I am an International Student who wants to study in the US on Campus

Our goal is to make the application process as clear and easy to navigate as possible. The image below provides an overview of the entire admission process (from application to arrival on campus) for International students looking for an on-campus experience in beautiful Presque Isle, Maine. If you see the word “YOU” after a given step, that means you are responsible for that part of the process.  If you see “UMPI” after the step, that means our staff will be responsible. Full details of each step are provided below the image.

Not an on-campus International Student?

I am looking for an online experience where I do not live in the U.S. on campus.

YourPace Online International

Before You Begin

Here’s a clear breakdown of each step in the international admissions process so you’ll know exactly what to do and when.

Common App Apply Maine
  • Create an account.
  • Answer all questions 
  • Select UMPI 
  • Submit application

All transcripts ** should be submitted to a third party credential evaluation service. This agency will provide you with an evaluation report that will translate your grades into US equivalencies. Applicants are responsible for any fees required by that evaluation service.

All evaluations must be completed by an evaluation service that is endorsed by NACES or AICE and must include a GPA. Official transcripts must be sent by the institution you attended. Transcripts submitted by students will be considered unofficial and cannot be used for admissions decisions. 

We highly recommend you use one of the following for your credential evaluation:

Incred WES

Note: If you are using WES and are from the Caribbean, CXC results need to be sent directly to WES from CXC (cxc.org)

**Canadian-based institutions (excluding the province of Quebec) will not require a transcript evaluation. High school or equivalent and college transcripts must be directly sent by the institution or a transcript service.Transcripts should be sent electronically to edocs@maine.edu or via U.S. mail to the following Address: Application Processing Center, PO Box 412, Bangor, ME 04402

What evaluation should I order?

  • Document-by-document evaluation: students with only a high school transcript
  • Course-by-course evaluation: students with a high school transcript AND advanced level work; advanced level work could include A-levels, CXC’s, CAPE exams, etc.
  • Course-by-course evaluation: students with college/university work completed outside of the United States.

Exceptions:

  • High School Transcripts from China and English Speaking Provinces of Canada do not need to be evaluated. Transcripts must be sent to umpi-admissions@maine.edu directly from the school. 

All international students are required to show proof of English language proficiency. There are several ways an international student can do this.

Option 1: Native English Speaker

If you are from one of the following countries, where English is considered a primary language, you will be considered proficient.  If you are from one of these countries, you MUST submit a copy of your passport as proof.

Countries Requiring Documentation

Option 2: Proficiency Through Testing

  • TOEFL score of 79 Internet-based & 550 paper-based 
  • TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5
  • IELTS score of 6.5
  • Pearson Test of English score of 53 
  • Duolingo English Test score of 105
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced

You may have your official scores sent to umpi-admissions@maine.edu directly from your school counselor or order a copy to be sent officially from the CollegeBoard or TOEFL/IELTS website.

UMPI Institution Code: 3008

Option 3: Proficiency Through Instruction In English

Meet either requirement:

  • Your high school transcript clearly states that English is the language of instruction for all subjects. If studying in a 13-year system, academic records for grades 10–13 are required.
  • You have studied in-person at a regionally accredited higher education institution within the U.S., Canada, or England for two or more years and not in an ESL track.

International Applicants Not In F-1 Status Only:

If you wish to attend UMPI in a visa/status category other than F-1, you should confirm with your immigration advisor that your current status permits you to 1) study and 2) if in a program that contains off campus internship, clinicals, field experience, etc that you have legal authorization to participate in those forms of employment with your current status. 

F-1 Applicants Only:

Deadlines to Submit Documents for I-20 (F-1 International Students Only):

Spring 2026

StatusUniversity Application DeadlineI-20 Request & Document Deadline*Semester Begins
CanadianDecember 15December 15January 21
Non-Canadian FreshmanNovember 15November 15January 21
Transfer w/o valid F-1 visa (ie. need a visa appointment)November 15November 15January 21
Transfer w valid F-1 visaDecember 15December 15January 21

Fall 2026

StatusUniversity Application DeadlineI-20 Request & Document Deadline*Semester Begins
CanadianAugust 15August 15September 3
Non-Canadian FreshmanJuly 15July 15September 3
Transfer w/o valid F-1 visa (ie. need a visa appointment)July 15July 15September 3
Transfer w valid F-1 visaAugust 15August 15September 3

STEP 4: Admission Decision 

STEP 5: Confirm Continued Interest 

STEP 5a: Complete your In Person Checklist (F-1 International Students Only)

Upon acceptance, you will receive a letter from admission by email that includes your UMPI ID number and activation pin. Please follow the steps indicated on the letter to activate your Mainestreet Account. (Skip this step if you have already set up your account at another University of Maine System campus). 

STEP 7: Review Transfer Credit Evaluation 

If you wish to study in the US as an F-1 international Student you must submit the “Request an I-20 Form.” Please note that in order to submit the form you must attach your Financial Affidavit Form, Proof of Finances, Copy of Passport, and Tuition Deposit. If any field or attachment is missing, the I-20 Request will not be reviewed. To complete these forms, please visit our International Student Services webpage. 

I-20 Affidavit of Support

Log into your Mainestreet Account and under the “Finance” section, select “Pay your Tuition Deposit.” The Tuition Deposit is $50. Please note that the deposit is required to be paid before you can register for classes. 

UMPI is unable to issue an I-20 to a student until they have full and unconditional admission into their program which means that you have:

  • Applied and were accepted into UMPI
  • Paid your deposit fee to matriculate
  • Submitted your final high school transcript to UMPI Admissions
  • Submitted your Request for an I-20 Form, Financial Affidavit Form, and attached relevant required documentation. 

Once you receive your I-20, you need to visit the USCIS webpage and pay your I-901 fee. Select the “Pay I-901 Fee.” Please make sure you have access to a printer since you will need to print the I-901 receipt to take to your visa appointment (Step 11) or to cross at the US-Canada Border for the first time for Canadians. Note:

  • You will be prompted to enter our school code number which is:
    •  University of Maine at Presque Isle -POM214F00011000POM214
  • You will also be prompted to enter your SEVIS ID number which can be found in the top right section of your I-20 and begins with the letter “N”. 

Applying for the F-1 student visa may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate you are dealing with. You will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. There is an online visa application available, which allows you to complete and print the Form DS-160 to take to your F-1 visa interview.

Online Visa Application

If you plan to live on campus, you will submit a Room and Board Housing Contract. To apply for housing, please visit our Residence Life webpage. Here you will find several housing applications. Please select the one based on your start date. If you have trouble accessing the application, please email umpi-reslife@maine.edu to let them them know. Residence Life will hold a room for you and when you arrive in the US, you will be asked to complete the application at that time. 

Due to state law, all degree seeking students attending in person must submit proof of immunization. For more information on immunization requirements and to learn how to submit proof of immunizations, please visit our Health Center webpage.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are admitted to UMPI in a visa/status category other than F-1 that permits you to study in the US and that visa/status is going to expire and/or or you wish to request a change of status to F-1 international student, please contact the International Student Services Office by email umpi-iss@maine.edu for guidance.  

If you have any questions, please contact umpi-admissions@maine.edu or call (207) 768-9532.

I’ve Been Accepted to UMPI, Now What?

Now it’s time to take the next steps toward starting your journey at UMPI. Review what to expect, how to get set up, and where to go from here.

Accepted International Student

Ready to Apply?

Office of Admissions

Office of Admissions
132 Campus Center
181 Main St.
Presque Isle, ME 04769

Phone: (207) 768-9532
Fax: (207) 768-9777
umpi-admissions@maine.edu

For YourPace inquiries, contact:

Email us at umpi-yourpace@maine.edu
Or call 207-768-9433