Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited to play college sports in the U.S.
These are the foundational steps that will make you look serious, organized, and ready.
Before reaching out to any coaches, you need to prepare several key documents and information. This preparation will make you stand out as a serious, organized candidate who understands the process.
Convert Your Grades
Use a U.S. GPA converter (search: "[country name] GPA to U.S. GPA"). Ask your school for transcripts in English. Include course names, grades, and grading scale.
Prepare Your Academic Documents
High school transcripts (official + translated), graduation certificate or expected date, and national exams or diploma results (IB, A-levels, CBSE, etc.).
Take a Language Test (if required)
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Required by most schools unless you're from an English-speaking country. Target score: 70–100 TOEFL / 6.0–7.5 IELTS.
Standardized Test (optional at many schools)
SAT or ACT: Not always required, but some scholarships may depend on it. NCAA D1/D2 may still require SAT/ACT for some international eligibility reviews.
This is your marketing tool—it's what coaches see first.
Your athlete profile is your digital first impression. It needs to be professional, complete, and easy for coaches to access. International athletes often need to work harder to stand out, so your profile must be exceptional.
Create a Highlight Video
Keep it 3–5 minutes long. Show gameplay in real match conditions (NOT just drills). Put your best clips first. Use metric-to-imperial conversions in video captions (e.g. "1.85m = 6'1").
Build an Online Profile
Include: Sport, position, height/weight (in ft/in & lbs), academic info (GPA, graduation year, test scores), athletic stats, times, rankings, or results, link to video, and coach contact info (club/high school coach).
Choose a platform that's accessible to U.S. coaches and easy to update:
Once your profile is ready, start outreach.
With your profile complete, it's time to start reaching out to coaches. International athletes should cast a wider net than domestic students, as some programs may have limited international roster spots or scholarship funds.
Build a List of Target Schools (50–100)
Use NCAA/NAIA school directories. Focus on programs that recruit international athletes. Look at roster size, playing position needs, graduation year gaps.
Write a Personalized Intro Email
Include: Who you are, your interest in their school/program, top academic/athletic highlights, link to video + full profile, and ask: "Are you recruiting [position] in the [graduation year] class?"
Follow Up (Multiple Times)
Follow up 7–10 days later if no response. Update with new highlights, stats, or tournament results. Stay polite, professional, and enthusiastic.
International athletes who follow up consistently receive 3x more responses from coaches than those who only send one email.
This part is where most international athletes get lost. Stay ahead.
Eligibility and admissions are two separate processes. You must satisfy both to play college sports in the U.S. International athletes face additional scrutiny, so start this process early.
Register with the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center
NCAA Eligibility Center: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/ or NAIA Eligibility Center: https://play.mynaia.org/. Upload your transcripts, proof of graduation, and test scores. Pay the fee (waivers sometimes available).
Apply to Colleges Separately
Apply through the school's admissions portal or Common App. Admissions is separate from athletics—you must be accepted academically.
Collect Financial Documents
Bank statements (for visa purposes), family income documentation (for need-based aid), tax returns or proof of support (if requested by the school).
Once you're accepted and receive a scholarship/offer...
After receiving and accepting an offer, you'll need to navigate the visa process. This is a critical step that requires attention to detail and timing.
Receive and Sign Your Offer / Letter of Intent
May come from coach or admissions. Can be athletic scholarship, academic offer, or both. Read it carefully—check renewal terms and what's included.
Request Your I-20 Form
The school's Designated School Official (DSO) will send this. You'll need it to apply for the F-1 student visa.
Pay the SEVIS Fee
$350 fee for all international students. Pay here: https://fmjfee.com
Schedule a Visa Interview
Go to your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Bring: I-20 form, SEVIS receipt, school acceptance letter, scholarship letter, financial proof (bank records), passport.
Book Your Travel
Fly into the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date. Inform your coach of your arrival details.
6 months before departure
Accept offer and request I-20 form from school
4-5 months before departure
Receive I-20 and pay SEVIS fee
3-4 months before departure
Schedule and attend visa interview
2-3 months before departure
Receive visa and book flights
1 month before departure
Final preparations and packing
Before you fly, double-check these important items.
The final weeks before departure are crucial for ensuring a smooth transition to your new life as a student-athlete in the U.S. Don't leave these important details to the last minute.
Health Insurance
Many U.S. schools require proof of insurance. Some include it in tuition, others don't. Ask your coach or admissions office.
Vaccinations / Medical Records
Some schools require proof of vaccinations (COVID-19, MMR, TB, etc.). Bring medical and injury history in English.
Connect With Teammates
Ask your coach to introduce you to teammates or staff. Join WhatsApp/Instagram team chats to feel more connected. Ask about campus housing, class scheduling, meal plans.
These extra steps will make your transition much smoother:
