International Master's Level Students

Applying to Denver Seminary

If you are not a US Citizen or permanent resident, but you would like to apply to attend Denver Seminary, please download the application and the international student packet. Once both forms are completed, please mail them to Denver Seminary. For more information about how to apply to Denver Seminary as an International Student, please contact us at 303-761-2482 or email .

International Student Services

The main emphasis of this office is to help new students participate in building a support community together. The International Student Community (ISC) includes both international and local volunteers interested in supporting international students. ISC has an organizing team, which includes the coordinator, a student assistant and volunteers that meet regularly to discuss students, needs, and to plan and organize events. Our goal is to provide a space for the new international students where they feel supported and encouraged to share their concerns as well as the richness they bring with them.

The International Student Coordinator's responsibility is to welcome, support, and accompany independent international students on campus, and to help Denver Seminary's administration improve the structures that provide services to international students. A combination of practical advice and social activities, services offered include activities such as: international student orientation, which supplements Denver Seminary's general orientation and addresses the specific needs of international students; assistance obtaining a Social Security Card [see also Social Security Number,] and State of Colorado Driver's License [see also Driver's license] or State ID; preparing occasional liturgies, social gatherings and excursions; etc.

We collaborate with the Dean's Office of Student Services, the office of the Intercultural and Urban Ministries department, Student Services, Financial Aid Office, the Registrar and the Admissions Office to address issues that facilitate the life of new international students at Denver Seminary.

Contact: Nathan Lamb at 303-357-5801 or .

Immigration Information

This section includes information about the various documents that you will need in order to enter and stay in the country. You will need to know that the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for immigration is Elaine Smith and that the Designated School Officials (DSO)are Dr. Vanessa Anderson, Dean of Students and Pam Betker, Registrar.

Visas

The Visa within the passport. This is granted to permit travel and re-entry to the United States by international students. This visa must be maintained valid to travel and to allow re-entry into the USA. It must be renewed 60-90 days before it expires.
F-1 Visa: the study visa granted to a student with a valid I-20 document from the Academic Institution. The student must be studying full-time, 9-12 credit hours, each semester. The student can work 20 hours per week at the school campus. Students are not permitted to work outside of the school campus! This will endanger the student's legal status and possibly future entry to the USA. Students cannot reside at a parish and provide services. This can cause deportation.
R-1 Visa: the visa granted to religious workers. Half-time or less than half-time study, 3-6 credit hours, is permitted each semester. Students cannot study full-time. Students are permitted to work on school campus and outside of the school. Students can reside at a parish and provide services.

The I-20

The I-20 form is the documentation given by the Academic Institution so that U.S. Embassies can grant student visas to international students. This form can be transferred to another educational institution if the student wishes to study elsewhere. It must be signed by the DSO of your appropriate program at least TWO weeks before travel outside of the USA. If your DSO is not available, you need to see the Registrar to sign the form.

Transfer Students

As an international student, "transfer students" refers to any current F-1 or J-1 student coming to Denver Seminary from another school in the U.S. In order to maintain your legal immigration status, there are specific procedures you must follow to transfer your I-20 or DS-2019 to Denver Seminary.

  1. Notify the international student adviser at your current school that you intend to transfer to Denver Seminary. The advisor will set a SEVIS Release Date when your SEVIS record will transfer to Denver Seminary. This date is usually the last day of enrollment at you current school.
  2. Register for the Fall 2006 semester no later than August 28, 2006 (15 days after the first day of classes) in order to complete your transfer.
Transfer Verification Form

This form must be completed by students that are residing in the U.S. and studied or are studying at a school in the U.S. prior to coming Denver Seminary. It must be sent to the institution from which the student is transferring the current I-20 form. This must be done within 10 days of the first day of class. For example, if you are received an I-20 to study at the University of Colorado, you would need to send a completed Transfer Verification Form to the University of Colorado in order to transfer your I-20 to Denver Seminary.

Travel During Transfer

Transfer students may travel and re-enter the U.S. any time between school programs. However, transfer students must re-enter with their Denver Seminary I-20 or DS-2019 and not the previous school's document.
If you have any questions or concerns about the transfer procedures, when you will receive your I-20 or DS-2019 or travel, please contact the Admissions office at 1.800.922.3040 or .

Change of Address Notification

See attached form, Change of Address Notice. As of August 1, 2002, all non-U.S. citizens must communicate any address changes within 10 days of the change. This applies to lawful permanent residents, green card holders, as well as non-immigrants in the USA. Failure to do so could result in the imposition of a fine, imprisonment or deportation. Form AR-11 must be used to communicate information to INS.

Traveling Outside the U.S.

If international students with I-20 forms (F-1 visas) wish to travel outside of the U.S., they need to see the DSO of their appropriate program or the PDSO or the Registrar a minimum of TWO weeks before travel. Students must carry the following items for port of entry:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid traveling visa
  • Valid I-94 card within passport (states the duration of status in the US)
  • Valid & Signed SEVIS I-20 Form
  • Enrollment Letter from Registrar's Office (must be requested two weeks before travel)
  • Official Printout of Course History (Transcript) (must be requested 2 weeks before travel)
  • Current Support Letter or Financial Affidavit

Social Security Number

Social Security Numbers (SSN) are used by the U.S. government for tax purposes. Anyone working the U.S. must have a SSN. You cannot get a SSN until your are in the U.S. and have employment. However, many businesses use SSN as ID numbers or for credit checks. You do not need a SSN to open bank accounts or conduct other business. If a business asks for a SSN, and you do not have one, inform them you do not have a SSN and ask them to create their own ID number for you.

Specific procedures must be followed when applying for a SSN. Please attend a Check-In meeting before you apply for a SSN for information and instructions. International students need a Social Security Number and card to work in the U.S. or to get a driver's license.

To get an application:

*Or, visit the local office in Littleton, Colorado at 8000 Southpark Lane 80120. The office is located between Broadway and Santa Fe just south of Mineral Avenue. Their hours are Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Remember, there is no charge to get a Social Security card. This service is FREE. You will need to bring proof of identification with you. Acceptable forms include:

  • driver's license
  • employer ID card
  • school ID card
  • marriage or divorce record
  • health insurance card (not a Medicare card)
  • military ID card
  • adoption record
  • life insurance policy

Apply for Denver Seminary

If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, please Download the Application for Mailing and the International Student Packet. Once both forms are completed, please mail them to the address below. For more information about how to apply to Denver Seminary as an International Student, please contact us at 303-761-2482 or .

Forms to the following address:

Denver Seminary
Attn: Recruitment And Admissions Office
6399 South Santa Fe Drive
Littleton, CO 80120

If you are not interested in applying, but would like further information sent to you about Denver Seminary, please forward your name, address, and specific interests to .