International Students - CS Alliance

International Students

“Our Catholic schools are blessed to enroll students from all over the world!”

Are you an international student interested in studying in the United States? The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Fall River are certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to accept international students who enter the United States on an F1 student visa. Our schools have been certified since 2003 when SEVP initiated the online Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVP certification allows our schools to issue the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, which then allows a student to apply for their F1 student visa. We are able to accept students in grades kindergarten through twelve, although a majority of our international students enter at the secondary level. Our students have come to us from China, Vietnam, Spain, Russia, Korea, Brazil, and most recently Australia and El Salvador.

Our schools work with agencies who provide valuable assistance and support to the international students and their families, as well as to the schools where the students are enrolled. Upon arrival, students are welcomed by host families who are connected to the communities of the schools the students will attend. Some of our students stay with family members who are already residing in the United States. Our international students are involved in all areas of student life, and they enrich our school environments through their various cultures and their personal gifts and talents. Through their host families, they are exposed to many aspects of life here in the United States, and both host family members and international students have had rich and rewarding experiences during their time together. Many of our international students stay in the United States to study at our colleges and universities after graduation. If you are looking for a great experience in a challenging academic environment, consider one of our Catholic schools!!

If you are interested in studying at one of our Catholic schools, contact Sharon Sampson, SEVIS Primary Designated School Official, at 508-687-7301 or ssampson@catholicsa.org.