Getting Started
Non-U.S. Citizens
You Belong Here!
We value the different backgrounds, experiences, and strengths each student brings to MCC. You belong here, and we’re glad you’re part of our community.
We are here to support you from your first step at MCC all the way to graduation, no matter your status.
Your Privacy and Safety Matters to Us
In most cases, the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) protects education records. We do not share information about immigration status unless legally required, such as a valid subpoena or court order. All legal orders are carefully reviewed with our legal team to make sure your rights are protected.
We Are Here for You
Do you have questions or concerns about how you can attend MCC? Talk to a bilingual advisor to learn about ASSET, CASFA, and more!
Maria Cardenas
Director of Admissions & Advising
Common Immigration Statuses
We know immigration status can feel confusing. Here is a breakdown of some common statuses and what they might mean for you as a student.
Permanent Resident
You have an I-551 or I-151 form, a permanent resident card, also known as a green card. On the admission application, you should select Permanent Resident as your citizenship status. This status may also qualify you for in-state tuition, the College Opportunity Fund (COF), and federal financial aid.
U.S. National
You are a U.S. national, which includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island. On the admission application, you should select Other Non-U.S. Citizen as your citizenship status. This status may also qualify you for in-state tuition, the College Opportunity Fund (COF), and federal financial aid.
Refugee/Asylee
You have an I-94 arrival/departure record showing “refugee or asylum granted” as your status category. On the admission application, you should select Refugee/Asylee as your citizenship status. This status may also qualify you for in-state tuition, the College Opportunity Fund (COF), and federal financial aid.
If you are in the process of applying for asylum and it has not yet been approved, you do not qualify for federal financial aid.
Parolee
You have an I-94 arrival/departure record showing “parolee,” you have been admitted on parole for at least one year, and you can provide evidence from USCIS that you are in the U.S. for a non-temporary purpose. On the admission application, you should select Other Non-U.S. Citizen as your citizenship status. This status may also qualify you for in-state tuition, the College Opportunity Fund (COF), and federal financial aid.
Visa B
You have a visitor visa and are visiting for professional, medical, or tourist purposes. University studies are not among the activities permitted with this visa.
Visa F, H, J, and M
You have an F-1, F-2 (student visa), H-3, H-4 (work) (if the visa holder is the spouse or child of an H-3), J-1 and J-2 (exchange visitor) (if the J-1 visa holder is a student or trainee), M-1, and M-2 (vocational program). Students in these categories are not currently eligible for admission at MCC.
MCC is not currently licensed by the federal government to accept or sponsor international students and therefore we accept no international student applications.
We appreciate your interest in MCC and encourage you to explore other community college partners in Colorado that may support international student enrollment.
Work or Family Based Visas (H, L, O, P, R)
You are in the U.S. for work, religious service, or through a family connection. On the admission application, you should select Current Visa Holder as your citizenship status. Then you can indicate the visa you have. Depending on the visa, you may qualify for in-state tuition and the College Opportunity Fund (COF). Contact the MCC Admissions Department ([email protected]) to learn more.
Visa K
You are the fiancé or spouse of a U.S. citizen and are coming to the U.S. to stay and live. On the admission application, you should select Current Visa Holder as your citizenship status. Then you can indicate the visa you have. This status may also qualify you for in-state tuition and the College Opportunity Fund (COF).
Other Status
Even if you are in the process of applying for your immigration status, or if you do not have a visa or any documentation, you can study at Morgan Community College. On the admission application, you should select Other Non-U.S. Citizen as your citizenship status. This status may qualify you for in-state tuition and the College Opportunity Fund (COF). If you have graduated from a Colorado high school or obtained your GED from Colorado, you may qualify for COF and state financial aid (CASFA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in-state-tuition?
Students are classified as either a resident or a non-resident of Colorado for tuition purposes at the time of admission, based on the information they provide on the admissions application.
Your residency classification determines the tuition rates you will pay.
What is COF?
The College Opportunity Fund (COF) is a tuition discount provided by the state of Colorado to resident students. The COF amount is subject to yearly changes by the state of Colorado.
This fund is available to students who:
- Qualify as a resident of the state of Colorado – that is, you’ve lived in Colorado for at least 12 months, or if you are under 23 years old and single, your parents or guardians have lived here during that time.
- Exceptions: if you are military, veteran, or a dependent, you automatically qualify as a resident.
What is ASSET?
ASSET, Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow, is a Colorado state law that allows eligible non-US students to receive in-state tuition and the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend at Colorado public colleges and universities. It does not affect immigration status or lawful presence. ASSET cannot be rescinded by a president or federal administration.
In addition, students who qualify for ASSET may be eligible for state financial aid by completing the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA).
Am I eligible for ASSET?
To qualify for Colorado ASSET in-state tuition a student must meet both of the following:
- Have graduated from a Colorado high school and have attended for at least one year before graduation or have been physically present in Colorado for at least one year immediately prior to completing a high school general equivalency examination (GED) in Colorado; and
- Have been physically present in Colorado for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrolling in a Colorado public college or university.
Students who do not hold non-immigrant visas (such as F, J, M, B, and certain H visas) may be eligible for ASSET in-state tuition if all requirements are met and may also be eligible for state financial aid each year.
Where can I find my I-94?
I-94s are issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or USCIS. If you have an I-94, you can download it from the I-94 website.
Apply for CASFA Today!
Fill out the CASFA if you are a Colorado ASSET student or a non-U.S. citizen resident.
House Bill 19-1196, passed in May 2019, allows Colorado ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow) students to qualify for money to help pay for college. State aid, including grants, scholarships, and work-study funds, will help open the door to higher education for students who have attended high school in Colorado but who are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Helpful Resources
Colorado Immigration Resources
Catholic Charities of Colorado – Immigration Services
Website: https://ccdenver.org/immigration/
Phone: (303) 742-0828 (Denver) / (970) 484-5010 (Fort Collins) / (970) 353-6433 (Greeley)
Consultation Fee $50, by appointment only. Legal advice regarding immigration status, immigration issues, assistance with immigration applications, and information on becoming a legal permanent resident or citizen.
Global Refugee Center
Website: https://www.ircnoco.org/
Phone: (970) 313-8800 (Greeley)
Serves families in refugee communities and provides community outreach and education. Comprehensive access to education and systems navigation needs including ESL, citizenship, economic stability, health and nutrition.
OneMorgan County
Website: https://www.facebook.com/onemorgancountyFM/
Phone: (970) 370-2990 (Fort Morgan)
OneMorgan County fosters relationships among diverse people and organizations to strengthen the well-being, safety, and cohesive nature of the community.
Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (Westminster)
Website: https://www.rmian.org/
Phone: (303) 433-2812 / Hotline for detained individuals and family members: (303) 866-9308
Legal services for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who are facing deportation at the GEO/ICE immigration detention center in Aurora, CO; free legal and support services for survivors of human trafficking and sex trafficking.
Legal Resources
- Know Your Rights: The ACLU provides information on your rights if you are stopped by the police.
- Immigration Advocates Network has a search engine that allows you to get a list of all legal services near you.
- Immi Legal Help has a search engine that allows you to get a list of all legal services near you.
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association has an online directory of attorneys.
- Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) has an anonymous Dreamer Intake Service to help Dreamers check whether they are eligible for alternative relief.
- Immigration Law Help has a searchable online directory of over 1,000 free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states.
- The National Immigrant Justice Center allows you to request a legal consultation online or by phone (312) 660-1370.
- The National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild has a state-by-state online find-a-lawyer tool.
- The United States Department of Justice – Executive Office for Immigration Review provides information on how to find legal representation.
- United We Dream provides information on how to get help.
Disclaimer: The external links in this document are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by MCC of any of the services, information, or opinions in those links. MCC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.