PHSU  Welcomes International Applicants

Each academic program has its own set of admissions requirements. International students will need to meet those requirements in addition to those outlined below:

Transcripts – Applicants who completed their studies at a foreign institution will need to provide Original or certified copies of all credentials required for admissions accompanied by an English translation (if in a world language) and official degree evaluations from a NACES-approved evaluator, such as WES (World Education Services). All evaluations must be provided directly from the evaluation/translation service. NACES members can be found at the following link: https://www.naces.org/members

Language Proficiency – Applicants to PHSU BVI must demonstrate English language proficiency. International students whose principal language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum scores accepted are:

• 600 on the paper-based test
• 250 on the computer-based test
• 100 on the internet-based test

For more details about the exam, visit ets.org/toefl

Prior to an acceptance of an offer of admission, international applicants are required to schedule a meeting with the Principal Designated Student Officer (PDSO) or Designated Student Officer (DSO) within five business days of notification of an offer of admission. The admissions offer PDSO or DSO must certify the student is eligible either for Initial Status Acceptance or for a Transfer into the PHSU Program through the SEVIS platform.

PDSO

Elisandra Rodríguez-Moreno

Vice President of Student Affairs

Email: Elirodriguez@psm.edu

Tel: 787-840-2575 Ext. 5723

Immigration Information

PHSU BVI Students will have to comply with immigration requirements including the student VISA process. To obtain more information about the requirements to obtain a student VISA visit the following link: Application for Virgin Islands VISA

Third- and fourth-year clinical clerkships take place at teaching hospitals in the United States, so international students who attend PHSU SOM BVI will need a F-1 visa to complete their studies. F–1 visa status only applies to the period of the third– and fourth–year clinicals and does not apply to graduate medical training (residency), which normally requires a separate visa, the J–1 visa. International students may be eligible for a F-1 visa and entry to the United States. Canadian students are considered "visa-exempt," but must still comply with the same documentation requirements.

Students must apply for a F-1 visa in advance at a U.S. consulate. Limited, routine appointments in Tortola will be held at Maria’s by the Sea Hotel Conference Room, Road Town VG1110.

Each applicant must have an appointment. Schedule your appointment at https://bb.usembassy.gov/consular-outreach-visits-for-u-s-citizen-services.

All applicants must bring:

• A completed passport application (Find application forms at http://travel.state.gov to complete online and print out to bring.)
• Two passport-size photos (2” x 2”)
• Original proof of U.S. citizenship such as a previous U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or U.S. naturalization certificate; and a social security card
• A prepaid air waybill (FedEx, DHL, LIAT QuikPak, etc.) to have the new passport mailed back to you
• Printed proof of online payment OR a money order or bank draft. See #4 How to Pay below
• Originals AND photocopies of all documents, including a copy of the passport you are renewing

Important: Applicants may not wear eyeglasses in passport photos. See www.travel.state.gov for complete photo requirements.

Conditions of the application include maintenance of residence abroad and demonstration of sufficient means of financial support during the student's stay in the United States.

All persons who obtain an F-1 visa or are visa-exempt must present themselves to an immigration officer upon arrival in the U.S. Upon admission to the U.S., the immigration officer will place a stamp in the student's passport noting the period of authorized stay. The officer will also provide Form I-94, which is the entry record an international student must keep while in the U.S.

For further questions regarding the visa process, please email Elisandra Rodríguez-Moreno, Vice President of Student Affairs.

Housing - PHSU does not offer campus housing or dorms, but we can offer recommendations for communities and apartment complexes that we have established relationships with.

Safety - PHSU works to ensure its locations are safe for students, faculty and staff with a full range of safety and security services, as well as detailed emergency preparedness plans.

Scholarship/Tuition/Finances - PHSU BVI offers flexible payment plans tailored to meet the needs of international students. These payment plans provide an accessible way for students to manage their tuition expenses throughout the academic year. Click here for more details.

Prepare for your Arrival

• Tortola is an amazing place to live and study. Click here to learn more about the islands.
• Book your flight so you have time to settle in your new place and adjust before your orientation period. PHSU will host an orientation event for international students so you can start to establish a community right away.