los angeles harbor collegeINTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
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Detailed Entry/Visa/FinancialInformation
QUALIFICATIONS FOR F-1 VISA STATUS:
In order to qualify for F-1 visa status at Los Angeles Harbor College, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Should be a graduate of a secondary school which is the equivalent of high school in the United States. (Official English translation of transcripts required).
- Must have a good command of the English language. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) , is required with a minimum score of 450 on the paper-based exam (PBT) , 133 on the computer-based exam (CBT), or 45on the internet-based exam (iBT). The college also accepts a score of Band 5 on the IELTS. This requirement will be waived if the student\'s high school instruction has been conducted in English.
- **Sponsor or parents must submit an Affidavit of Support and provide evidence of ability to meet student\'s financial needs. (Copies of Bank statement or income tax returns will do.)
- **This requirement will be waived if the student can successfully demonstrate
- the finances to pay for his/her own education. However student will have to provide a bank statement showing that he/she has sufficient funds.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not routinely permit F-1 visa students to work while in the U.S. and since financial aid is not available for international students at this college, international student applicants must show evidence of having sufficient funds available to cover the first year�s educational and living expenses with the expectation that additional funds will be available the following year. These funds can be provided by a sponsor (parents, relatives, etc.), by the student, or by a combination of both.
HOUSING:
The college does not have dormitories, but arriving students. New students generally stay at the Best Western hotelnear the campus or at a student hostel in San Pedro until permanent accommodations can be arranged, a process that may take two to four days. The International Student Office maintains a listing of nearby accommodations. Homestays can also be arranged through homestay agencies.
Use this link to view San Pedro Youth Hostel. Remember to click back on your browser to return to this site.
ANNUAL EXPENSES ARE ESTIMATED AS FOLLOWS:
Direct School Related Costs
F-1 visa students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 units each semester.|
SEMESTER |
ANNUAL |
|
| Tuition ($191.00* per unit x 12 units) | $2,292.00 | $4,584.00 |
| Enrollment Fee ($20.00 per unit x 12 units) | 240.00 | 480.00 |
| District SEVIS Filing Fee | 25.00 | 50.00 |
| Health Fee ($11.00) Mandatory | 11.00 | 22.00 |
| A.S.O. Student Representation Fee (Mandatory) | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Associated Students Organization ($7.00) | 7.00 | 14.00 |
| Books and Supplies (approximate) | 400.00 | 800.00 |
| Parking Fee | 20.00 | 40.00 |
| Medical Insurance (estimated) | **420.00 | 84000 |
| TOTAL | $3,416.00 | $6,832.00 |
Medical insurance** - Subject to adjustment in January of each year.
Medical insurance is mandatory and all students are required to participate in the cost-effective insurance program designed for the Los Angeles Community College District. The cost of the insurance will be added to the fall 2008 and spring 2009 semester tuition and fees bill and coverage will for six months at a time. The cost of coverage is comparable to plans offered by other local colleges.
Living Expenses
(food, lodging, personal expenses) are estimated to be around $800 to $1,000 per month. Total minimum estimated cost for a school year is $14,920-$18,000
PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION AS AN F-1 VISA STUDENT:
Students need to submit the following papers before being accepted:
- International Student Application for Admission.
- Official test results from TOEFL with minimum score of 450 PBT, 133 CBT, 45iBT or Band 5 on IELTS.
- Transcripts - official English translations of all high school (secondary) and any college work
- Two passport size photos taken within the last six months.
- Signed copy of the International Student Agreement
- Affidavit of Support submitted by sponsor or parents; needs to be accompanied by bank statement reflecting a balance of at least $14,920, copy of income tax return, or other evidence of ability to meet student\'s financial obligations for one school year.
- Application Fee - $35.00- Non refundable. * If the student can demonstrate his/her own finances a sponsor will not be necessary.
DEADLINES:
Properly completed documents should be submitted no later than:
July 15 for the Fall Semester of the same year, and December 15 for the coming SpringSemester. (Transfer students may submit documents as late as the week before classes start, assuming the student is able to take the college assessment tests, is available to participate in International Student Orientation, and classes are still available. Change of Status applicants should contact the International Student Advisor regarding deadlines and procedures.)
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When all documents have been reviewed and approved, Los Angeles Harbor College will immediately issue the I-20 form and send it to the student. Instructions will be sent to the student on how to pay the Embassy interview filing fee. For the Embassy interview, the student will take the I-20 form to the nearest United States Embassy/Consulate. The student is advised to bring original copies of financial documents and copies of education related documents to the US Embassy. The consular officials at the US Embassy will determine whether to issue the F-1 visa or not . (Although students may schedule interviews at the US Embassy up to 120 days prior to the start of classes, they may not enter the US more than 30 days prior to the start classes.)
Applicants who hold other types ofvisas may be subject to special limitations and conditions. Contact the International Student Office for further details.
Los Angeles Harbor College begins its academic year in late August or early September. Spring semester starts in late January or early February. Students should arrive on campus for the New International Student Orientation which is about two and a half weeks prior to the start of the semester in order to have enough time for orientation, assessment and registration in classes.