Change Of Status Applicants
Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) is authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to issue I-20s, a certificate of eligibility for an F-1 Visa.
Please see LAVC Educational Programs you wish to apply for.
International Students will be considered for admission to LAVC if all of the following requirements are met:
- All students must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible to apply, or have a Guardian Statement if below 18 years of age.
- Admission Application Apply On-line by the due date. It is imperative that all questions are answered correctly. Note: The on-line application contains questions about your visa status under the area "Visa and Dependent Information. Choose "F-1 Visa" under current visa type and enter 08/01/2017 as the visa issue date and check the "no expiration date" box.
- One Passport size photograph
- Student Information Sheet - Must be fully completed and signed.
- Application Processing Fee - There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 to be paid online with credit or debit card.
- Confidential Financial Statement-Complete a confidential financial statement. The total amount must reflect the required annual fees.
- Passport and Visa Information - Provide copies of your passport, visa and I-94
- English Language Requirement– Student must have English language proficiency. The following methods may be used to show proficiency:
- Original academic transcripts showing six semesters of High School (Secondary School) English or above, or
- Original TOEFL score of 45 IBT, 133 CBT or 450 PBT, or
- IELTS score of 4
- English Language Requirement for English As A Second Language Certificate program - Student must have original academic transcripts showing four semesters of English language studies at High School (Secondary School), or language institute.
- For two-year certificate programs, student must have original academic transcripts showing two semesters of English language studies at High School (Secondary School), or language institute.
- Academic Records – Provide notarized copies of your High School (Secondary School) diploma and transcripts if they are in English. If your High School diploma and transcripts are not in English, you must submit translated and notarized copies as well as the copies from the original documents. Do not send your original documents to us.
Mail all the required information to:
Los Angeles Valley College
International Students Office
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096
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.
To prevent delays in processing your application, download the Application Checklist and Deadline to ensure your application is complete.
Submit the original I-20 with your Change of Status Petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Complete form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Check the instructions for the current fees and filing process.
It is important to apply early because you cannot register for or attend classes until this petition has been approved. Please check with USCIS for processing times.
- Complete New Student Orientation
- Log in to your Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Student Portal. Select the Student Status tile, select Orientation from the menu and complete the presentation. You will receive a confirmation certificate upon completion.
- Participate in mandatory International Student Welcome Week activities scheduled by the college that includes:
- Attending a Check-In session
- Attending an in-person New International Student Orientation. This orientation will cover information related to international student status maintenance and requirements.
- Meeting with a Counselor to plan and enroll in your first semester courses.
- Pay your fees. Tuition and fees are due at the time of registration. You may pay your fees in-person in the Business Office, or online from your student portal.