International Student Services

Change to F-1 Status

Student applicants in the United States on a valid visa may be eligible to apply for a change of status to F-1 international student while remaining in the United State.

Your first step is to apply to Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) using the international student application. Complete and submit the International Student Application and submit supplement documents listed in the Application Checklist under Apply to Los Angeles Pierce College.

Admitted students will receive an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. You must then submit an I-539 Form to apply for a change of status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Student applicants requiring assistance with the change of status filing through USCIS will need to contact an immigration attorney.

Certain visa types allow students to attend the college while waiting for the F-1 change of status to be adjudicated. Other visa types are not allowed to attend the college until the student applicant is granted F-1 status.