Apply for an F1 Student Visa

You can apply for an F-1 International Student Visa once you have received admission to Los Angeles City College (LACC). The F-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa. A visa allows you to travel to a United States (U.S.) port of entry for a specific purpose and request permission to enter the U.S. However, a visa does not guarantee entry.

Visas are issued through the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. Embassies and consulates. Non-immigrant visa application instructions are available on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you intend to apply.

I-901 Fee

A video, available on Study in the States website, walks students and exchange visitors through the steps of paying the I-901 SEVIS fee by payment in U.S. dollars by credit card on fmjfee.com, or by check, money order or Western Union. You will need your I-20 is issued from LAPC. Print and save your I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt.

Complete & Submit DS-160

Apply for an F-1 International Student Visa using the DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. You must contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate’s office for exact information regarding documents needed and procedures when applying. The DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State. You can apply for this visa once you pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.

Preparing for your F1 Visa Interview

Did you know that 1 in 3 international students will have problems at their student visa interview?  

  • Know exactly what to expect at your U.S. visa interview
  • Answer all of your questions about how to talk about your school, funding, sponsors, and more!
  • Learn how to effectively advocate for yourself at a 5 minute visa interview
  • Give you the confidence to get the best outcome at your first visa interview (but can help with prior denials and visa problems too)!

Los Angeles City College has a special partnership with Argo where our students receive a 12% discount off of the regular price.  To book a discounted consultation, please click here.


For tips on your upcoming U.S. visa interview, check out the attached Argo's "Ex-Visa Officer's Guide to Passing Your Visa Interview!"