International Admissions Text-Only
Who is an international student?
Any individual who has been admitted to the United States in a temporary, non-resident (visa) status and is 18 years of age will be classified as an international student at Lansing Community College. Individuals admitted to the United States on any type of visa should use the international application on page 17.
Individuals who have refugee, immigrant, or resident alien (green card) status are not international students and should use the LCC general admissions student application.
For more information about LCC go to: About LCC (Facts at a Glance)
Distances from U.S. ports-of-entry to Lansing (in
kilometers)
|
Chicago, Illinois |
345 km |
|
Dallas, Texas |
1925 km |
|
Detroit, Michigan |
140 km |
|
Los Angeles, California |
3800 km |
|
Miami, Florida |
2350 km |
|
New York, New York |
1125 km |
|
San Francisco, California |
3975 km |
Visa types and WT status
A visa is a permit placed in your passport by a U.S. Embassy or
Consulate official that gives you permission to travel to the
United States. There are many different categories of visas. The
type of visa given to you is determined by the purpose of your
trip to the U.S. Each visa category has a set of U.S. Department
of Homeland Security (USDHS) regulations that govern the
activities you may engage in while in the United States. Almost
all visa categories allow a person to attend school either full
or part-time. The length of time required to obtain a visa and
the method of applying vary at each U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Check with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for information
on the process currently in effect.
Student visa (F-1 or M-1)
LCC offers programs that meet the requirements of the F-1
(academic study) and M-1 (vocational study) student visas. You
should know that a student must follow certain USDHS regulations
to obtain and keep his student visa. You must:
- Declare a program of study and make progress toward completion of that program each semester
- Complete at least 12 credits each semester in your program and complete two semesters each year
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 (C) grade point average
- Keep the school advised of your U.S. and foreign addresses.
The I-20 form must be presented to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a student visa.
Prospective student visa (B-2)
Under certain circumstances an individual might wish to
personally visit one or more U.S. colleges to complete admission, inspect
facilities, or for a personal interview. Because admission has not yet been
granted, the schools cannot issue an I-20 form. The prospective student visa
should be requested at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate before entering the
U.S. This allows a limited period of time to complete admission and, while
in the United States, apply for a change-of-status to student visa. The
prospective student visa is more likely (but not guaranteed) to be approved
for the change-of-status to student visa than the regular visitor visa
category. (See "Change of Visa Status")
Visitor (B-1 or B-2)
The visitor (business or tourist) visa allows school attendance
for language or recreational courses. Those individuals who intend to be
full-time students or who intend to complete an academic or vocational
program are advised to seek a student visa. A B Visa holder is NOT allowed
to enroll in a full-time course of study until they have obtained an F-1 or
M-1 non-immigrant Visa. Those who have an I-94 card stamped ?Prospective
Student? are eligible to do a Change of Status while in the United States to
F-1 or M-1 student visas. If the I-94 card does not have this stamp, then
the student must exit the country and obtain an F-1 or M-1 non-immigrant
visa from a Consular Officer abroad and obtain readmission to the United
States before they can work toward a degree.
Other visas
Other visa categories and
their regulations are too numerous for this publication. Almost all visa
categories allow a person to attend school either full- or part-time.
However, school admission is not automatic. You must meet the requirements
for admission as established by the school. For LCC requirements see page
14. If you have questions about your visa category and LCC attendance,
please contact the Admissions Office and our staff will be happy to assist
you.
WT status
WT status means that you were allowed to enter the United States
for a short visit without a visa. This status cannot be changed to a visa
status while in the United States. School enrollment is prohibited by USDHS
regulations for persons with WT status. You can arrange for school admission
while in the United States in WT status, but you will need to exit the
United States to your home country, obtain a student visa, and re-enter in
time for the start of classes.
Canadian Students
Canadian citizens may enter the United States as students with
the I-20 form and a copy of their financial resources documents. A passport
is not required.
Dependents
In the United States, the
spouse (wife or husband) and children under age 21 of an individual are
called dependents. Individuals entering the United States on the student
visa (F-1 or M-1) are eligible to apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to
bring their dependents with them. Or, the dependents can apply later at the
U.S. Embassy or Consulate to travel to the United States to join the
student. Dependents receive the F-2 or M-2 visa. The student (or applicant
if not yet admitted) must show that financial resources are available to
support all dependents brought to the United States. Dependents, according
to USDHS regulations, may not work under any circumstances. For additional
information on bringing dependents to the United States, write or call the
Admissions Office for International Student Fact Sheet #7, ?How to Apply for
Permission to Bring F-1/M-1 Dependents to the United States.?
I-20 forms
I-20 forms and photocopies of
financial documents are issued to applicants outside the United States with
the acceptance letter. Students in the United States who intend to apply for
a change of visa to F-1 or M-1 will receive the I-20 form during a personal
interview with their Counselor to International Students after admission has
been granted.
The I-20 form is issued with the acceptance letter to students
in the United States who already have the F-1 or M-1 student visa.
I-20 forms are never issued before admission is approved. I-20
forms, in accordance with USDHS regulations, are mailed directly to the
student unless the student has named a personal representative. (See "Personal
Representative")
Change of visa status
When your
purpose for remaining in the United States has changed from your original
purpose, you will need to request a change of visa status from the USDHS.
This is usually referred to as change-of-status. For example, a student's
dependent in the United States with an F-2 visa might decide to begin
full-time study towards an associate degree and thus need an F-1 visa.
If you want to apply for a change-of-status to the F-1 or M-1
visa while in the United States, Lansing Community College can assist you,
but it is the USDHS that makes the decision to approve or not approve your
request. You must first obtain admission to LCC by following the directions
for F-1 or M-1 student visa admission on page 14. After admission, an
appointment will be scheduled for you with your LCC Counselor to
International Students who will explain the USDHS form required to request
change-of-status. The USDHS currently charges $140 to process this form.
You must apply to the USDHS for your change-of-status at least
one day before your current visa expires. It can take several months for
your change-of-status request to be processed by the USDHS. However, you can
remain in the United States while your request is being considered, even if
your current visa expires during this time. You can also begin classes while
you are waiting for the USDHS decision.
Some visa categories ( ?Visa Types and WT Status,? ) are not
eligible to change status while in the United States. If you have questions
about your particular situation, please contact the Admissions Office for
assistance.
When should I apply for admission?
You may apply up to one year in advance for admission for the
start date you desire. (If you have not yet completed high school, see "High School Documents" )
If your application materials arrive too late for the start date
you indicate on your application, you will automatically be considered for
the next start date. Final decision on start date rests with Lansing
Community College.
Orientation
Orientation is a
mandatory formal program of
introduction to Lansing Community College. Orientation for new
international students is held approximately two to three days
before classes begin. During the orientation program you will
receive information about USDHS regulations related to
international students, LCC services, academic advising and
register. The orientation program is conducted by the LCC
International Admissions team.
Students must attend orientation in order to be properly
prepared to register for classes. Additional information
regarding orientation will be mailed with the student's
acceptance letter.
Applicants outside the United States
Apply as early as possible to allow adequate time for mailing
delays, obtaining a visa, and making travel arrangements.
The last dates for application documents to be considered from applicants outside the United States for each semester are:
Spring semester (starts in January) October 10
Fall semester (starts in August) May 10
Applicants inside the United States
Applicants inside the United States are also advised to apply as
early as possible to ensure admission for the preferred start
date. Applications are processed in the order received. Normal
processing time is three weeks. Applications received after the
due dates printed above will be considered on a time-allowed
basis through the last day of registration. Applications not
processed by the last day of registration will be considered for
the next start date.
Housing
Nearly all students live in the Lansing area where student
rental property is plentiful. Many Lansing city bus routes stop
at the campus, so travel to classes is easy. The Student Life
Office offers a housing information service. This service
consists of listings from property owners regarding available
housing (type, location, cost), and listings from students
looking for others to share housing. These listings are posted
on the bulletin boards in the hallway outside the Student Life
Office and are updated daily. This information is not available
by mail.
It is recommended that new students arrive in the Lansing area 1
or 2 weeks before orientation to have adequate time to arrange
for housing. Students should bring adequate funds to pay for a
hotel room and meals while looking for housing. It is customary
to pay a minimum of two months rent to obtain housing. The
college does not maintain housing units for students, nor does
it enter into third party contracts or supervise off-campus
housing. Home stay placements are not arranged by LCC.
2011 academic year (estimated cost for F-1/M-1 visa)
Estimated costs for one year of full-time study at Lansing
Community College are as follows:
|
Tuition and fees 1 |
$8,900.00 |
|
Room and board 2 |
$7,200.00 |
|
Books and supplies 3 |
$1,000.00 |
|
Health insurance 4 |
$550.00 |
|
Transportation 5 |
$350.00 |
|
Miscellaneous 6 |
$2,000.00 |
|
Total Estimate |
$20,000.00 |
1) Based on full-time enrollment of 15 credit hours per semester
during the academic year and 8 credit hours during the summer
session. Tuition cost is based on $276 per credit hour. Tuition
and fees are subject to change at any time upon action of the
Board of Trustees.
2) Includes a 12-month lease. This cost estimate is based on
modest, shared accommodations in the college community, with the
student preparing most meals at home or eating in the school
cafeteria.
3) Based on purchase of a combination of new and used textbooks
for an average academic program. Certain specialties may have
higher costs.
4) Health insurance is strongly recommended. Students may
purchase insurance in their own countries or they may purchase
student insurance when they enroll in classes.
5) Based on public transportation. Does not include purchase
price of private auto or transportation to and from the United
States.
6) Included are such items as clothing for four seasons, laundry
and personal care articles, cultural and leisure events.
Please note:
It is the responsibility of
the student to arrive with sufficient funds to pay temporary
living expenses (hotel and meals), make arrangements for living
quarters and meals, register for the first semester of classes,
and pay other expenses related to living in the United States.
Also, determine how and when your sponsor will provide funds to
you to make sure that you have adequate finances for your living
and educational expenses throughout the year. Lansing Community
College does not have any financial assistance or emergency
funds available for international students.
English competency (F-1, M-1 only)
For admission to academic courses, proof of English competency
is required. To prove English competency you may submit a test
score report from one of the following tests: 1) TOEFL, 2)
Michigan State University (MSU) Test of English as a Foreign
Language, or 3) University of Michigan English Language
Assessment Battery (MELAB). Test reports must be received
directly from the testing center. An English competency test is
required before an admission decision can be made.
Applicants outside the United States should contact the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate for TOEFL registration information.
LCC requires a minimum score of 173 on the computer-based TOEFL,
minimum score of 500 on the paper-based TOEFL test, or minimum
of 61 on the iBT, Internet-based test, for academic admission.
The LCC TOEFL institution code is 1414 and score reports must be
received directly from the TOEFL company. Please note that TOEFL
score reports from applicants outside the United States must be
received by each semester's application deadline.
Applicants in the Lansing area may contact the MSU English
Language Center, Room A714 Wells Hall (517)-353-0800 for current
information regarding test dates and cost of the MSU Test. A
score of 75 is required on the MSU test. Or, you may contact the
MSU Testing Services Office, Room 207, Student Services
Building, (517) 355-8385, for current information regarding the
TOEFL.
Applicants who wish to take the MELAB may contact the University
of Michigan English Language Institute, 1205 N. University Ave.,
RM3O2O, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA for current test information.
MELAB Test information can also be obtained by telephone at
(734) 764-2416 or by fax at (734) 763-0369. A score of 72 is
required for academic admission.
English as a Second Language INSTRUCTION
Students with visas other than the F-1 or M-1 are eligible under
USDHS regulations to take full- or part-time courses in English
as a Second Language (ESL) through the LCC Language Skills
Department. The Language Skills courses are charged tuition by
the credit hour. ESL courses range from 2 to 4 credits per
course and are offered on the semester schedule. The curriculum
code is 0097.
LCC also offers a full-time, intensive English program through
the LCC English Language and Cultural Center (ELCC) that meets
the requirements of the F-1 and M-1 visa. Students who desire
English as a Second Language instruction, who have the F-1 or
M-1 visa, or who plan to apply for the visa, must apply to this
program. Students with visas other than F-1 or M-1 may also
apply to the ELCC. The 2007 ELCC program tuition is $1,425 per
8-week session ($2,850 per semester). An application to the ELCC
may be obtained by writing to:
1121 - Admissions
Lansing Community College
PO Box 40010
Lansing MI 48901-7210 USA
The ELCP can also be contacted by telephone at (517) 483-1006
and by fax at (517) 483-9638.
High school documents
Lansing Community College requires proof of successful
completion of studies equivalent to U.S. high (secondary) school
for F-1 or M-1 admission. This requirement relates to the USDHS
regulations that F-1 or M-1 students maintain full-time study
and make progress toward completion of a program.
As proof of successful completion of U.S. high school
equivalency, you should submit a certified copy or original of
the primary document in your country that shows completion of
studies. This may be a transcript that shows all courses taken,
grades received and graduation date, or it may be a certificate
of national examination results, or some other document. A
certified copy is an original document or attested (signed with
official stamp or seal) photocopy that has been issued by the
educational institution or government agency responsible for
issuing the document. An official English translation must
accompany the document.
If you have not yet completed the last year of high school, you
may still apply. Submit an official transcript showing the
courses you have completed and a letter in English from your
school stating that you are currently enrolled and your expected
date of completion. You will be required to provide proof of
completion when you arrive at LCC.
LCC uses the guidebook, Foreign Educational Credentials Required
for Consideration of Admission to Universities and Colleges in
the United States, prepared by the American Association of
Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers as its primary
resource on determining U.S. high school equivalency. If
necessary, other world- renowned references will be consulted to
determine if your prior education meets the LCC requirement.
Official college or university documents can be submitted in
place of high school completion documents. If you have completed
college or university work in the United States, please read the
section titled "Transfer Credit"
Transfer credit
If you have completed
course work at another college or university, either in the
United States or another country, you may choose to apply for
transfer credit.
How to apply for U.S. transfer credit
To apply for transfer credit for course work done at a U.S.
college or university you will need to submit an official
transcript from your previous school. Lansing Community College
keeps current catalogs (course descriptions) on file from public
Michigan institutions so it is not usually necessary for you to
provide course descriptions from these schools. If your
transcript is being submitted from a school outside of Michigan,
course descriptions are required. It is the student's
responsibility to provide the necessary materials for a
transcript evaluation to occur.
Official transcripts are mailed directly from school to school.
Transcripts list dates of attendance, all courses taken, grades
received, and diploma or degree granted. Hand delivered
transcripts, even in sealed envelopes, are not accepted for
transfer credit evaluation but may be used for academic advising
or counseling. Transfer credits will NOT be posted to the
Lansing Community College academic record from transcripts that
are not received directly from the issuing institution or
Ministry of Education.
How to apply for foreign transfer credit
Request a credit evaluation report prepared by a member
organization of the National Association of Credential
Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) to be sent directly to LCC at
:
1121-Registrar,
Lansing Community College,
PO Box 40010,
Lansing MI 48901-7210
Please contact one of the NACES member organizations listed below to obtain a credit evaluation request form:
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
PO Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Phone: 414-289-3400
Fax: 414-289-3411
Email: eval@ece.org
Website: www.ece.org
International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
Credit Evaluation Service
(medical/health career credentials)
PO Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231-3665
Phone: 310-258-9451
Fax: 310-342-7086
Website: www.ierf.org
World Educational Services, Inc.
PO Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
Phone: 212-966-6311
Fax: 212-739-6100
Website: www.wes.org
World Education Services, Inc.
San Francisco: 415-677-9378
Financial aid and scholarships
Very few financial aid opportunities exist for international
students to study in the United States at the undergraduate
level. Most grants, scholarships, and loans from public and
private sources are restricted to U.S. citizens, including U.S.
government loans. Some countries provide financial assistance to
their citizens for study in the United States. Funds may be
available from private organizations in your country that
provide support for study in the United States. Most private
scholarships for international students require that you apply
from your home country so you should search for these
opportunities before you arrive in the United States.
To find information on financial assistance, you might want to
contact your Ministry of Education, the U. S. Information Agency
through the nearest U.S. Embassy, and the Agency for
International Development, Office of International Training,
Washington, DC 20523. If you have access to the Internet, you
might want to visit the financial aid web page at
http://www.edupass.org . If you are already in the United
States, public libraries usually have reference materials
available to research private scholarship sources. Paid
scholarship search services are available in the United States,
but they will be searching the sources that are usually
restricted to U.S. citizens, so it is unlikely that funds will
be found for you. These services are expensive.
Personal representative
Sometimes applicants have a friend or relative in the United
States who has agreed to assist them in getting admitted to a
U.S. school. Or, they would like this person to receive the
applicant's I-20 and acceptance materials for special mailing.
If you wish LCC to provide information about your application
status or your I-20 to someone other than you, you must give LCC
written permission to do so. The letter must come mailed
directly to LCC from the student only. An e-mail or fax will not
be accepted.
On a separate piece of paper, write or type one of the following
statements providing the name, address, and telephone number of
your personal representative. You must print or type your name
at the bottom of the statement as it appears on your application
and then sign and date the statement. Choosing a personal
representative is optional. If you name a personal
representative, you should make sure that the individual has
agreed to assist you.
Sample 1
(Insert name, address, telephone number and email
address of personal representative) is authorized to act as my
personal representative regarding my application to Lansing
Community College. He/she is to receive all correspondence
regarding my application, including the I-20 form, which I will
need to obtain my student visa from the U.S. Embassy.
Sample 2
(Insert name, address, telephone number and email address of
personal representative) is authorized to act as my personal
representative regarding my application to Lansing Community
College. He/she is to receive copies of all correspondence
regarding my application. The I-20 form, which I will need to
obtain my student visa from the U.S. Embassy, is to be mailed
directly to me.
Sample 3
(Insert name, address, telephone number and email
address of personal representative) is authorized to receive the
I-20 form, which I will need to obtain my student visa from the
U.S. Embassy.
Where can I get additional information about LCC?
If our information packet has not answered all your questions
about LCC, please visit our home page at
/interstu/. To ask your questions in person,
you may visit Enrollment Services, Room 203, Gannon Building.
During the semester, the office is open Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. E.S.T. Or you may
call (517) 483-1200 for telephone assistance.
If you are outside the Lansing area, we suggest that you FAX
your questions to us at (517) 483-1170. If you are sending a fax
to us from outside the United States, we recommend that you type
or print your document in black ink for clear transmission. Make
sure that your name and reply information (telephone number
including country code or mailing address) is included. Our FAX
machine is active 24 hours each day.
You can also choose to contact us by using e-mail at admissions@lcc.edu
. Please make sure your e-mail message includes your name and
reply information (how you want us to reply to you: FAX, e-mail,
air mail and the proper address). If you would like to use the
mail to contact us, please use the following address (USA is
only required if you are outside the United States):
1121-Admissions
Lansing Community College
PO Box 40010
Lansing MI 48901-7210
USA
Each inquiry is answered in the order it is received. If you are
requesting that we mail something to you, please allow three
weeks for delivery. If you are asking us to answer your inquiry
by FAX or e-mail, please allow a minimum of three business days.
Curriculum
The subject you would like to
study is given many titles in the United States It may be
referred to as area of study, concentration, curriculum (plural
curricula), major, or program. To obtain the F-1/M-1 student
visa, a program of study must be listed on the I-20 form;
therefore, you must list a curriculum on your application. USDHS
regulations do not allow the F-1/M-1 student to chose undecided
as a program. If you are uncertain of what you want to study
(undecided), we recommend that you select, 0251-Liberal Arts,
because it allows the largest choice of courses. Our counselors
and academic advisors will be happy to assist you during your
studies at LCC to develop your educational and career plans.
If the major you desire or the university where you would like
to transfer is not listed here, include your preference in your
personal statement, and we will assist you in making a choice.
Curricular guides list the courses and graduation requirements
for each area of study at LCC. Curricular guides for programs
listed under Certificate of Achievement, Certificate of
Completion, and Associate Degree ) are printed in the LCC
catalog (/catalog/
). Curricular guides for transfer programs are available by
calling or writing the Admissions Office. You will need to
provide the name and number of each guide that you would like us
to mail to you. Guides mailed to a U.S. address are sent
first-class mail; guides mailed outside the United States are
sent air mail.
The associate degree (2-year career program) prepares an
individual for a specific type of employment that in the United
States requires only two years of college preparation.
Employment in these careers in your country may require more or
less college study.
Transfer programs (/transfer/) are careers where two years of
college study is usually not sufficient for employment in this
field. Additional study is undertaken at the university level
for the third and fourth year resulting in the bachelor's
degree. If your long-term educational goal is to obtain the
bachelor's degree, you should select a transfer program rather
than an associate degree career program.
All students at LCC, including international students, are
eligible to change their curriculum. However, F-1 students,
according to USDHS regulations, must meet with the LCC Counselor
for international Students to discuss a change of curriculum
before beginning to study in the new curriculum. M-1 students
who wish to change curriculum are restricted by USDHS
regulations in many ways. A counselor to international students
will be happy to discuss your options with you.
During your study at LCC, our international student counselors
and academic advisors will be available to assist you in
preparing to complete an associate degree or obtaining
information about completing a transfer program, including
preparing for admission to the transfer institution of your
choice. It is the student's responsibility to meet the admission
requirements of the transfer institution.
ONLINE LEARNING (INTERNET)
Online Learning is part of the LCC eCampus initiative that
delivers electronically-supported education opportunities
online, for 100% of the course.Online Learning offers quality
education that is flexible, convenient and accessible. A variety
of courses are available which apply to many LCC majors.
Currently, virtual college students can earn a general associate
degree with an emphasis in business entirely on-line. For more
information visit the Online Learning College website: /online/
What are the admission requirements for international
students?
You must be 18 years of age at the time
your first semester of attendance begins. However, you may apply
up to one year in advance of your planned start date. Additional
admission requirements for international students are affected
by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) regulations.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a completed LCC
international student application form
(PDF). If you have the F-1 or M-1 student visa, or plan to apply
for one of these visas, the following items should be attached
to the application form:
-Original or certified proof of successful completion of studies
equivalent to U.S. high (secondary) school. Not a fax or
photocopy.
- Write a brief personal statement explaining your previous
educational and employment background and your future
educational and career plans.
- Provide original proof of evidence of
financial resources. Not a fax or photocopy.
- Provide proof of competency in the English Language.
Applicants whose secondary education (grades 9 through 12) was
obtained in an English-based school (see list
) are exempt from this requirement.
Transfer students
Transfer students are students currently attending another U.S.
college and intend to come to LCC, obtain a LCC I-20, and work
toward a program of study. In addition to the documents listed
above, a transfer student must also submit:
- A copy of your current I-20, front and back.
- An official copy of your current college or university
transcript
- A photocopy of the current visa page from your passport.
- A photocopy of your current I-94 card.
- A completed LCC transfer form.
Guest students
Guest students are students who are currently attending another
U.S. college and who intend to take a small number of classes at
LCC. Guest students must have written permission to attend LCC
from the international student office at their primary college.
No other application forms or documents are required for guest
admission. A new guest form or letter must be submitted for each
semester. Michigan State University students should obtain an
LCC Attendance Approval Form? from their MSU academic advisor.
All other guest students should obtain a letter from the foreign
student advisor at their university authorizing LCC attendance.
Please request Fact Sheet #4, Information for Guest Students,
for additional information.
Countries where English is the Language of the
Education System
(Applicants educated in these
countries are exempt from the English competency test
requirements)
|
Antigua |
Guyana |
Sierra Leone |
International Admissions - Related Links:
Application Dates
Estimated Yearly Cost
Areas of Study
Visa Information
Links, Resources
and Additional Information
English Language & Culture Program
Policies for Admission
