Change of Status

Change of Status (Inside the US): A non-immigrant individual that is currently in the United Status in a visa status otherthan F-1, who wishes to apply with USCIS for a change of status to F-1 student.

Admission application dates 

Semester Early Enrollment Deadlines Semester Begins Semester Ends
Fall March 1 - June 1 Mid-August Mid-December
Spring August 1 - October 1 Early - January Mid-May
Summer January 1 - March 1 Mid-May Mid-August

 

Estimated Cost of tuition and fees

 

 

Admission Package:  Review the list of required documents below. Once you have collected ALL documents, email to intadmissions@cerritos.edu as attachments in PDF format. Applications with incomplete documentation will not be processed until completed.

Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing. Admissions notification will be emailed. Inquires about status of an application will only be released to the applicant and/or the authorized third party.

  1. Completed International Student Admission Application

  2. Financial Document (bank statement or bank certification form) showing minimum available funds of USD $24,500. View Cost of Attendance for Degree/Certificate programs. Document should clearly show:
      • full name of the account holder (must match name on Statement of Financial Support)
      • date of balance
      • name of financial institution
      • account type (savings or checking accounts only)
      • currency type (i.e. US dollar, EU pound, Mexican peso, etc).
      • Include an additional $3,000.00 per dependent (spouse or child), where applicable.

  3. Statement of Financial Support (if applicable):  If the financial documented submitted clearly shows the applicant is the account/fund owner, skip to number 5.  This form should be completed by the applicant's financial sponsor if the financial document is NOT in the applicant's name. The financial sponsor can be a family member, friend or government agency who is financially responsible for the applicant's college expenses including but not limited to tuition, books, housing, health insurance, and other associated fees.  Complete the Statement of Financial Support OR Form I-134 Affidavit of Support  (if the sponsor is a U.S. Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen).

  4. Proof of Secondary/High School completion or equivalent -OR- proof of 18 years of age: applicants should show proof of secondary/high school completion by submitting a copy of diploma and/or transcripts. Submitting transcripts will help in determining appropriate English and Math placement.

    To transfer credits from a previous institution to Cerritos College, an official certified English translation must be submitted together with the official transcript(s) and diploma(s) if language is other than English. For a list of approved foreign credentials evaluation services, please visit naces.org. Submit all current and previous college(s) attended.

  5. Official proof of English Proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum acceptable score to benefit from the programs offered at Cerritos College. Applicants must meet this requirement with one (1) of the following:
      1. English Proficiency Test Score:
        • TOEFL 450 written/paper-based or 45 internet-based (IBT). For test sites and schedules, visit ets.org/toefl. Cerritos College Institution Code: 4083
        • IELTS overall band score of 4.5 to 5.0. For test sites and schedules, visit ielts.org.
        • iTEP of 3.0. For test sites and schedules, visit itepexam.com.
        • STEP-Eiken Test score of 2A or higher. For more information, visit stepeiken.org.
        • Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced exam with a score of 180-199. For more information, visit cambridgeenglish.org.
        • Duolingo - 80 or higher
      2. Completion of Intensive English Program:
      3. Transferring from another U.S. institution - submit transcripts:
        • Minimum 2 years of U.S. High school required to waive this requirement
        • Minimum 1 year of U.S. college/university with 2.0 GPA minimum required to waive this requirement

  6. Clear copy of all official documents:
      • Identity page of valid passport
      • copy of current visa
      • copy of most recent I-94

  7. $50.00 US dollar (non-refundable) Application fee:  Once you have collected all items above and submitted them by email, you will receive emailed instructions to pay the application fee by credit card. The fee must be paid to complete your application.

  8. Once an initial I-20 is issued, a form I-901 along with a $350 SEVIS fee payment must be completed before applying for F-1 Visa status. For more information on paying the SEVIS fee, visit fmjfee.com.

  9. Change of Status Follow up Appointment:  The international student services team will reach out after processing your application to discuss the change of status application and instructions. 

OTHER EXPENSES:

  • Room and Board (review housing information)
  • Medical Insurance Requirement
  • Personal expenses


Once you have been accepted to Cerritos College, you will receive an email from the Office of International Student Services confirming your acceptance.

You will be emailed a digital file of your I-20.

Once received, you will need to submit an I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status with USCIS.

Note: It is important that you keep us updated as your application is being reviewed. It is also your responsibility to request for any updates (ie. deferrals, etc.) while your application is pending.