International Students

International students must provide proof of ability to pay one year’s tuition, room, and board plus emergency funds in order to apply for a student visa. Additional documents are required for international students. All of the following documents can be sent via email to our International Student Advisor.

Please send a copy of your former I-20 to the Bryan College Admissions Office. Fax to 423-775-7199, or send it as an email attachment.

Please send a clear copy front and back of your “green card” to the Bryan College Admissions Office. You can mail a copy, fax it to 423-775-7199, or scan it and send it as an email attachment.

The Housing Questionnaire is an online form. New students will be assigned a roommate after we receive your information beginning the first week of July. You can view your room assignment and roommate’s name on MyBryan nine days before classes start. 

All Student Life forms can be completed on MyBryan.

Tennessee state law requires us to have a copy of your immunization records on file. This must include two doses of MMR and two doses of varicella (or medically documented proof of immunity). To complete your immunization information please upload your records online, email a copy to admiss@bryan.edu, or fax to 423-775-7199. Please use a .jpg or .pdf format for your uploaded file. For information concerning religious or medical waivers, contact your admissions counselor. 

All vehicles belonging to on or off-campus students that will be parked on the campus for any reason must be registered with a parking permit. Permits are $125. These charges will be added to your school bill and can be paid in the Business Office. 

Q: How can I obtain a Social Security Number (SSN)?

All students who are employed must have a Social Security Number for Federal Tax reporting purposes. Please refer to the following page for details: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf 

Q: How do I start the process to obtain an OPT VISA (Optical Practical Training) after graduation?

International students may apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to participate in a post-graduation employment experience directly related to their program of study for one year. These permissions come directly from USCIS and are not internal at the University. Students are not required to have a job offer before they apply to USCIS. The application can be completed and submitted online or by mail. Required documents for the OPT application include: 

• Form I-765, completed in black ink 
• Form G-1145 (if applying by mail) 
• A new I-20 showing the OPT request 
• Copies of ALL prior I-20 documents 
• A copy of your most recent I-94 
• A copy of your passport 
• A copy of your visa page 
• 2 new passport-style photos 
• A fee of $410 is paid by check or money order or by credit card if applying online.

Q: What is the process to obtain a driver’s license for an international and what documents do I need to bring with me to the DMV?

Talk with the DSO of Bryan College, to understand the steps you will need to take in order to obtain a driver’s License. Speak with your DSO to make sure that you are Active in SEVIS. Wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a driver’s license so that your Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record” information can update in all the government systems. If your state requires a Social Security number (SSN) to apply for a driver’s license, go to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office and apply for an SSN. If you are eligible to work (on campus), you may receive an SSN. When you go to your local DMV, bring originals of the following documents: 

• All signed versions of your Form I-20 
• Proof of your attendance at Bryan College (bring your Bryan College acceptance letter and ID card with you) 
• A valid passport with visa (You do not need a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country, such as Canada or Bermuda) 
• Proof of residence. This varies from state to state and might be a bill or a letter addressed to you. (Make sure it is addressed to your Bryan College address or where you are living while attending Bryan.
• Your SSN card (You must apply for SSN first before getting your Drivers License) 
• If you are on optional practical training (OPT), bring your Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document. The DMV will use the A number on this card to verify your status. If you are an F-2 dependent, go to the DMV with your primary F-1. Please make sure you both have all your required documents. You may have to take both a driving test and a written test. In many states, if you have a license from your home country or another state, the DMV may not require you to take the tests. Please note that not all states accept driver’s licenses from other countries. Once you pass the tests, if required, and submit all the necessary paperwork, an associate at the DMV will explain the next steps. It is normal for some nonimmigrants to only get temporary licenses. In addition, you may receive the license immediately or you may have to wait several weeks, depending on the state.

Nearby DMV Offices:

Chattanooga/Bonny Oaks: https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/locations/hamilton.html

Chattanooga/Red Bank: https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/locations/hamilton2.html

Cleveland/Bradley County: https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/locations/bradley.html

Rockwood/Roane County: https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/locations/roane.html 

Q: What is the process if I want to change my major? 

Detailed requirements for each major area of study are contained in the Academic Programs section of the Bryan College Catalog: https://www.bryan.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024-25-Catalog_8.20.pdf.  Each student must complete an Application for a Major and receive approval from an academic department in order to be officially enrolled in a major program. This application for the major is normally completed during the second semester of the sophomore year, but it may be completed earlier once a student has decided on a major. The specific course requirements for each of these majors are listed under the appropriate departments in “Programs of Instruction.” In addition to course requirements, each department requires a senior assessment in the major, and the College requires a variety of core curriculum assessments prior to graduation.

For more information about changing majors or class schedule changes, please talk to your academic advisor or the Registrar.

Q: What are the legal requirements for me to be able to work on campus and how many hours am I allowed to work that meet F1 student visa regulations?

International students are limited to on-campus employment. SEVIS restricts work to a maximum of 20 hours per week for F-1 visa-holding students during the semester. However, summer employment on campus can be full-time, 40+ hours per week

Form I-9- Any student employed on campus must fill out an I-9 form. Employers are required to complete the form to document verification of the identity and employment authorization of each new employee and maintain the form on file for reference. If you get a job on campus, you will be required to complete this form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9

Q: How do I make sure my phone works in the US?

• Making international calls will depend on your carrier and your plan. Check with your carrier to make sure your plan allows for international calling.
• Download an authentication app.
• If you are desiring a US number while you are here, that will mean getting a new sim card.
• Check with Bryan’s IT department if you are still having trouble with your phone.

Q: Where can I go if I am having trouble with my classes?

The Academic Resource Centers (ARC)  offers tutoring, student success coaching, calling and career services, testing service, and more. The ARC staff encourages students to come in and hang out in The Hub, utilize the study rooms, schedule a study group, or just come grab some coffee. The ARC is here to serve our student body!