WELCOME
International Students
Join a supportive, diverse community as you pursue your healthcare education abroad.
International Students
We are excited you’re considering joining the RMU community. Our international student admissions team is here to help you navigate every step of your journey. At RMU, international students bring valuable perspectives that enrich our culturally diverse campus. We’re committed to helping you succeed academically, socially, and personally.
What We Offer for International Students
- Dedicated international student support services
- Resources for adjusting to campus life and life in Utah
- Guidance through the application and admissions process
- Access to student organizations, cultural events, and academic advising.
Whether you’re learning how to apply, looking for housing, or building your support network, we’re here for you. Your journey here is important, and we’re excited to be a part of it.
Swipe left or right
Applying
RMU defines an “international applicant” as one who requires an I-20 and F-1 student visa to enter the United States. However, any applicant who has lived outside the United States may have similar application requirements to international applicants. If you are interested in pursuing a degree at RMU, your first step should be to speak with an admissions advisor so that they can review your questions and eligibility to apply.
Evaluating International Transcripts
English Proficiency Requirement
An English proficiency test may be required to ensure our applicants succeed in RMU’s rigorous academic environment. If English is not your first language and you do not have a prior degree taught in English, the TOEFL or IELTS is required. The exam must be taken within 2 years of application.
A minimum TOEFL/iBT overall score of at least 92 with the following minimum section requirements.
- Reading: 20
- Listening: 20
- Speaking: 20
- Writing: 20
IELTS: A score of 7.0 or higher on the IELTS Academic test or IELTS Indicator would
also be accepted.
Swipe left or right
Admitted
Once you have been admitted to the university, our International Admissions Manager will guide you through the process of getting your documentation to obtain the form I-20 (certificate of eligibility) so that you can apply for an F-1 student visa* through your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please note that moving to Provo, Utah, is only permitted for our residential programs that meet on campus for classes on a full-time weekly basis; hybrid programs are only allowed to visit when classes meet on campus and then must return to their home country after classes have concluded.
The following academic programs at RMU are approved for students to move to the United States:
- Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
- Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Optometry
*Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not require visas to enter the United States as students, although they must present a valid Form I-20 when entering the United States.
If you are a newly admitted international student entering the U.S. for the first time and a first-time F-1 visa applicant, you must pay the SEVIS Fee:
- When you receive your I-20, go to the SEVIS I-901 fee processing site to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online or get information about other payment options.
- For more information, access this SEVIS Fee Information document.
- Print your receipt as proof of payment.
Schedule an Appointment
At a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for an F-1 visa. You will need to present these documents:
- I-20 issued by RMU
- Passport (must be valid for at least six months into the future)
- Financial documents to prove the availability of funds to support your education (can include a bank letter, a sponsor’s letter, etc.).
- Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee (see above)
- Please see your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for other requirements.
Find Housing
Housing resources can be found in the RMU student affairs section of the website.
Pay for School
Tuition is due on the add-drop deadline, which is the second Friday of each semester. Your courses are at risk of being dropped if you do not pay tuition by the financial drop date published on the University Calendar.
Swipe left or right
Continuing
- Maintain a valid passport at all times.
- Check in with and attend the school listed on your current Form I-20; that should be RMU. You will be terminated in SEVIS during any semester or term of required enrollment WHEN ANY of the following occur:
- You fail to enroll within 30 days of the first day of classes
- You enroll in less than a full course of study without the proper authorization from your program or DSO or
- You fail to pay tuition before the add/drop deadline, thus making you ineligible to attend RMU
- Pursue a “full course of study” at the school listed on the currently valid Form I-20 during every academic session or semester except during official school breaks unless approved under a specific exception in advance by a Designated School Official (DSO).
- Make progress towards completing the course of study by completing studies before the expiration of the program completion date on your Form I-20.
- Keep your Form I-20 valid and accurate by following the proper procedures for the following situations:
- Extending I-20 (must be done prior to your I-20 expiration date) (Extension of stay should only be granted when additional time is needed “caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems, or documented illnesses.”)
- Change in education levels (e.g., bachelor’s to master’s) or programs of study (e.g., ESL to regular school)
- Transfer of schools
Abide by the F-1 grace period rules:
- When an F-1 student is admitted up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20
- Students are also required to obey federal, state, and local laws.
- RMU has an obligation to update SEVIS regarding any disciplinary action taken by the school as a result of being convicted of a crime.
- Not work, either on or off-campus, unless specifically authorized by your Designated School Official.
Who Has to File Taxes?
All RMU international students
Form 8843 is not a U.S. income tax return. It is an informational statement that the IRS requires for nonresidents for tax purposes. If you did NOT work or receive any income during the prior year but resided in the United States for even one day, you must submit Form 8843 by June 15th of each tax year.
It should be filled out for every nonresident present in the U.S. for the previous year, including spouses, partners, and children.
If you are a nonresident tax filer and have NO U.S. source income in the prior year, you only need to complete the IRS Form 8843 to fulfill your federal tax filing obligation. Continue reading to find out how you can file this form.
What Does it Mean to Have No U.S. Source Income?
It means you did not receive wages, salary, awards, prizes, or taxable scholarship or fellowship (i.e., the amount of scholarship or fellowship that exceeds the amount of your tuition [consider only your tuition; do not include any other expenses such as books, or room and board) from a U.S. institution, organization, or company. Financial support, such as a sabbatical salary or a scholarship from your home country or an organization outside the U.S., is not considered U.S. source income.