International Student Services

Students Applying From Outside the United States: Apply for F-1 visa

• If you applied from outside the U.S. and you do not have an F-1 Visa, follow the steps to Apply for F-1 Student Visa.

• After your visa appointment, please contact LAPC ISS to let us know the results of your interview.

Students Applying From Within the United States with Valid I-20: Transfer I-20

• If you are currently studying in the U.S. with a valid I-20, request that your school transfer your SEVIS record (I-20 Form) to LAPC. LAPC must have your SEVIS record in order to issue you an I-20 for LAPC. Contact your current school to initiate the SEVIS transfer process.

If you have any questions, please contact our office via Live Chat or email intlstu@piercecollege.edu.

LAPC Online Orientation

To access the LAPC Online Orientation, log in into your Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Student Portal. Then, 

• Select the "Student Status" tile
• Select "Orientation"

LAPC International Orientation (In-Person)

In addition to the general Online Orientation, all international students are required to attend an in-person orientation after arrival to the U.S. This orientation will cover information not provided in the LAPC Online Orientation. The date for the International Student Program orientation will be provided to you on your acceptance email. Save the date and plan accordingly.

These three documents will be included in your acceptance email:

• International Student Contract
• Academic Integrity Statement
• Drop Deadlines Acknowledgement Form

Review and sign the documents. Email them to intlstu@piercecollege.edu.

The virtual "What's Next?" Workshop will provide information on the enrollment process, how to register for classes, and the student health insurance plan. Details on how to register for this workshop are included in your acceptance email.

If you need assistance, please contact our office via Live Chat or email intlstu@piercecollege.edu

If English is NOT your first language:

Complete the ESL Self-Placement Survey. The results of this placement will help you choose an English course at LAPC, it is not a test. It is recommended that you write at least four paragraphs at the writing prompt so that you will receive an accurate placement. You will receive an email from our ESL Department with your placement results, and then you may choose which ESL class you would like to take.

If English is your first language, or if you graduated from a secondary school where English was the main language of instruction:  

You will complete your English Guided Self-Placement Survey during your counseling appointment (Step 6). Do not complete the electronic ESL Self-Placement Survey.

Meet with a counselor to plan your classes for the upcoming semester. If needed, you will also complete the English and Math guided self-placements which will help you choose English and Math courses.  Virtual counseling is provided through the Cranium Cafe platform. Please be sure you have:

• Your LACCD Student ID number
• A reliable internet connection
• Access to a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam. Smartphones and tablets are NOT recommended for Cranium Cafe.
• Use Chrome or Firefox as your browser. Safari and Explorer are NOT recommended for Cranium Cafe.

When scheduling your first appointment with the International Program academic counselor, choose the reason, "1st Contact -SEP."

Academic Counseling is by appointment only. Upon arrival to the U.S., you can meet with an Academic Counselor again in-person or online to update your Student Educational Plan (SEP).

To watch a video on how to schedule a counseling appointment in the ISS Office, visit our YouTube Channel.

Schedule an Appointment

You can view your class registration date in your Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Student Portal. You can register for classes on or after your registration date.

To register for classes:

• Log into your LACCD Student Portal
• Select the "Manage Classes" tile
• From "Manage Classes," you can search for classes and add them to your schedule

Register in a minimum of 12 units which is a full-course load. If you are starting at LAPC during a summer term, register in a minimum of 6 units. 

If you need assistance, please contact our office via Live Chat or email intlstu@piercecollege.edu

This electronic form is used to notify LAPC of your F-1 visa status, arrival information, and intent to register. The link to the form will be included in your acceptance email. You can update your responses as needed.

It is important you complete this form so we know you will be attending LAPC. If you need assistance, please contact our office via Live Chat or email intlstu@piercecollege.edu