OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

International REQUIREMENTS PAGE

Arlington Baptist University welcomes students from around the world. International applicants must complete both the University's admissions requirements and all requirements necessary for issuance of immigration documents and F-1 student status.

Step 1: Apply

Submit:

  • International Application for Admission

  • Upload all required documents as part of the application process

Step 2: Submit Academic Records

Applicants must submit:

  • High school/secondary transcript if they have fewer than 12 applicable college credits

  • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended

  • Official transcripts from institutions through which dual-credit coursework was earned

Academic documents issued outside the United States must be translated into English when necessary and evaluated for U.S. academic equivalency through a credential-evaluation process acceptable to ABU.

Step 3: English Proficiency

Applicants whose primary language of education is not English must submit approved evidence of English proficiency.

Applicants from countries where English is the primary language are not required to submit an English-proficiency examination.

ABU may request additional evidence of English-language readiness when necessary.

Step 4: Health Requirements

Submit:

  • Physical Form

  • Health Information Form

  • Bacterial Meningitis documentation, when applicable

  • Tuberculosis test

Additional health documentation may be required based upon athletic participation, housing, or other University requirements.

Step 5: Financial Documentation & Deposit

Submit:

  • Notarized Affidavit of Support

  • Passport identification page

  • Required financial documentation

International applicants are required to pay a $5,000 international enrollment deposit, which is applied to the student's account.

The deposit may be paid in two installments:

$2,500 before the Form I-20 is issued

and

$2,500 after the student's F-1 visa is approved by the U.S. embassy or consulate and before final enrollment clearance.

Step 6: Receive Your I-20 and Apply for Your Visa

Once the applicable admissions, academic, and financial documentation, and the initial deposit requirements, are complete, ABU may issue the Form I-20.

Students outside the United States will then:

  1. Receive their Form I-20

  2. Pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee

  3. Schedule the appropriate embassy or consulate appointment

  4. Apply for the F-1 student visa

Issuance of an I-20 does not guarantee approval of an F-1 visa.

Already in the United States on F-1 Status?

F-1 transfer students must apply and be accepted to Arlington Baptist University before ABU begins the SEVIS transfer process.

Students must be eligible for transfer of their SEVIS record and must have maintained or otherwise be eligible to maintain lawful F-1 status.

ABU may request:

  • Current Form I-20

  • Passport

  • Visa

  • I-94

  • SEVIS information

  • Additional immigration documentation

Step 7: Final Enrollment

Before registration is finalized, international students must provide all applicable final immigration and enrollment documents, including:

  • F-1 visa, when applicable

  • Signed Form I-20

  • Form I-94

  • Final official transcripts

  • Remaining international deposit

  • Required health documentation

  • Required financial and enrollment documents

Maintain Your F-1 Status

International students are responsible for maintaining lawful F-1 status throughout enrollment, including maintaining the required course load, attendance, academic progress, financial standing, and compliance with all applicable immigration requirements.

Questions? Contact admissions