International Students

International Student Pre-Departure Guide

Pre-Departure

1. Passport:If you have a passport already, it has to be valid for at least six months to apply for a student visa.  If you do not have a passport, you must apply for one.  (NOTE: Citizens of Canada may be exempt from the passport requirement in order to enter the U.S.)
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee: Please see the SEVIS Fee Information Sheet enclosed for the detailed information.
3. Apply for Your Student Visa: In order to obtain the F-1 visa needed for admission to the United States, you will need to take the enclosed Form I-20, your passport, and financial support documentation (e.g., award letter, bank statement, etc.) to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you.  Please review the enclosed inserts Ten Tips on Applying for a Visa and SEVIS Fee for detailed important information.  For additionalinformation about specific U.S. Consulates, including hours of operation and detailed procedures for accessing Consular Services, select from the listing of U.S. Embassies and Consulates that can be found at the following websites: http://www.travel.state.gov/gov/travel/tips/embassies1214.html.
4. Travel Arrangements: After you receive your visa, make your travel arrangements to Los Angeles, California.  Please remember that international students in F visa status may not enter the United States more than 30 days prior to the start date on the Form I-20.  Upon your arrival, you must check in with ISO. 

Upon Arrival in LAX:

The Los Angeles International Airport is located approximately 40-45 miles from the Pasadena City College.  PCC is located in Pasadena.  The airport shuttle or taxi can take you to your destination in Pasadena. 

1. ISO International Orientation Schedule: The International Orientation is mandatory.  In another word, every international student has to attend it.  If you miss it, you will not be able to receive:
1. Student ID Card
2. Registration in SEVIS
3. Registration for Classes
4. English and Math testing
5. Tickets for field trips to Disneyland and Huntington Library

ISO Check-in:

1. All international students must check-in with International Student Office (regardless of visa status) prior to registration for classes. 
2. Check-in on the program start date on your I-20 at 8:00 A.M.  
3. You are required to bring your Form I-20, your passport, and your I-94 to Check-In with ISO.  Failure to check in with ISO in a timely manner may result in problems with your immigration status in the U.S.  SEVIS, a system designed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to monitor all international students in F visa classifications, will automatically invalidate your record in the system if you do not report to the International Student Office at Pasadena City College within 30 days of the start date listed on your form I-20. 
4. To help speed up the check-in process before you arrive at PCC, you should fill out the International Student Information Form as much as you can in advance.  Bring it with your visa documents when you come to ISO to check in.
5. For more information, go to our website: http://www.pasadena.edu/internationalstudents/

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