• Access detailed instructions and necessary forms/documents to apply as an international student (F-1 visa status).
• The Office of International Programs (OIP) will contact you via email with the admission decision within 3 to 4 weeks after submitting your application.

• If you are admitted as a new student (you are in your home country), we will send you the admission packet, which will include your official acceptance letter and your Form I-20. The Form I-20 is the official document that you will need to apply for an F-1 student visa at the U.S. embassy in your home country.
•  If you are admitted a transfer student (you are already in the U.S. with a valid F-1 visa status), you will receive your official acceptance letter and the F-1 SEVIS transfer-in form.

Shortly after your CCSF ID number is created, you will receive an automated email on your personal email address, with instructions to activate and set up your CCSF email address (…@mail.ccsf.edu). Please set it up immediately, as it is extremely important that you check this email address on a daily basis, for important emails from CCSF, the Office of International Programs, and from your instructors.

• For new student (if you are in your home country): once you have received your official acceptance letter and your Form I-20, contact the U.S. embassy in your home country to schedule your F-1 visa interview.
• For transfer students (if you are already in the U.S. with a valid F-1 visa status): once you have received your official acceptance letter and your F-1 SEVIS transfer-in form, please submit these documents to your current/previous school’s DSO, to request the transfer of your F-1 SEVIS record (I-20) to CCSF.

• Approximately 2 to 3 weeks after being admitted, you will receive an email from the Office of International Programs with instructions to set up your CCSF RAM ID, and to access the F-1 international online orientation.
• The F-1 international online orientation is fully online (you can complete it from your home country), using the Canvas platform. It takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

• As part of the mandatory matriculation process, you will be required to complete the ESL/English/Math assessment process.
• Detailed instructions about this process will be included in the online orientation.

• Upon completing the F-1 international online orientation, you will have to set up an appointment with an academic counselor, to create an initial education plan (study plan) and to discuss your academic goals at CCSF and in the U.S.
• You will book your counseling appointment through the online orientation site.

• CCSF requires that all F-1 international students purchase the mandatory health insurance coverage through the college.
• More information about the health insurance coverage will be included in the online orientation, and is also available on the Health Insurance for International Students page.

• All new F-1 international students are required to complete a process called “F-1 check-in”. You will be required to provide certain documents such as your signed I-20, F-1 visa copy, I-94, and to report your U.S. address and emergency contact information.
• The F-1 check-in can be completed online (the link will be included in the online orientation) or in person in the Office of International Programs.

• Once you have completed all steps listed above, you will be able to register for classes.
• You will register for classes online using your myRAM account, or in person at the Registration Office.
• All F-1 international students are required to enroll in and maintain 12 units to be in compliance with their F-1 visa status (U.S. federal regulations).

• After registering for classes, pay your tuition and fees online using your myRAM account, or in person at the Tuition and Fees Office.

• Familiarize yourself with F-1 regulations to maintain a valid immigration status throughout your studies at CCSF.
• The Office of International Programs (OIP) will regularly send you email reminders about policies, regulations, and responsibilities for F-1 international students.
• Contact the Office of International Programs (OIP) if you have any doubts.