STUDY IN THE U.S. - F1 Visa Students

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How To Apply and How To Pay $35 Application Fee

 

 

APPLICATION PACKET: click here

PAY $35 NONREFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE:

  • MONEY ORDER or CASHIER'S CHECK. We do NOT accept personal checks.
  • CREDIT CARD: Contact the Business Office, Vera Brodetskaya, E: brodetv@wlac.edu | P: (310) 287-4326.
    Provide all information:  type of card (visa, master card, etc.); name on card; expiration date; security code; billing address; type of payment (credit or debit).
  • CASH: (Do not send cash in mail. Use cash only if paying at the Business Office counter.)
  • WIRE TRANSFER: To obtain Invoice Number and Account Information, contact the Business Office,
    Vera Brodetskaya, E: brodetv@wlac.edu| P: (310) 287-4326.

SEND APPLICATION - Mail, hand-deliver or email documents. Online applications are not accepted. 

  • MAIL
    West Los Angeles College
    International Student Program
    9000 Overland Avenue
    Culver City, CA  90230
  • HAND-DELIVERY
    International Student Program
    Student Services Building
    SSB 4th Floor, Room 415
  • EMAIL
    scan and send .jpg files or .pdf files (send one document per email)
    studentvisa@wlac.edu

WHEN YOU ARE ACCEPTED YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER IN CLASSES. FEES ARE DUE UPON REGISTRATION. PAYMENT METHODS:

  • CREDIT CARD using the Student Information System:
    After you have been accepted to WLAC, you will be issued a Student ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) to login to the Student Information System. Payment is by credit card.
  • CREDIT CARD or CASH at the Business Office counter. Personal checks are not accepted.

DEADLINES: Note that submission of application within deadlines does not guarantee acceptance. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis as time permits and as classes are available.

  • TO APPLY FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.
    Fall Semester - June 18
    Spring Semester - December 1

  • TO TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER U.S. INSTITUTION
    Fall Semester - June 18
    Spring Semester - January 1

 

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How do I enroll in a class at WLAC from another school?

Concurrent Enrollment: For instructions click here. 


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How soon will I be notified of my acceptance?

Applications are reviewed after all required documents have been received.

NOTE: Incomplete applications will delay an admission decision.


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What are the costs for tuition and other expenses?
For FEES AND EXPENSES click here. To be accepted you must verify $16,500 available each year for educational fees and living expenses.

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Is financial aid available to international students?

WLAC does not offer financial aid to international students.

As a first step to higher education in the United States, the tuition at WEST is relatively inexpensive when compared to four-yearuniversities. Students are given the opportunity to take the same general education courses at a lower cost than those offered at four-year universities. Classes are smaller and professors are devoted entirely to teaching.


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Will I be able to transfer credits from previous schools?

Students with courses from international universities may apply credit towards an Associate in Arts degree at WLAC.

Students should first consult with a WEST Evaluator in the Graduation Office before contacting an approved credential evaluation agency.


For TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION, click here.


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How can I become an F-1 visa student at West?

To be accepted to WLAC and to apply for a student visa from outside the U.S.:

  • Review U.S. Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html

  • Apply to WLAC and be able to pay for the cost of schooling and living expenses, show proof of English proficiency, and have a secondary school diploma.

  • If accepted to WLAC, an Initial Form I-20 will be issued and mailed to the applicant or it can be picked up at the International Students Program Office. Prospective nonimmigrant students may apply to more than one SEVP-certified school but must choose one school to attend to apply for the F-1 visa.

  • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.jsp . You will need your SEVIS I.D. number on your Form I-20 and WEST School Location Code, which is LOS214F00969000, also on your Form I-20.

  • Apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate www.usembassy.gov  for an F-1 student visa. If you are from a visa exempt country such as Canada or Bermuda, then you are not required to make an application for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate. You may have the Form I-20 validated at a U.S. Port Of Entry (POE).

  • Arrive at a U.S. Port of Entry (POE) no more than 30 days prior to the program start date on the Form I-20.

To be accepted to WLAC and transfer from another U.S. institution:

Submit Student Status Verification Form (to be filled out by International Advisor of current/last school), copies of I-20s from all schools, transcripts from all schools, application forms and financial documents, and photocopies of U.S. visa and citizenship passport.

 

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Where can I find U.S. government immigration information?

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When should I arrive in the U.S.?

Up to 30 days prior to the program start date on your I-20.

We encourage newly admitted students to arrive at WLAC close to 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester they have been admitted to.

This allows time to securing housing, to report to the International Student Services office for registration of your SEVIS I-20, and for Admissions processing. Although we want you to arrive one month prior to semester start, you are not permitted to arrive more than 30 days prior to the program start date on the I-20.

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What should I do once I arrive in the U.S.?

For Arrival Check List click here.

  • Check-In at International Students Program
    See FORMS for Check-In form
  • Take math and English assessment tests at the Assessment Center
  • Meet with a counselor at the Counseling Center for a Student Educational Plan (SEP)
  • Register in classes in the Student Information System
  • Attend International Orientation 
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Where is the International Student Program office?

The International Students Program is located in Student Services Building, SSB 4th Floor, Room 415.

CAMPUS MAP

  • OFFICE HOURS:
    Monday - Thursday: 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00
    Friday 9:00 to 12:00; Closed Saturday and Sunday
  • Please make an appointment to reduce your wait time to get service. Walk-ins are available on a first-come / first-served basis.
  • Some services require an appointment (applications to USCIS and arrival Check-In).
  • We welcome you to stop by just to say "hi" or for a quick visit and no appointment is necessary.

Contact Kathleen Greer
P: (310) 287-4312
E: GreerKL@wlac.edu

 

To submit application documents by email, scan and send .jpg files to studentvisa@wlac.edu  

 

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Is there an International Students Club?

WLAC welcomes you to join our International Students Club.

First become a member of the Associated Students Organization (ASO), for more info, click here: www.wlac.edu/aso. One of the benefits of ASO membership is eligibility to Charter an International Club and become and club member. The International Student Club faculty mentor is Professor Josefina Culton at (310) 287-4549 or email pimpis@aol.com .


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Is Health Insurance Required?

F-1 Visa students with I-20s issued by colleges in the Los Angeles Community District are required to enroll in Health Insurance provided by the Los Angeles Community College District. For LACCD Health Plan click here.

Students may not substitute any other insurance coverage. Fall is grouped with Winter for a 6-month period and Spring is grouped with Summer for a 6-month period. The Insurance I.D. card is mailed within 10-14 days of enrollment of the plan. If you have not received your card, contact Renaissance Agencies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

    • If you are ill and first get a referral from the WLAC Student Health Center before you go to a physician, the physician office visit fee will be waived.
    • If you see a provider physician in the Blue Cross network, your fees will be MUCH lower.
    • If it is NOT an emergency but you are ill and need to see a physician, your fees will be much lower if you use URGENT CARE facilities on weekends and NOT the emergency room at a hospital.
    • Contact Denise Jeanes for the following: a list of provider physicians in the Blue Cross network, a list of URGENT CARE facilities in your neighborhood, questions about your insurance plan, to request a copy of your insurance card, and other insurance-related questions.
    • Contact information:
      Ascension Benefits & Insurance Solutions (formerly Renaissance Insurance Agency, Inc.)
      Denise Jeanes
      P: (800) 537-1777 | F: (310) 394-0142
    • General information: www.renstudent.com (username and password not required; for school, select LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT in the drop down list)
    • Account Information: www.gghstudents.com (certificate ID number, username and password required)
    • Plan Brochure: click here

  • Extension of coverage while on OPT: Students who will be on OPT can elect to continue health insurance coverage. To qualify, application must be received within 31 days of last enrollment/previous coverage.

    To apply, please mail the following three items:
    1. OPT Enrollment Form
    2. Payment
    3. Copy of OPT card or the form I-20 with page three.
      For OPT Enrollment Form       click here.
  • Mail the form, payment, and proof of OPT to:
    Ascension Benefits & Insurance Solutions
    P.O. Box 2300
    Santa Monica, CA 90407-2300
    Attention: Denise Jeanes
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How do I find housing?

WLAC, like most other California Community Colleges, does not offer campus student housing.

There are several housing options listed below. You might consider temporary accommodations (hotel, motel, youth hostels, etc.) to allow time to secure your housing. Plan to make arrangements for transportation from the airport. Here are some easy steps to follow:

STEP 1:  Before arrival, make a reservation!

STEP 2:  Choose your housing:

STEP 3:  Choose your neighborhood:

(Consider transportation, parking, proximity to markets and shops)

STEP 4:  Transportation and parking:

STEP 5: What you should know about homestays and renting or leasing an apartment:

STEP 6:  Need help?

  • International Students Program Support
    HLRC (Library), 1st Floor - Room 109
    P: (310) 287-4458 | E: ispsupport@wlac.edu
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How do I get a driver's license?

Driving as Non-Resident

If you are not a resident of the United States (you hold a U.S. visa), and have a valid license from your home country, you may drive in this state. However, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a California license if you expect to drive or purchase a car. Be prepared to obtain the required automobile insurance www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr18.htm if you buy a car. For writing checks, it is useful to have a California Driver's License www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl.htm or a California Identification Card www.dmv.ca.gov/idinfo/idcard.htm. Both are available at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) www.dmv.ca.gov/dmv.htm. A California Driver's License is valid throughout the United States.

Obtaining a California Driver's License

To obtain a California Driver's License, you may go directly to the DMV office, but making an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or calling for an appointment to take the written test will save you time. You will need your passport with your valid I-94 (you received this when you entered the country), and your I-20 or DS-2019. Also, you must present your Social Security Card (if you have one) to take the road test, but it is not required to have a Social Security Number to obtain a California driver's license. The application fee is $26. Before you take the test, you should study the California Driver's Handbook www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/driver_handbook_toc.htm. It paraphrases the vehicle code and explains the rules of the road. If you study this handbook, you should be able to pass the written examination. In addition, sample tests are available http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/exam.htm. You may sign up with a local driving school for a fee.

International Driver's License 

www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#international

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver's license. California does recognize a valid driver's license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident. The IDP is only a translation of information contained on a person's foreign driver's license and is not required to operate a motor vehicle in California. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver's license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database.

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How do I get a social security number?

 SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Social Security Numbers are issued only for purposes of employment.
  • Bring following documentation to the Social Security Administration Office:
    • passport, visa, I-20, I-94
    • campus job offer letter, if applicable:
      F-1 students can work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the regular Fall and Spring semesters, and up to a maximum of 35 hours per week during Winter and Summer sessions. Student's employer will set student hours. Ask your campus employer to write a job offer letter on letterhead stating Employer Identification Number and job start date.
    • EAD card, if applicable:
      If you have applied for and have been granted Optional Practical Training (OPT), you are issued an EAD card verifying valid dates for employment.
    • letter of endorsement from International Advisor (optional if carrying an EAD card)
    • Form SS-5 available on the SSA web site or in the SSA office www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html
    • Submit application in person along with other required documents.
    • Wait approximately two weeks for the card to arrive in the mail.
    • Keep original card for your records.
    • Campus employment must begin no more than 30 days from application date.

  • Off-campus employment must begin within 90 days of start date on EAD card and employer information must be entered into SEVIS database by your International Advisor.
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What about employment?

ON-CAMPUS AND OFF-CAMPUS WORK

As an international student you may work part-time on campus as a student worker but you may not work off campus until you have applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) with USCIS and have received approval to work. This application may be submitted to the U.S. government after you have both completed at least one year as a full time student and also completed your program (transfer requirements and/or certificate and/or degree. For OPT information click here.

Please note that there are few jobs on campus. The money earned from a part-time job on campus should not be considered a major source of your funding for your tuition and living expenses. One of your admission requirements is to submit a financial statement that you have a minimum of $16,500 USD per year for your tuition and living expenses.

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Maintaining Your F-1 Visa

Twelve Points to Maintain Your F-1 Status

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Other Useful Links

TRANSPORTATION

U.S. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES

HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS NEAR CULVER CITY
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