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Permanent Residents, Refugees, & Asylees

Apply to Columbus State Community College using the standard application. Below are the Admission procedures for immigrant, refugee, asylee, and any other students who have been granted permanent residency in the United States by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  If you have a pending immigrant petition visa petition with USCIS but have not yet been adjudicated, you should apply through International Admission as a non-immigrant student and complete application as "Other Visa Holders."   If you have questions, visit the Admissions Department located in Madison Hall lower level or call (614) 287-5198.

Once you submit your application for admission, you will receive an email requesting that you provide a photocopy of the documentation (Permanent Resident/Green Card, I-94, stamp on passport, etc.) verifying your immigration status in the United States. Submission instructions will be included in this email or see below for details.

  • Students who are returning to Columbus State Community College after being previously accepted in the past, do not need to reapply. Please see Returning Students for more information.

Get Started Guide

Step 1: Apply

Complete the Columbus State Community College Application for Admission online.  Also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov (Columbus State school code: 006867).

Step 2: Submit Proof of Immigration Status or Lawful Presence

Submit a photocopy of the documentation verifying your current valid immigration status in the United States (both sides of Permanent Resident/Green Card, I-94, Employment Authorization Card, or Visa Stamp on passport, etc.) to the Admissions Office.  Please print your full name, Cougar ID number, and phone number on the documentation and submit in person or by mail to Admission office.

You can submit the documentation in the following ways:

  • Mail to:

Columbus State Community College
ATTN: Admissions Office
550 East Spring St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Step 3: Placement

Complete the English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Test. Please click here for placement testing hours and locations. Students with transfer credits in English and/or Math may be exempt from taking certain placement tests. If you have completed credits from another college and/or university, click here for more information about sending your official college transcripts. If you have completed ACT, CLEP, or AP, click here for more information about exemptions from placement testing.

For students needing additional English language development, Columbus State offers ESL supported courses. 

  • Basic English as a Second Language Program (part-time, non-credit). Basic English courses are designed to improve the English language and literacy skills of students.
  • High intermediate to advanced ESL courses (for college credit): The intensive English courses are semester long and designed to prepare students for academic success. Students learn in a rigorous and dynamic environment to build strong written, reading comprehension skills that they can use in college and professional setting.

Step 4: Get Oriented & Register for Classes

We offer a variety of options to orient you to Columbus State and help you get off to a successful start.  If you are currently in high school or you have graduated from high school in the last two years, you will need to register for classes at our New Student Orientation. All other students will register for classes at a New Student Workshop. Visit cscc.edu/orientation to learn more.

Step 5: Financial Aid - FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. Applications must be completed online each year to be eligible for federal, state, or institutional student aid. Student Central offers student financial counseling, workshop, and assistance to help you pursue your educational goal.

Step 5: Pay Tuition & Fees

Fees cannot be paid until after you register for classes. For more information on fee payment Click here.

Step 5: Foreign Transcripts Evaluation

If you applied for Financial Aid and are selected for high school completion verification or if your program of study (such as Nursing) requires proof of high school graduation, click here. In order for Columbus State Community College to accept foreign transcripts, they must be sent to a professional foreign transcript evaluation service in the United States. If you wish to pursue the possibility of receiving transfer credit from any college or university outside the United States, please click here for more information.