International Students

The International Student Office will be closed Friday, October 2 for a campus-wide event. 

 

We are not accepting any new or transfer student applications for Fall 2026 at this time. 

Spring 2027: Applications will be accepted from September 1 to October 15, 2026                             

Fall 2027: Applications will be accepted from April 1, 2027, to May 15, 2027  

Applicants who submit their applications by the deadline will be notified of their admission status within four weeks.

Miramar College will accept a limited number of non-immigrant F-1 visa students. Acceptance into the program is necessary before the college issues the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-20. The decision to grant acceptance will be based on all evidence received before the deadlines. We encourage prospective & continuing F-1 students interested in the latest visa information to visit the Department of State website:  https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov 

General Information

International students must enroll in and maintain full-time status (12 units) each semester at Miramar College. Part-time status will not be approved. The college will monitor the registration status and academic performance of all international students.

Prospective international students are advised that they must comply with all requirements of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and San Diego Miramar College to be admitted as international students.

Transfer Students from another accredited United States college or university must:

  1. Complete the application for international students.
  2. Submit all supporting documents.
  3. Have pursued a full-time course of study with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C) at the college the student was last authorized to attend. An official transcript must be filed, and
  4. Follow the set transfer procedures of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Academic Programs

San Diego Miramar College does not offer an intensive English as a Second Language program.

San Diego Miramar College offers lower-division coursework toward a vocational certificate, a two-year associate degree, and preparation for a four-year bachelor's degree or a graduate program.

If you already possess a baccalaureate or college degree or the equivalent (completion of about 60 units), you may be considered beyond the course offerings of San Diego Miramar College and are encouraged to apply to a four-year college or university. Exceptions may be granted for students declaring a new major or needing additional lower-division courses.

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Miramar College supports international students, and so does your Associated Student Government. Become a member of the Associated Students today to unlock all the benefits of being a Miramar student!

Update 09/15/2026

On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Masacheusetts issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking implementation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Final Rule that would have ended the longstanding Duration of Status (D/S) framework for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.

The Final Rule was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Because of the court's order, the rule did not take effect, and the current Duration of Status framework remains in place. At this time, there are no changes to exisiting F-1 and J-1 requirements as a result of the Final Rule.

A preliminary injuction is a temporary court order that prevents the federal government from implementing the rule while the legal challenge continues. This does not permanently resolve the matter, and the status of the rule could change as the case moves through the legal process. 

What this means for San Diego Miramar College students: For now, F-1 students should continue following the exisiting requirements for maintaining their F-1 status. No action is needed in response to the Final Rule at this time. 

The San Diego Miramar College International Office will continue to monitor developments and provide updates to students as additional information becomes available.

Update 08/04/2026

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule eliminating Duration of Status (D/S) for students in F and J status. The new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.

This is a significant change that may affect your academic timeline, school transfers, and employment benefits such as Optional Practical Training (OPT). We encourage all international students to review the new requirements and begin planning early.

What is changing?

Previously, most F-1 students were admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S), allowing them to remain in the country as long as they maintained their F-1 status and made normal academic progress.

Beginning September 15, 2026, students generally will be admitted for the length of their Form I-20 plus 30 days, not to exceed four years. Students who need additional time to complete their program may need to apply for an extension before their authorized stay expires.

What should you do?

Review Your Educational Plan

Meet with an international student academic counselor to ensure you are on track to complete your degree.

Update your educational plan if your expected graduation date has changed.

Review Your Form I-20

If you expect to need additional time to complete your program, begin planning now. 
Students requesting a program extension must submit updated financial documentation to the International Office before a new Form I-20 can be issued, if eligible.

After September 15, 2026, Designated School Officials (DSOs) will no longer be able to process program extensions solely through SEVIS.

Plan Ahead

Processing times for Extension of Stay applications are currently unknown under the new rule. Because the process may take several months, do not wait until your authorized stay is close to expiring before requesting an extension.

Learn More

We encourage you to take time to review these official resources to better understand the new requirements.

Department of Homeland Security – Study in the States

San Diego Miramar College is committed to supporting you throughout this transition and your academic journey.