Non-U.S. Citizens

Ogden-Weber Technical College is an inclusive campus dedicated to embracing, celebrating, and valuing our community. The tech college seeks to create an environment that supports equal access to employment and technical education for all involved. If your goals include a technical education with job placement in a training-related field, we want you to be a part of the college!

We’ve included the answers to frequently asked questions below. If you have further questions, feel free to contact our Director for Admissions, Maria Caballero, at 801-395-3732 or maria.caballero@otech.edu.

Am I considered to be an undocumented student?

A student who is not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and who does not currently possess a permanent resident card, naturalization papers, visa, or other legal documentation is considered an undocumented student. This even includes those born outside of the U.S. who have lived in this country for a significant portion of their lives.

Will the college check my residency status?

The tech college does not check state residency or citizenship status for enrollment purposes.

What information do I provide the college?

The tech college asks for a social security number on the application form because tuition and fees may be tax deductible for some students. Providing a social security number is optional, but a social security number must be given if you wish to take a student tax deduction or receive a tax form (called a 1098T) at the end of the year.

If you do not have a social security number, or you do not want to provide one, there are three alternatives when applying:

  1. Provide an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number), which you can obtain from the Internal Revenue Service (English or Spanish)
  2. Select the option to refuse to enter your SSN for college purposes (and acknowledge you will not get the 1098-T tax form or be able to take a deduction to claim a tuition and fees or education credit)
  3. Choose the “I do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN” option

Student privacy is protected under federal laws, and the college takes this very seriously. Social security numbers are not shared with outside entities, other than to the IRS for tax purposes. An ITIN looks just like a social security number.  The college has no way of knowing whether you provided a social security number or an ITIN. We do not compile or share lists of student citizenship status.

What about programs that lead to a license from the state?

Programs below will require a social security number and/or proof of legal employability in order to obtain licensure through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL):

  • Barbering
  • Cosmetology
  • Nail Technician
  • Electrical Apprenticeship
  • Plumbing Apprenticeship
  • Pharmacy Technician

What if I’m an international student?

The tech college is unable to admit students who are in the United States on a student visa, due to extensive federal regulations. If you are a student studying in the United States, under a student visa, please stay in compliance with your visa status.

Who can help me if I have questions?

Tech college faculty and staff are here to help you achieve success.

Admissions Advising – Student Services Building – Call 801-627-8300 for an appointment

Student Support Specialists – Student Services Building – Call 801-627-8300 for an appointment

Student Success Center – Union Building – 801-627-8494

Will I be eligible for a scholarship?

Achievement-based scholarships are available for non-U.S. citizens.  “Achievement-based” means you will be evaluated mostly on your progress and attendance at the college and by participation in college and community groups or activities. The Scholarship Review Committee meets every month to evaluate scholarship applications.

If you want to apply for scholarships, the application will ask about citizenship status. This is because some private donors require that recipients be U.S. citizens. The information is not flagged anywhere else; it is only used to determine which funding is available for you. Please answer ALL questions on the application. Blank responses may exclude your application from evaluation.

The requirements for an achievement-based scholarship are:

    • U.S. citizen, an eligible non-citizen, or a non-U.S. citizen with a Utah high school diploma (Proof of eligibility is not required during the application process. If a scholarship is awarded, the financial aid office will provide further instructions.)
    • 100 hours attended in program
    • 80% attendance from the prior month and 80% cumulative progress in program
    • Enrolled in a program that leads to a certificate (no Math for WSU, individual classes, or programs less than 400 hours)

More information about scholarships can be found here.

Can I apply for financial aid?

Undocumented or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) are not currently eligible for any federal financial aid programs.

If your parents are undocumented, but you aren’t, you may apply for financial aid.  You enter zeros (000-00-0000) for their social security number on the FAFSA application.


Schedule time with an Advisor

Access educational resources on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

DACA Update

On July 16, 2021 a U.S. district court in Texas declared the DACA program unlawful. What does this mean for me?

  • If you currently have DACA, this decision does not cancel or terminate your rights
  • If you currently have and need to renew your DACA, you may do so—the decision does not impact those who already have DACA
  • If it has been over a year since your DACA expired, you will need to file as if it were an initial application and the USCIS is currently unable to process initial requests
  • If you are a first-time applicant, you CAN file an initial application, but it will not be processed, as the order does not allow USCIS to process any initial requests

Contact our Director for Admissions, Maria Caballero, at 801-395-3732 or maria.caballero@otech.edu if you have any questions

Are there other community resources available for me?