F1 Student Admission Process

Admission process for new students outside the United States wishing to attend Laurel Ridge in F1 non-immigrant status:

1. Apply to Laurel Ridge Community College by completing an application.
   

   Identity Verification: In order to provide a safe and secure learning environment, admission to our colleges require that all new credit applicants verify their identity. Applicants will need access to a computer or mobile device that has a camera in order to provide a real-time photo of themself (Liveness Check) and upload a photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, ID Card, etc.).

2. Complete an F1 student application packet, and submit it to Laurel Ridge Community College (electronically through fax or email, or through the postal service).
3. Once eligibility has been determined, Laurel Ridge will issue and I-20 and an acceptance letter, at which time the student should pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and make an interview appointment with the US Embassy/Consulate.
4. Once an F1 visa is issued by the US Embassy/ Consulate, the student will make travel arrangements to enter the United States.  NOTE:  Student should enter the United States no more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the I-20 form.
5. Soon after the student arrives in the United States, they will need to come to Laurel Ridge before the start of classes and go through the registration process.

For those F1 non-immigrant students who are already enrolled at a post-secondary school in the United States, and wish to transfer, the admissions process is as follows:

1. Apply to Laurel Ridge Community College by completing an application.
2. Complete an F1 student application packet, and submit it to Laurel Ridge Community College (electronically through fax or email, or through the postal service)
3. Request a transcript be sent to Laurel Ridge from the post-secondary institute that is currently being attended.  This is important because it assists Laurel Ridge in determining whether what credits will transfer, and if the student must take a placement test.
4. Laurel Ridge will issue an acceptance letter to the student once eligibility has been determined.
   • At this time, the student should complete an Laurel Ridge SEVIS F1 transfer-in-form, and contact their current school to report their plans to transfer.  NOTE:  This is important because the appropriate school official must complete the Laurel Ridge SEVIS F1 transfer-in-form.
   • Once these steps have been taken, the student’s current school will transfer the student’s SEVIS record to Laurel Ridge.
5. If required, the student will complete a placement test.
6. Once a placement test is completed, or if it is not required, the student will proceed to the registration process and register for their classes.

For those international students needing to change their status to F1 non-immigrant, the admissions process is as follows:

1. Apply to Laurel Ridge Community College by completing an application and submit a completed F1 application packet to Laurel Ridge.
2.  Laurel Ridge will determine eligibility, and issue an I-20 and an acceptance letter to the student once eligibility is confirmed. 
3. At this time, the student should complete Form  I-539 and provide additional documentation to request Change of Status from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
4. Once a change of status has been granted (or if current status permits) the student will take a placement test.
5. Upon approval of Change of Status by USCIS, the student will provide a copy of I-94 to Laurel Ridge.
6. The student will then proceed to the registration process and register for classes.