International Student Services

Welcome to Renton Technical College (RTC)! We are so happy you are interested in studying at RTC as an F-1 international student. Please explore the information below to learn more about how to become an international student at our college.

For general information about the process from beginning to end, please check out: Students | Study in the States (dhs.gov)

Prospective Students

How to Apply:

International Students must submit the following documents to be admitted to Renton Technical College (RTC):

• A complete international student application.
• Financial statements, less than 6 months old, showing adequate funds to support the student for one year while studying in the U.S. This must be on official letterhead from the bank/financial institution. See “financial information” below.
• A copy of your passport photo page.
  • Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from the date that you will enter the U.S.
• Proof of college level (ENGL&101) English proficiency:
  • TOEFL iBT: 68 with 17 in writing — scores are valid for two years after the test date. 
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, 5.5 in writing — scores are valid for two years after the test date. 
  • Successful completion (grade of 2.0 or higher) of ENGL&101 at a college or university in the U.S.
• US $50 nonrefundable application fee (credit card, check, or money order), payable to Renton Technical College. This fee will be collected after submitting all other required documents.

For International Students now living in the USA:

International students who are already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa may apply to transfer to Renton Technical College. Transfer students must be in-status to be eligible to transfer to RTC.
In addition to the documents listed above, transfer students must submit the following:

1. Copies of all I-20's from schools at which you have studied in the U.S.;
2. Copy of your F-1 visa.
3. Copy of your current I-94
4. Transfer student status form (to be signed by your current international student adviser/DSO). We will email this form to you to complete.

Submit your documents to:

Email (preferred): internationaladvising@rtc.edu

By Mail:
International Student Advising
Renton Technical College
3000 NE Fourth Street
Renton, WA 98056-4195

Application Deadline:

Applying by the deadline does not guarantee there will be spots available in programs/classes. Class registration is dependent on space availability.
 
For general applicants outside of the U.S., please also consider current visa wait times in your home country: Visa Appointment Wait Times (state.gov)

Financial Information

International students do not qualify for financial aid and must be able to provide certification of adequate financial support prior to being issued the form I-20. Tuition and fees must be paid at the time of registration for classes each quarter. Please check the tuition deadlines on the Academic Calendar. Failure to pay may jeopardize continuing in classes and meeting the requirements of your visa.

Estimated school expenses per school year

Tuition & fees based on 15 credits/9 months. Exact amount varies according to the program requirements.

*The cost of tools is not included in the above expenses.
**The college has no medical facilities. Student health insurance is required. This estimate does not include transportation or personal expenses.

Total enrollment costs may vary for individual students. We strongly encourage prospective international students to contact the college for specifics on cost of attendance. To do so please email internationaladvising@RTC.edu or call (425) 235-5840.

Dependents

If you have dependents (spouse or children), your bank statement must show an additional $3000 for each dependent.

After Admission

After you are admitted to RTC as an international student, we will issue you an acceptance letter and I-20 form by email. The I-20 form will allow you to apply for an F-1 visa in your home country.

1. Review your I-20 form and make sure that the information is correct, including your name spelling, birthdate, intended major, and program dates.  
2. Print your I-20.
3. Sign and date the bottom on Page 1 of your I-20.  
4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online. Print the receipt and keep it with your I-20 form.  
5. Schedule your visa interview. Expect for Canadian citizens, all international students must have an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. Find your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate and complete the DS-160. Check the estimated visa wait times.
6. Prepare for your visa interview: Bring your passport, I-20 form, financial documents, and acceptance letter with you to the interview. During your interview, you must demonstrate:
   • That you have strong ties to your home country and plan to return home after your studies in the U.S.  
   • Have enough funds to pay for expenses while you’re in the U.S.  
   • Have legitimate intentions to study full-time and gain education and training that will be helpful in your home country.  

Confirming Enrollment:

After receiving your acceptance letter, you must meet with an Entry Advisor to discuss class registration. In your meeting with an Entry Advisor, you will discuss program requirements, testing, and class registration. Many programs have waiting lists and have space limitations. It is important that you register for classes as soon as possible after you decide to enroll at RTC.

• We recommend that new students register as close as possible to the first date of registration for new students: Academic Calendar
• Schedule your Initial Advising Appointment. The appointment scheduling link will be made available here.  

 
Planning for your Arrival: 

If you are approved for a visa, you will be allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 form.

Please arrive in Seattle/Renton in time to arrange for housing and see an international student advisor before the first day of the quarter. RTC does not have on-campus housing.  
After you arrive, please book an Arrival to U.S. Meeting. The appointment scheduling link will be made available here.

You will check in to the Student Success Center, located on the 2nd floor of Building I on campus.

• Directions to campus
• The campus map
• Please bring the following documents with you when you check-in
  • Your signed I-20 form
  • Your F-1 visa
  • Your I-94 – this can be found online here after your arrival: I94 - Official Website (dhs.gov)
  • Your current U.S. address

Health Insurance

All international students are required to have health insurance while they study at RTC. The health insurance fee is charged to your student account automatically every quarter. The fee is $540 per quarter.  

RTC partners with Firebird International Insurance Group for health insurance coverage. Here are more details about plan information and finding a doctor: Renton Technical College | Firebird International Insurance Group (fiig-insurance.com)