Special Instructions for International Applicants
All international DMin program students, including Visiting DMin students and students from Canada, are now required to enter the United States with an F-1 visa. DMin residential students (i.e., living in or near Deerfield and taking semester-length courses) must comply with the same visa requirements as residential master’s-level applicants (see Admissions section).
DMin nonresidential students (i.e., commuting to the Deerfield Campus on a seminar-by-seminar basis) must also obtain an F-1 visa. This requirement represents a major change to immigration policy in the United States. Students who enter the United States to pursue the Doctor of Ministry degree without the F-1 visa potentially jeopardize their ability to complete the degree and reenter the United States. F-1 visas will remain valid as long as reentry into the United States for the purposes of study occurs at least once every five (5) months. A new visa will be required if reentry does not occur within this time period.
In order for a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) to be issued for DMin nonresidential students, the following conditions must be met:
- Applicants whose first language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English Language competency as measured by a qualifying score on the TOEFL.
- Applicants must be admitted to the DMin program as a nonresidential student.
- Applicants must submit a special DMin Certification of Finances documenting access to a minimum of US$5,500.00. (DMin nonresidential students are not required to submit a tuition deposit.)