International Students
International Student Admissions
Quick Facts for International Students
Application Deadlines
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | |
| Application Deadline | April 1 | September 1 |
| Classes Begin | August | January |
At a Glance
- F-1 Visa Support Available
- Authorized I-20 Issuing Institution
- Affordable U.S. Higher Education
- Small Class Sizes
- On-Campus Housing
- Transfer Pathways to Four-Year Universities
- Personalized Student Support Services
- Welcoming Campus Community
Why Choose NMJC?
For international students in New Mexico and students worldwide seeking to study in the USA, NMJC provides an affordable and accessible pathway to higher education. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, modern facilities, student organizations, and dedicated support services designed to help them succeed both academically and personally.
As one of the affordable colleges in the United States for international students, NMJC offers an excellent opportunity to begin your education while managing the costs associated with studying abroad. Many students start their journey at NMJC and continue through established U.S. college transfer pathways to complete bachelor's degrees at universities across the country.
Benefits of Studying at NMJC
- Affordable tuition and educational costs
- Personalized support from faculty and staff
- Residence hall living and campus dining
- Opportunities for leadership and student involvement
- Academic advising and tutoring services
- Transfer opportunities to four-year universities
- Career and workforce development programs
- Safe and welcoming campus environment
How to Apply
Prospective students who wish to receive an F-1 visa must complete the International Student Application and submit all required documents to international@nmjc.edu.
Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must provide proof of English language proficiency through one of the accepted methods listed below.
Provide official secondary school transcripts, graduation documentation, and any required evaluations or translations.
Complete the Certificate of Financial Responsibility and provide documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for your studies.
Provide required immunization records, tuberculosis testing documentation, and a copy of your passport.
Admission Requirements
English Proficiency Requirements
International students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency before admission.
Accepted forms of English proficiency include:
- Completion of four years of US high school with a 2.0 GPA or better
- Completion of high school in English-Speaking Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand or the United States.
- ACT English score of 19 or better (test not REQUIRED for admission)
- SAT Verbal score of 480 or better (Prior to March 2016 exam) or Read/Write score of 500 or better (post-March 2016 exam) (SAT exam is not REQUIRED for admission.)
- 1 year of full-time study (minimum 24 credit hours) at a regionally-accredited US college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Completion of one semester of freshman English composition with a GPA of 2.0 or higher at a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university.
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university or a recognized institution in English-Speaking Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand.
- Official score on the International version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL*) of at least 500 (paper-based), or 173 (computerized), or 72 (Internet) with a minimum score of 18 on each section.
- Official score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of 6.0
or higher.
TOEFL and IELTS Information
Academic Records
Students must submit official documentation demonstrating graduation from an approved secondary school and eligibility for admission to a recognized university in their home country.
Photocopies, faxed copies, and notarized copies are not accepted. Documents not issued in English must be accompanied by certified translations or evaluations. Official records must contain original signatures, stamps, or institutional seals.
Financial Documentation
As one of several F-1 visa colleges in New Mexico, NMJC must verify that applicants have sufficient financial resources to complete their studies.
Applicants must submit the NMJC Certificate of Financial Responsibility and supporting documentation showing adequate financial support for at least one academic year of study. Students receiving scholarships, including athletic scholarships, should provide documentation of those awards.
Health and Immunization Requirements
International students must provide current immunization records and evidence of required vaccinations, including:
- Diphtheria and tetanus immunizations within the past ten years
- Negative tuberculosis test results
- Documentation of good physical and mental health
Passport Requirement
Studying in the United States
Many students choose NMJC because it offers an affordable pathway to higher education in America. Community colleges for international students provide an opportunity to begin undergraduate studies in smaller classes while receiving personalized support and saving money during the first two years of college.
Students attending NMJC gain access to the academic resources, campus life experiences, and educational opportunities needed for long-term success in the United States.
Transfer Pathways to Universities
Many international students begin their education at NMJC before transferring to a four-year university.
NMJC's U.S. college transfer pathways help students complete foundational coursework and then continue toward bachelor's degrees at universities throughout New Mexico and across the United States. Starting at NMJC allows students to benefit from smaller class sizes, lower educational costs, and personalized academic support before transferring.
International Student Policies
Maintaining F-1 Status
International students must maintain lawful F-1 status while attending NMJC. Requirements include:
- Maintaining a minimum of 12 credit hours during fall and spring semesters
- Reporting address changes
- Reporting legal name changes
- Reporting changes of major
- Reporting transfers to another institution
- Maintaining compliance with immigration regulations
Employment Information
International students may work on campus if positions are available.
Students may not work off campus unless they receive proper employment authorization from U.S. immigration authorities. International students should not expect employment to provide the financial resources necessary to support their education while attending NMJC.
Transfer Students from U.S. Institutions
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Yes. NMJC welcomes students from around the world and is authorized to issue Form I-20 to eligible students pursuing an F-1 student visa.
Yes. International students have access to on-campus housing and dining options. Learn more about residence halls, housing requirements, and campus living.
Yes. NMJC is authorized to issue Form I-20 to qualified international applicants who meet admission requirements and submit all required documentation.
The application deadline is April 1 for the Fall semester and September 1 for the Spring semester.
NMJC accepts TOEFL and IELTS scores, as well as several academic alternatives that demonstrate English proficiency.
Students studying on an F-1 visa must maintain full-time enrollment, which requires at least 12 credit hours during fall and spring semesters.
International students may work on campus when positions are available. Off-campus employment requires authorization from U.S. immigration authorities.
Yes. Many international students begin at NMJC and use established transfer pathways to continue toward bachelor's degrees at universities throughout New Mexico and across the United States.
Contact International Admissions
International Admissions Office
Email: international@nmjc.edu
Application Support: Assistance throughout the admissions process
F-1 Visa Guidance: Support for eligible international students
Document Submission: Electronic submission options available
Personalized Assistance: Dedicated support from application through enrollment
Study in the USA at New Mexico Junior College
New Mexico Junior College welcomes international students seeking an affordable, high-quality education in the United States. As an authorized I-20 issuing institution and one of the recognized F-1 visa colleges in New Mexico, NMJC supports students throughout the international student admissions process. Students benefit from affordable tuition, small class sizes, personalized support, campus housing, and U.S. college transfer pathways that can lead to bachelor's degree opportunities throughout the country. NMJC is proud to help students from around the world achieve their educational goals and begin their academic journey in the United States.
Fall Semester
Apply by: April 1
Classes begi: August
Spring Semester
Apply by: September 1
Classes begin: January
Why International Students Choose NMJC
• Affordable U.S. education
• Small class sizes
• Campus housing available
• F-1 visa support
• Authorized I-20 issuer
• University transfer pathways
• Personalized student support
• Safe and welcoming campus community
Need Help Applying?
international@nmjc.edu
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