New Students: Pre-Arrival Information

Obtaining admission to West is only the first step to begin (or continue) your education in the United States. You will need to complete additional requirements before the semester begins to ensure you meet student and nonimmigrant requirements. Carefully review and take the actions stated below.

 

Required Tasks

After receiving your West LA College admissions letter, please complete the tasks below. If you have not received an admissions letter, follow the admissions steps here or email @email for more information.

New Initial Students - Students who are outside the United States need to get initial I-20.

Note: A new student may be issued an initial I-20 if their program of study requires in-person instruction. 

1. Request an I-20 from @email.

Upon acceptance into the F1 visa international student program, your I-20 will be emailed to your LACCD student email address.

2. Pay the I-901 Fee (SEVIS Fee).

3. Pass through a port-of-entry with your WLAC-issued I-20, valid F1 Visa, Passport, I-90I Payment Confirmation, and Proof of Enrollment.

  • If you are inside the US, you must temporarily exit the US and enter on or after the "Earliest Admission Date" printed on your I-20.
  • If you are outside the US, make sure you take the necessary steps to obtain your F1 visa and enter on or after the "Earliest Admission Date" printed on your I-20.

Transfer-In Students - Students inside the United States who would like to transfer an active I-20.

  1. Provide the WLAC admission letter to your current school's international advisor.
  2. Request transfer of your active SEVIS record from your current school's international advisor. Send to West Los Angeles College (LOS214F00969000).
  3. Notify the International Student Program when your I-20 has been transferred.

Change of Status - Students inside the United States who would like to change their status to F1.

  1. Request an I-20 from @email.
    Your I-20 can be emailed to your LACCD email address.
  2. Pay the I-901 Fee (SEVIS Fee).
  3. File the Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS.
  4. Notify the International Student Program as soon as you receive your I-539 approval/denial.

The New International Student Program Orientation is mandatory. Students who do not attend may have their admission to West withdrawn. Email @email to schedule your in-person orientation. 

This appointment is your opportunity to discuss educational goals with an academic counselor. At the conclusion, the counselor will provide you with a Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP) with semester-by-semester class recommendations.

Make an Appointment here

If you've attended another U.S. college, bring your transcripts to the appointment. If you've attended a non-U.S. college, complete the foreign transcript evaluation first.

Unofficial transcripts and evaluations may be brought to the counseling appointment.

Log in to your student portal at mycollege.laccd.edu and register for the classes listed in your student education plan. Students that obtained an I-20 must enroll in a program of study that contains an in-person component. Enroll as a full-time student (at least 12 units) and pay all fees before the deadline.

Student Health Insurance Plan (IMED)

All F1 students attending West LA College are charged an international medical insurance fee (IMED) equal to the cost of medical insurance purchased by the District on the student's behalf (LACCD Board Rule 2309.30).

IMED Welcome Pack (pdf)

To learn more about your health insurance plan, please visit gallagherstudent.com/WLAC.