Lamar Community College: International Programs

International Programs: New Students

Prospective International Students

Attending Lamar Community College will prepare you well for the future. We provide two-year transfer programs that qualify students for admission to their junior year at four-year colleges and universities as well as occupational education options.

International Student Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements
Students should have successfully completed a high school or equivalent secondary education program in their home country. An official transcript with identified graduation date is required. Transcripts not in English will need to be submitted with an official translation.

Language Requirements
The TOEFL exam is preferred. Applicants should score a 450 or better on the paper-based test. Applicants from native English speaking countries are exempt from this requirement.

Financial Requirements
As per U.S. immigration regulations, international students must submit proof of ability to pay for the estimated expenses that they will incur for at least one year of study. This estimate will include tuition & fees, room & board, books, supplies and MANDATORY health insurance. International students are required submit the LCC International Statement of Financial Support as well as support documents such as bank statements and account notes.

Applying to Lamar Community College

Completed Application for Admission
Official high school transcripts with official translation if not in English (graduation needs to be identified) and transcripts for prior college coursework
Official copy of ACT or SAT test scores (if available)
Official TOEFL score (if resident/citizen of a non-English speaking country) and any additional proof of English language proficiency
LCC International Statement of Financial Support Form with current bank statement noting funds to support the student for two years from the student, parent, government or private sponsor.
A copy of an immunization record and proof insurance are also required of all international students upon acceptance. If you are unable to show acceptable insurance coverage before the start of classes, you will be automatically enrolled and charged for acceptable insurance via LCC.

Transfer and international students currently enrolled at American high schools
Transfer students will need to complete and submit the International Student Transfer Form. The top portion of this form is completed by the student and the bottom half by the institution that you are transferring from. It is important that they complete this form so that we have accurate information regarding the transfer of your immigration record.

Applying for your Student Visa

Once you have been accepted to LCC, you will receive an I-20 form (for an M-1 or F-1 student visa) or an DS-2019 Form (for a J-1 exchange visitor visa). It is important that you read the form carefully and that you understand your responsibilities as an international student in the U.S. when you sign the form. Please make sure your name is spelled the same way on the I-20 or DS-2019 form as it is in your passport. If it is incorrect, contact the Coordinator of International Programs immediately.

After you receive the I-20 or DS-2019, you can begin making arrangements to obtain a student visa. Effective September 1, 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires the collection of a one-time fee of $100 from certain international students and visiting scholars. The fee is required to cover operational costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and is referred to as the I-901 fee. For more information about this fee and payment options available please visit the Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS I-901 page.

Please check with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate regarding the procedure to obtain a U.S. student visa in your country; in some instances, you will need to make an appointment several weeks in advance or you may have to apply by mail. For further assistance with the application process and other information on studying in the U.S., you may also wish to contact an educational adviser at the advising center in your country (the U.S. Information Agency web site has a listing of the 450 advising centers worldwide.)

You will need to present several documents to the visa officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain your student visa:

Checklist of documents needed to apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa:

• The complete I-20 form from Lamar Community College (LCC). Please make sure that you have signed the form; do not separate the pages.

• Proof of your intention to return to your country after completing your degree program (for example, you have close family ties in your country or you plan to return to work in your family business or continue your professional career).

• Proof that you have sufficient financial resources to support your studies in the U.S. , including the documents you submitted to LCC with your application (Financial Statement for International Students, statements from your or your sponsor's bank)

• Visa fee

• Receipt showing payment of SEVIS fee

Checklist of documents needed to apply for a J-1 (Exchange Visitor) visa:

• The complete DS-2019 form. Please complete as necessary and keep pages together.

• Documentation showing that you are an "exchange visitor," such as a letter from your sponsoring agency, Lamar Community College.

• Visa fee

• Receipt showing payment of SEVIS fee

Students from Canada: Canadian citizens do not need to obtain a visa; you must present the I-20 or the DS-2019 form, your proof of SEVIS fee payment and proof of financial support upon your entry into the U.S. Please make sure that you provide these documents to the immigration officer at the border in order to enter the U.S. as a student;

DO NOT enter the U.S. on a visitor (tourist) visa!

As of January 23, 2007 passports will be required for citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda who enter the United States via air. This will extend to land and sea border crossings as early as January 1, 2008.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is designed to assist new international students in their initial adjustment to the campus and the Lamar community. Offered prior to the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, orientation provides an opportunity for international students to get settled into their new surroundings, to plan their academic program, complete registration for courses and become more familiar with the surrounding community.

Prior to arrival, students will receive a pre-departure newsletter with a forms packet that needs to be completed and returned. Please read through this information and submit forms by the requested deadline to prevent obstacles in your arrival at LCC.

Orientations is REQUIRED for all M-1, F-1 and J-1 visa holders as immigration information is gathered and important information regarding regulations is provided to students during this orientation. Freshman on other visas (H-4, E-2, or Permanent Residents) are welcome to attend and may find this orientation particularly helpful to them.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Coordinator of International Programs.

About LCC | Degrees/Programs | Online Learning | Partnership Programs | Contact