International Students: How to Apply

"I am applying to SJCC from outside the U.S. and will apply for an F-1 student visa."

1. International Student Application (opens in new tab)
2. Official Transcripts: Detailed English translations of ALL secondary and post-secondary schools attended.
   • Students under the age of 18 must show proof of high school graduation or the equivalent by the start of the semester applying.
   • High school students who will graduate before the start of the semester they are applying for may submit incomplete transcripts indicating when they will finish.
   • Unofficial copies may be submitted for initial admissions review. Official copies will be required upon enrollment.
3. Proof of English Language Proficiency – As demonstrated by ONE of the following:
   1. Examination: Scores must be sent directly by the testing agency
      • TOEFL (opens in new tab) School Code: 4686 Dept Code: 00
        • Minimum Score: 500 paper-based; 61 iBT
      • IELTS Academic Module (opens in new tab)
        • Minimum Band Score: 5.5
      • STEP-EIKEN (opens in new tab)
        • Minimum Score: Step 2A
      • PTE Academic Test (opens in new tab)
        • Minimum Score: 42
      • Duolingo (opens in new tab)
        • Minimum Overall Score: 95
   2. Completion of prerequisite course for college-level English at a U.S. institution (as clearly shown on transcript).
   3. Partner English Language Program (opens in new tab)
      • You must contact the language school of your choice and apply directly to their program.
      • Please let us know when you are accepted and we may offer you conditional admission.
4. Original Bank Certification Letter – indicating required funds in USD dated from within six months of the start of the semester applying.
   • For the 2026–27 Academic Year the minimum required is $27,500 USD.
   • Fall semester applicants: bank documents should be dated from February or later.
   • Spring semester applicants: bank documents should be dated from June or later.
5. Financial Certification Form – Signed by applicant and guarantor(s) if applicable.
   • The applicant (student) must complete and sign Sections 1, 2, and 3.
   • If the applicant will be under 18 on the first day of the semester, the applicant's parent must complete Section 4.
   • If the applicant has a sponsor or guarantor, that person must complete and sign Section 5.
6. Passport Biographical Page or Passport-Size Photo – Complete applications (all required documents submitted) will be reviewed by the International Program admissions team. Admission decisions will be emailed within two weeks during non-peak times of the year. Admitted students will receive a letter of acceptance, Initial Status I-20, and other admission information.

"I am currently studying on an F-1 visa and I am planning to transfer to SJCC from another U.S. college, high school, or language program."

F-1 Transfer students must be in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher) and in good immigration standing (non-terminated SEVIS record) at the previous school attended. If you are transferring from another school in the U.S. and already have an F-1 visa, you must complete the SEVIS Transfer Release Form provided in your admissions packet to transfer to SJCC.

• Complete Steps 1–6 from the International Student Application (opens in new tab)

In addition, please complete and submit the following:

• Copy of current Form I-20, F-1 visa, passport biographical information page, and I-94 card. You can access your I-94 information on the CBP I-94 website (opens in new tab).
• Statement of Purpose explaining why you wish to transfer to SJCC and how it will help you achieve your educational and professional goals.
• Once accepted, you must submit the SEVIS Transfer Release Form to your current institution to be completed and returned.
• Your SEVIS record must be transferred within 60 days of the program end date at your previous school and at least 15 days before the start date of your program at SJCC. If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. before beginning your program at SJCC, please contact us to obtain an I-20 for re-entry purposes. Do not use your previous school's I-20 to re-enter the U.S.

Complete applications (all required documents submitted) will be reviewed by the International Program admissions team. Admission decisions will be emailed within two weeks during non-peak times of the year.

Admitted students will receive a letter of acceptance, Transfer Pending Form I-20, and other admission information.

"I am currently studying as an F-1 student at another U.S. college and plan to study at SJCC part-time under concurrent enrollment status."

• Go to CCCApply (opens in new tab) and submit an application. Take note of your confirmation number.
• Obtain a permission letter from your current school's International Program allowing you to take one or two courses at SJCC.
• Email your permission letter and CCCApply confirmation number (or SJCC student ID number) to the Office of Admissions & Records at San José City College: sjcc.admissions@sjcc.edu.
• If you are registering for a class that has a prerequisite, complete the Prerequisite Clearance Form (opens in new tab).
• Register for classes online through Self-Service. Watch this video to learn how: How to Register for Classes (opens in new tab).

"I want to study English with an F-1 visa."

SJCC does not have an ESL program that is eligible for the F-1 visa. International students who need to study English can start at one of our local language school partners, where they will receive intensive English language instruction and are eligible for the F-1 visa.

See a list of our English Language School Partners (opens in new tab).

"I want to take online courses from outside the U.S."

The Online Jump-Start program allows students to take some SJCC online courses from their home country or from outside the U.S. while waiting to apply for an F-1 student visa.

To apply, students must complete the SJCC International Student Application (opens in new tab).

The application must include:

1. Transcripts
2. Bank statement or letter showing funds to pay for the course(s) you wish to take
3. Proof of English language proficiency