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.

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

If you are currently studying in the U.S. with a valid I-20, request that your school transfer your SEVIS record 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.

All LAPC students (domestic and international) are required to complete this orientation. To access the LAPC Online Orientation, log in into your student portal:

LACCD Student Portal

Once you are in the portal: 

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

In your acceptance email, an International Student Contract is included. Review the document, sign it, and then email it to intlstu@piercecollege.edu

The 30-minute "What's Next?" video will provide information about the enrollment process, how to add your classes, and the next steps on this list. You'll receive a link to the video in your acceptance letter. 

IMPORTANT: The self-placement survey is designed to help you choose the right English Composition (writing) class. It is not a test! 

English as a Second Language (ESL) Survey

If English is NOT your first language, complete the ESL Self-Placement Survey. To receive the most accurate placement, follow the directions. The ESL Department will email your results, and then you can choose your credit-level ESL or English class. Reply to the ESL Department's email with your choice.

English Survey

If English is your first language, or if you attended secondary school or higher for 2+ years where English was the primary language of instruction, you will complete the English Self-Placement Survey in a group counseling session (Step 6). Do not complete the online ESL Self-Placement Survey.

Students Who Attended a U.S. Regionally Accredited College

If you completed college level English courses at a U.S. regionally credited college or university, do not complete the self-placement survey. Schedule an appointment with the counselor to review your course. 

IMPORTANT: The self-placement survey is designed to help you choose the right math course. It is not a test! 

Math Survey

A Math Self-Placement Survey will be included in your acceptance packet. Email the completed survey to intlstu@piercecollege.edu. A counselor will review your results with you during your counseling group session (Step 6), and then you can choose a Math class.

Students Who Attended a U.S. Regionally Accredited College

If you completed college level Math courses at a U.S. regionally credited college or university, do not take the self-placement survey. Schedule an appointment with the counselor to review your course.

Attend a virtual counseling group session. Registration required. This counseling group is for new F-1 visa international students who have never attended college in the U.S. for an academic program. You will learn how to choose your classes. The counselor will also review your ESL/English and Math self-placement results with you during a 15-minute one-on-one meeting.

Virtual counseling groups are offered through the Cranium Cafe platform. Before you attend your group session, be sure you have:

• 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.

Register for an ISS Counseling Group 

Students Who Attended a U.S. Regionally Accredited College

If you attended college in the U.S. for an academic program, you do not need to attend a counseling group session. You can schedule an appointment with the counselor to review your coursework. 

Register For Classes

View your class registration date in your student portal. Register for classes on or after your registration date. 

LACCD Student Portal

To register for classes:

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

Video Tutorial: LACCD Class Search and Enroll

Register in a minimum of 12 units, which is a full-course load. Of those 12 units, 9 units must be in-person or hybrid courses. 

If you are starting at LAPC during a summer term, register in a minimum of 6 units. Of those 6 units, 3 units must be in-person or hybrid courses.

Paying your Tuition and Fees

Payment is due by the published due date in your student portal. View the LAPC Payment Fee Policy which includes information about payment due dates and the college payment plan. 

There are two ways to pay your fees. View our Secure Payment Options to learn more.

This electronic form is used to notify LAPC of your F-1 visa status, arrival information, and intent to attend LAPC. 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. 

The International Student Services Orientation is offered in two parts. All new F-1 students must complete both parts.

Part I: Canvas Orientation 

Complete the International Student Orientation offered in Canvas, an online learning platform. You will receive an invite to the Canvas shell after you add your classes. You can complete this orientation in your home country or upon your arrival to the U.S. However, it must be completed before the in-person orientation.

Part II: In-Person Orientation (Save the Date)

Upon arrival to the U.S., all new international students must attend a one-day in-person orientation where you will learn more about the college and take a campus tour. Details about this orientation will be included in your acceptance letter - save the date! This date is about one week before the semester begins.