SIGM is truly a global program as international participants make up approximately 50% of each year’s cohort.
English Language Testing Requirement
International applicants must provide a TOEFL or IELTS test score if:
- Your degree is not from a United States educational institution
- All or a portion of the instruction you received for your degree was provided in a language other than English
Score Requirement
|
Test |
Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL |
100 for the internet-based test (iBT) 600 for the paper-based test (PBT) |
|
IELTS |
7.0 overall band score |
TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for exams taken within two years prior to the Round 3 application deadline for the program. You may self-report your scores on the application; however, the SIGM admissions committee may request official score reports for review.
International Visas
For visa purposes, SIGM is categorized as a business training course because it does not test participants or offer academic credit.
There are two ways you may enter the United States to attend SIGM.
Visa Waiver Program
To enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you must:
- Be a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country
- Have a valid passport issued by the participating country
- Be seeking entry for 90 days or fewer, as a temporary visitor for business or pleasure
You will not be permitted to extend your visit or change to another visa category under the VWP.
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas
If you do not qualify for the VWP, you should request a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to attend SIGM. This type of visa (for participation in scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions, conferences, or seminars) is the appropriate visa for entry into the United States, since SIGM’s focus is business and professional development. When applying for this visa, you should include your SIGM admit letter and invoice with your application.
When to Apply
The U.S. State Department requires visa applications to be submitted at least 60 days before the date of travel. In some cases, visa processing takes longer. International applicants requiring a visa are encouraged to submit their SIGM application by the Round 4 deadline, so they have sufficient time to apply for a visa if accepted.