Year 2 $28,500.00*
Year 3 $26,450.00
*Year 2 includes $2,650.00 for the mandatory Mission Trip fundraising requirement. Mission funds may come from personal resources, sponsorship, or fundraising completed during Year 2. International student mission trips take place within the United States.
Spouse/Dependents
An additional $9,900.00 is required for a spouse or per dependent under the age of 21. This amount covers minimal living costs only.
If a spouse or dependent is also attending Charis Bible College at the same time, each applicant is required to show full proof of funds individually.
English Proficiency
International applicants must be able to read, write, understand, and communicate in English fluently, without assistance, in class, on assignments, and during testing.
International Application Process
Step 1:
Application Submitted
Application Submitted
Step 2:
Required Documents Uploaded
Required Documents Uploaded
Step 3:
Admitted and 1-20 Issued
Admitted and 1-20 Issued
Step 4:
Pay I-901 Fee and Book Your Visa Appointment
Pay I-901 Fee and Book Your Visa Appointment
Step 5:
Visa Approved
Visa Approved
Step 6:
Begin Your Pre-Arrival Steps
Begin Your Pre-Arrival Steps
Step 7:
Attend Registration and the First Day of Class
Attend Registration and the First Day of Class
Step 1 — Submit your application. Apply online at charisbiblecollege.org/apply.
Step 2 — Upload required documents. Submit all required documents as outlined in the International Student Packet.
Step 3 — Application review and admission. Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Team. Once admitted, you will receive your Official Admittance Letter and Form I-20.
Step 4 — Schedule your visa appointment. Schedule a visa interview with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Before your interview:
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee as outlined in the International Student.
- Pay your deposit to the Admissions Team, if applying for on-campus housing.
- Submit your on-campus housing application, if applicable.
Step 5 — Receive visa approval. Once your visa is approved by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you are cleared to travel.
- International students are not permitted to arrive at Charis Bible College more than 30 days before the start of school.
Step 6 — Complete your pre-arrival steps.
- Pay your Charis tuition in full.
- Secure housing.
- Book your flights to the United States.
Step 7 — Attend Registration and the first day of class. Arrive at Charis Bible College in Woodland Park to complete Registration and Enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
International students are required to hold an M-1 student visa to attend Charis Bible College in the United States.
No. International students, along with any accompanying spouse or dependents, are not permitted to work or earn income while in the United States on an M-1 student visa. This includes remote work for a home-country employer and any other source of income.
Unlawful employment is grounds for termination of M-1 status and removal from the United States.
No. SEVIS regulations prohibit M-1 students from any form of employment or unpaid work that benefits an organization, including internships and volunteer positions. Unauthorized volunteer activity is grounds for termination of M-1 status and removal from the United States.
Charis Bible College does not offer financial aid, sponsorship programs, or scholarships.
No. Student and Exchange Visitor Program regulations do not permit two student visas to be held simultaneously.
Depending on your current visa, you may be eligible to apply for a change of status from within the United States. We recommend consulting an immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Yes. Before traveling, you must notify your Designated School Official to receive a travel endorsement signature on your Form I-20.
International students are not permitted to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20.
Example: If the semester begins August 28, the earliest permitted arrival date is July 30.
International students must arrive and be in attendance within 30 days after the semester start date. A late arrival request must be submitted to and approved by the Admissions Team in advance.
Example: If the semester begins August 28, the latest permitted arrival date is September 27.
International students may not remain in the United States more than 30 days after the end of the school year.
Example: If the school year ends May 13, the latest permitted departure date is June 12.
If your I-901 SEVIS fee has been paid, your Form I-20 may be deferred to the following Fall Term and a new application will be required for future enrollment. If the I-901 fee has not been paid, your Form I-20 will be cancelled and a new application will be required for future enrollment.