The Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology forms men and women from all over the world to become the best possible priests and ministers. With an institutional emphasis on interculturality, we are proud of the many diverse voices on our campus.
International Seminarian Support, Formation, and Campus Life
SHSST strives to provide a dynamic, supportive, an stimulating formation environment for all our seminarians and students. This is certainly the case for international seminarians, who benefit directly from the SHSST model of “specialized formation.”
At every stage, international seminarians are supported by academic programs and formation programs that are designed to advance them in their vocations.
Students of different language backgrounds are prepared for graduate academics by the English & Culture Studies program and are supported as they move into theology work.
Our formators are well-versed in the needs of international students, as many have intercultural backgrounds themselves.
The art of accompaniment holds special significance at SHSST as our entire community works to prepare our seminarians for ministry.
The F-1 US Student Visa
In keeping with our dedication to serving the universal Church, SHSST is certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student Exchange Visitor Program. This allows Sacred Heart to sponsor accepted students in their applications for F-1 U.S. Student Visas.
Unless a student is a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or the beneficiary of special circumstances, a Student Visa will be required to study at an American educational institution such as SHSST.
If an applicant requires a Student Visa in order to attend SHSST, we recommend planning ahead as much as possible. The visa application process itself can take some time, and it can only be started after a student is formally accepted at Sacred Heart. Therefore, we recommend submitting all applications for admission as soon as is practical.
After the student is admitted into Sacred Heart, the office of International Student Services will issue a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) to the incoming student. Relevant fees will also be paid and then billed back to the student’s sponsor. When the necessary documents have been provided to the incoming student, it becomes the responsibility of the student to apply for their visa online and to schedule an appointment for an interview at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Only when the F-1 U.S. Student Visa is granted may the student make plans for travel and enrollment at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology.
Sponsors and the International Seminarian Pathway
Sponsoring dioceses and religious organizations are the backbone of Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, and meeting their needs is the key to SHSST’s service to the Church. When sponsors trust us with the formation of international seminarians, we strive to support not only the students but also their communities through the sometimes-difficult processes associated with Student Visas and US Immigration.
For American dioceses and religious orders, international seminarians can be an answer to a reduction in American vocations. However, the path to ordination and ministry is not only one of formation; management of a seminarian’s legal status in the United States is crucial as well. We refer to this progression as the International Seminarian Pathway:
- Admission to SHSST and Application US Student Visa
- Studies at SHSST and Maintenance of Legal Status
- Graduation from SHSST and One Year of “Optional Practical Training” (OPT) Work Authorization for Ministry
- Application for R-1 Religious Worker Status
- Progression to US Permanent Residency or Citizenship
The International Seminarian Pathway applies to most students. However, we are always prepared to advise our sponsors on any of the various circumstances that a student may face. Our SEVP Designated School Officials provide support to seminarians and sponsors from the initial contact with SHSST until the completion of OPT.
Mr. Pearce Pomerleau
Principal Designated School Official
International Programs Coordinator
Ms. Laura Sokolosky
Designated School Official
Registrar & Academic Planning Officer
Please contact us with any questions at internationalstudents@shsst.edu
