Los Angeles Valley College

Out-Of-Country Applicants

Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) is authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to issue I-20s (Certificates of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

Step 1 – Application Process

International Students will be considered for admission to LAVC if all of the following requirements are met:

• Admission Application – Must be fully completed and signed before we can process your LAVC Admission application.
• Student Information – Student Information Sheet must be fully completed and signed. Make sure your chosen major is offered by LAVC. See Major and Code List.
• Financial Support- Complete a Confidential Financial Statement. The total amount must reflect the required annual fees.  

English Language Requirement – Student must have full English language proficiency. The following methods may be used to show proficiency:

• Academic Records - Provide official transcripts from high (secondary) school completion and diploma. All records which are not in English must be translated in English.
• Passport and Visa Information - Provide copies of your passport, visa and I-94
• Three Passport size photographs
• Application Processing Fee – A non-refundable application fee of $ 35 must be included with your application. Fee is accepted by money order or cashier’s check payable to Los AngelesValley College and in U.S. dollars. No personal checks or credit cards accepted.
• Mail all the required information to:

 To prevent delays in processing your application, download the Application Checklist to ensure your application is complete

Step 2 – Visa Application Process

Once you are admitted to the college, we will send you a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, more commonly known as an I-20.

Take your I-20 and make an appointment to visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for your visa. Visa application procedures vary by country so you may want to visit www.UnitedStatesVisas.us 

This website will help you determine current visa policies and procedures where you live. We highly recommend that you check with the Overseas Educational Advising Center in your area. They will be able to help you with the visa application process and interview. They can also assist you with pre-departure information that will make your trip to the U.S. run smoothly. For more information on Overseas Educational Advising Center locations and services, visit http://educationusa.state.gov.

Step 3 – Your Visa Interview

• Visit http://travel.state.gov

• English. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. If possible, practice conversing in English with a native speaker before your interview.

• Be Concise. Due to the volume of applications received, consular officers are under considerable time pressure. They must make a decision on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say and the initial impression you create are critical to the success of your interview. Keep your answers short and to the point.

• Supplemental Documentation. It should be clear to the consular officer at a glance what written documents you are presenting and what purpose they serve. Prove you are a serious student by drawing attention to academic honors or excellence you have already demonstrated.

• Ties To Your Home Country. U.S. law requires all applicants for nonimmigrant visas to be viewed as intending immigrants. You need to convince the consular officer otherwise. You should be able to show you have reasons for returning to your home country. Economic and social ties are crucial. Bring documentation.

• Know the Program and How it Fits Your Career Plans. If you are unable to articulate your reasons for studying a particular program in the United States, you may not convince the consular officer that you are a serious student. You should be able to explain how studying in the U.S. relates to future career objectives when you return home.

• Employment. Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study. You should be able to afford to pay for school, related expenses and the cost of living without working.

• Maintain A Positive Attitude. If your application is denied, find out why so it won’t happen again.

Step 4 – Check In

You are required to check-in with the college within 3 days of your arrival in the United States.  Come to the Student Services Center (SSC) 107C between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm to check in. Please bring your I-20, I-94 your passport and visa.

Step 5 – Assessment and Orientation

International students are required to assess prior to attending orientation. Assessment will help you determine your math and English levels and help you enroll in appropriate level courses.  Orientation will ease your transition to LAVC and familiarize you with our policies and procedures. During orientation you will review you assessment scores, plan your classes for the upcoming semester and make sure you know what is required of you to maintain your F-1 student status at Los Angeles Valley College. 

After your orientation you are required to meet with a counselor once a semester to ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate courses, that you are “in-status” and making satisfactory academic progress.

Step 6 – Enrolling in Classes

You may register online at your pre-appointed registration time.

You can enroll online at: http://www.laccd.edu/student_information/sis_logon.htm.

If you do not know when you are supposed to register, you can find your appointment online at www.laccd.edu/student_information/sis_logon.htm.

Step 7 – Paying Your Fees

Tuition and fees are due at the time of registration. A fee receipt is required to buy books at the campus bookstore. You may pay your fees in-person in the Business Office, or you may pay online at http://www.laccd.edu/student_information/sis_logon.htm.