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Per current F-1 student regulations from the U.S. government, Credit (Academic) F-1 students must take at least 12 units every semester to maintain their F-1 status. Of these 12 units, at least 9 units must be in-person or hybrid.

Classes are currently offered in-person, hybrid, online, or remote at CCSF. Please check the Class Schedule webpage for more information. This information may change at any time.

Please note the application deadlines for each program, as late submissions will not be processed.

The $50 Application Fee is non-refundable: It is the applicant's responsibility to check the application deadlines before submitting an application.

How to Apply

On this webpage, you will find the detailed instructions and list of required documents necessary to apply to CCSF as an F-1 international student. See below for more information on each program, or you can click on "Our Programs" in the navigation bar above to learn more.

Programs Offered

Overview of International Student Life Cycle (F-1)

To see a brief overview of what it looks like to study in the U.S. as an F-1 international student, please click on the following link from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website, Study in the States:

Overview of International Student Life Cycle (F-1) PDF

Credit (Academic) Program- How to Apply

Credit (Academic) Program is for international students who plan to take credit classes for one (or more) of the following academic goals:

  • Obtaining a Certificate of Achievement/Accomplishment 
  • Obtaining an Associate's Degree
  • Transferring to a 4-Year University for a Bachelor's Degree
  • Completing prerequisite courses for a Master's or Doctorate Program at a university

Note: Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score) is required to be considered for admission into the Credit (Academic) Program. A minimum score or better is required on one of the following exams: TOEFL IBT (56), ITP (483); IELTS (5.5); or Duolingo (85). English Language School Certificates or English Language School Diplomas are not accepted in place of this requirement.

Per current F-1 student regulations from the U.S. government, Credit (Academic) F-1 students must take at least 12 units every semester to maintain their F-1 status. Of these 12 units, at least 9 units must be in-person or hybrid.

Admitted change-of-status students holding J-1 visas (or any other U.S. nonimmigrant status enabling enrollment) must maintain valid and active status throughout the entire semester to be eligible for enrollment.

Degrees and Certificates Offered: Click Here

Fees Information (Credit/Academic Program): Click Here and look under "Tuition and Fees".  Minimum of 12 units/credits every semester is required to maintain F-1 status.  Students can study up to 17 units per semester.

Learn more about the Credit (Academic) Program.

 

The Spring 2025 application period has ended and we will no longer accept new application for F-1 status international student.

The Fall 2025 application period will start on February 1, 2025, and the application portal will open starting that day.

  • New Student Applicant Deadline: The Fall 2025 deadline to submit your application, payment, and documents is May 1, 2025 (for new students applying for the F-1 visa in their home country).
  • Transfer-in Student Applicant Deadline: The Fall 2025 deadline to submit your application, payment, and documents is June 1, 2025 (for transfer-in students who are already in the U.S. with an active I-20 and F-1 status).
  • Change-of-Status Applicant Deadline: The Fall 2025 deadline to submit your application, payment, and documents is  June 1, 2025 (for applicants who are already in the U.S. with an active non F-1 status and want to change to F-1 status). Admitted change-of-status students holding J-1 visas (or any other U.S. nonimmigrant status enabling enrollment) must maintain valid and active status throughout the entire semester to be eligible for enrollment.
    • ​​​​Information about the USCIS Change-of-Status process can be found on the USCIS website at: 
    • ​It is the student's responsibility to apply for and request a change-of-status with USCIS after receiving their CCSF acceptance letter and Form I-20. Our office is unable to advise, assist directly, or recommend legal services regarding this process due to liability. For questions and complex matters, it is the student's responsibility to seek legal counsel or services from an immigration lawyer. 
  • CCSF Active OPT Returning Student Applicant Deadline: The Fall 2025 deadline to submit your application, payment, and documents is  June 1, 2025 (for previously graduated CCSF students on active OPT status who wish to return for additional education to help achieve their career goals.).

Steps to Apply

Step 1:
Submit an online international application via OpenCCC (click here). 
A $50 application fee will be automatically charged to your account.  If you are not sure if you will apply to CCSF, please do not submit an application

(If you are currently outside of the United States, and need to apply for an F-1 visa, please do not submit an application after May 1, 2025 for Fall 2025 semester.  Your application will not be processed and you will be charged the $50 application fee)

You will then receive an automated "Welcome to City College of San Francisco" email with your CCSF ID number and the links/instructions to pay the $50 application fee, and to upload your required documents online.

Note: Make sure to check your junk/spam email inbox as it can get filtered into there. You will also receive a separate email with instructions to set up your CCSF email address.

Note: You will also receive an email about holds in your account.  Please disregard this email.  The holds are there until you have completed the admission process and orientation procedure, if you are accepted to CCSF as a future F-1 status student. The holds will be removed once you have completed all the process. 

Step 2
Pay the non-refundable $50 application fee online from your CCSF myRAM portal as stated in the "Welcome to City College of San Francisco" email.  Please allow 2 - 3 hours before you create/log-in your myRAM portal for the first time after you received the Welcome email for our system to update your information.  Birthday should only be 6-digits (MMDDYY, M = month, D = day, Y = year).

Step 3
Submit required documents online using the link provided in the "Welcome to City College of San Francisco" email. (see "Required Documents" section below). 

Step 4
Wait up to 3 weeks for our office to review your application, payment and documents. We will email you once our review is complete. You may be required to submit additional information and/or documents.

If you are admitted, you will be required to go through the enrollment steps for new students (online orientation, English/Math assessment, counseling, and purchasing of the F-1 health insurance). This information will be shared with you through emails. 

Required Documents

You must use the link provided in the "Welcome to City College of San Francisco" email to upload your documents, please do not email your documents to our office. 

Below is a checklist of documents you will be required to submit using the link. Make sure to have a clear PDF version for each document: 

  • Copy of your valid Passport (biographic page only)
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo score report (click here for more information)
  • Completed and signed Financial Support Form (click here to download the form)
  • Official Bank Statement or Bank Letter with a minimum balance of $32,000 USD or equivalent (click here for more information)
  • Official High School or College/University Transcript (click here for more information)
  • Additional documents for certain applicants:
    • Transfer-in applicants: F-1 visa copy, most recent I-94, and copies of all previous I-20 Forms
    • Change-of-status applicants: Copy of current U.S. visa page and most recent I-94. Applicants currently under a J-1 visa must also submit a copy of their valid Form DS-2019.
      (Note: Students holding J-1 visas (or any other U.S. non-immigrant status enabling enrollment) must maintain valid and active status throughout the entire semester to be eligible for enrollment)
      • Information about the USCIS Change-of-Status process can be found on the USCIS website at: 
      • ​It is the student's responsibility to apply for and request a change-of-status with USCIS after receiving their CCSF acceptance letter and Form I-20. Our office is unable to advise, assist directly, or recommend legal services regarding this process due to liability. For questions and complex matters, it is the student's responsibility to seek legal counsel or services from an immigration lawyer. 
    • Students under the age of 18: Copy of high school diploma and completed Legal Guardian Consent Form
      • Legal Guardian must be 21 years or older, live in the San Francisco Bay Area and must provide a copy of their U.S. legal photo I.D. or passport.
    • Students who already obtained a degree in the U.S.: Personal statement (1-2 pages), explaining why you would like to study at CCSF and your academic goals at City College of San Francisco. 

More information about these documents and fees is available at the bottom of this page under "Additional Information about Application Documents and Fees"

Intensive English Program (IEP) or Conditional Admission Program- How to Apply

Intensive English Program (IEP) offers English courses and prepares international students to become effective, confident speakers of English in academic institutions and professional settings, as well as in everyday life. IEP classes are taught in-person at our main Ocean Campus only.

Conditional Admission Program is intended for international students who require English language instruction before beginning credit classes at the college level.

  • If you are admitted to the Conditional Admission Program, you will first attend the Intensive English Program (IEP) and improve your English. Then you will take the Institutional TOEFL ITP Test at CCSF while studying in the IEP. If you get a TOEFL score of 483 or better, you will be admitted to the Credit (Academic) Program at CCSF for the following semester.
  • Dates and Fees Information (Conditional Admission Program): The Conditional Admission Program dates and fees are the same as the ones for the Intensive English Program (IEP). Click Here and look under "Dates and Fees". Once the student passes the TOEFL and is admitted to the Credit (Academic) Program at CCSF, Credit (Academic) Program tuition and fee rates will be applied.

Note: Students applying for the Conditional Admission Program must meet all of the college's international admission requirements except for the English language proficiency requirement.

Learn more about the Conditional Admission Program

  • Out-of-country applicants: 8 weeks before the start of the program
  • In-country, transfer or change-of-status applicants: 2 weeks before the start of the program
    • Change-of-Status Applicants: Information about the USCIS Change-of-Status process can be found on the USCIS website at: 

Note: Both IEP and Conditional Admission Program have the same application deadlines.

View program dates for the Intensive English Program

Steps to Apply

Step 1
Pay the required non-refundable $50 application fee on https://www.flywire.com/pay/ccsf and save the receipt. You will be required to upload the receipt in the online application (see Step 2 below). If you experience any issues with this payment method, please email international@ccsf.edu 

Step 2
Submit an online application for the Intensive English Program (IEP) or Conditional Admission (click here). In the online application, please upload all the required documents (see "Required Documents" sections below) including your payment receipt for the $50 application fee. 

Step 3
Wait up to 4 weeks for our office to review your application, payment and documents. We will email you once our review is complete. You may be required to submit additional information and/or documents. 

If you are admitted, you will be required to go through the Intensive English Program (IEP) orientation. You will receive a detailed email about this shortly after being admitted. 

Required Documents

For the Intensive English Program (IEP) or Conditional Admission Program, please upload the required documents in the online application (see Step 2 above).

  • Payment receipt for the $50 application fee (Not refundable) - https://www.flywire.com/pay/ccsf (if you experience any issues with this payment method, please email international@ccsf.edu) 
  • Copy of your valid Passport (biographic page only)
  • Completed and signed Financial Support Form (click here to download the form)
  • Official Bank Statement or Bank Letter with a minimum balance of $32,000 USD or equivalent (click here for more information)
  • For Conditional Admission Program applicants only: Official High School or College/University Transcript (click here for more information)
  • $50 Application Fee Payment/Receipt (click here for more information) - Not refundable
  • Additional documents for certain applicants only:
    • Transfer-in applicants: F-1 visa copy, most recent I-94, and copies of all previous I-20 Forms.
    • Change-of-status applicants: Copy of current U.S. visa page and most recent I-94. Applicants currently under a J-1 visa must also submit a copy of their valid Form DS-2019.
      • Information about the USCIS Change-of-Status process can be found on the USCIS website at: 
      • ​It is the student's responsibility to apply for and request a change-of-status with USCIS after receiving their CCSF acceptance letter and Form I-20. Our office is unable to advise, assist directly, or recommend legal services regarding this process due to liability. For questions and complex matters, it is the student's responsibility to seek legal counsel or services from an immigration lawyer. ​​​​​​​
    • Students under the age of 18: Copy of high school diploma (for Conditional Admission applicants only) and completed Legal Guardian Consent Form
      • Legal Guardian must be 21 years or older, live in the San Francisco Bay Area and must provide a copy of their U.S. legal photo I.D. or passport.
    • Students who obtained a degree in the U.S.: Personal statement (1-2 pages), explaining why you would like to study at CCSF and your academic goals in the U.S. 

More information about these documents and fees is available at the bottom of this page under "Additional Information about Application Documents and Fees"

 

Concurrent Enrollment Program- How to Apply

Concurrent Enrollment Program allows F-1 international students currently studying at another college/university to take classes part-time at CCSF while maintaining their full-time status at their current institution.

Note: Concurrent Enrollment Program applicants must obtain written approval of concurrent enrollment from the institution who currently holds their Form I-20. 

Fees Information (Concurrent Enrollment Program): Click Here and look under "Tuition and Fees"

Learn more about the Concurrent Enrollment Program

Concurrent Enrollment Program applicants must submit their concurrent application at least 1 week before the semester starts.

Concurrent Enrollment Program applicants who apply for a late-start course must submit their concurrent application at least 1 week before the course starts. 

Steps to Apply

Step 1
Pay the required non-refundable $50 application fee on https://www.flywire.com/pay/ccsf and save the receipt. You will be required to upload the receipt in the online application (see Step 2 below). If you experience any issues with this payment method, please email international@ccsf.edu 

Step 2
Submit an online CCSF Concurrent Enrollment Application for F-1 Visa Students (Click here)

When filling out the online application linked above, you will be required to pay a non-refundable $50 application fee, upload a copy of your valid passport (bio-page only) as well as a Concurrent Enrollment Authorization Document given to you by a DSO at your current institution. 

After submitting the Concurrent Enrollment Program application linked above, please allow 5 business days for processing. We will email you further instructions as soon as your application is processed. 

What happens after I submit my application?

Our office will review and evaluate your application and within 3-4 business weeks, we will contact you via email once your application has been reviewed (5 business days for Concurrent Enrollment Program application). Then:

  • If you are admitted as a new student, you will receive an acceptance letter and a Form I-20. The Form I-20 will allow you to schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy in your home country to apply for an F-1 student visa. 
  • If you are admitted as a transfer student, you will receive an acceptance letter and a transfer-in form. These documents must be submitted to your current/previous school, so they can transfer your SEVIS record (I-20) to CCSF. 
  • If you are admitted as a change-of-status student, you will receive a CCSF acceptance letter and a Form I-20. You will then submit your I-539 change-of-status application to USCIS. Admitted change-of-status students holding J-1 visas (or any other U.S. nonimmigrant status enabling enrollment) must maintain valid and active status throughout the entire semester to be eligible for enrollment.
    • Information about the USCIS Change-of-Status process can be found on the USCIS website at: 
    • ​It is the student's responsibility to apply for and request a change-of-status with USCIS after receiving their CCSF acceptance letter and Form I-20. Our office is unable to advise, assist directly, or recommend legal services regarding this process due to liability. For questions and complex matters, it is the student's responsibility to seek legal counsel or services from an immigration lawyer.
    • After the student submits their I-539 change-of-status application to USCIS and USCIS confirms receipt of it, it will be the student's responsibility to keep our office updated on the status of their USCIS application, and to request an admission deferral to the next semester if their application is still pending with USCIS. Failure to update our office and request an admission deferral to the next semester while the USCIS application is still pending may result in the automatic cancellation of the student's SEVIS I-20 record.
  • If you are admitted as a concurrent enrollment student, you will receive an email with instructions to set up your RAM ID and register for classes. 

Admitted Credit (Academic) Program Students: A few weeks after being admitted, we will send you another email with detailed instructions about online orientation, English/Math assessment, counseling, F-1 health insurance, and other mandatory steps to complete in order to register for classes (these steps are not required for Concurrent Enrollment Program students). 

Admitted Intensive English Program (IEP) and Conditional Admission Program Students: A few weeks after being admitted, we will send you another email with detailed information about IEP Orientation Day, F-1 health insurance, tuition fee payment, and other mandatory steps you will need to complete.