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Per current F-1 student regulations from the U.S. government, Credit (Academic) F-1 students must take at least 12 units every semester to maintain their F-1 status. Of these 12 units, at least 9 units must be in-person or hybrid.

Classes are currently offered in-person, hybrid, online, or remote at CCSF. Please check the Class Schedule webpage for more information. This information may change at any time.

Please note the application deadlines for each program, as late submissions will not be processed.

The $50 Application Fee is non-refundable: It is the applicant's responsibility to check the application deadlines before submitting an application.

How to Apply

On this webpage, you will find the detailed instructions and list of required documents necessary to apply to CCSF as an F-1 international student. See below for more information on each program, or you can click on "Our Programs" in the navigation bar above to learn more.

Programs Offered

Overview of International Student Life Cycle (F-1)

To see a brief overview of what it looks like to study in the U.S. as an F-1 international student, please click on the following link from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website, Study in the States:

Credit (Academic) Program- How to Apply

Credit (Academic) Program is for international students who plan to take credit classes for one (or more) of the following academic goals:

  • Obtaining a Certificate of Achievement/Accomplishment 
  • Obtaining an Associate's Degree
  • Transferring to a 4-Year University for a Bachelor's Degree
  • Completing prerequisite courses for a Master's or Doctorate Program at a university

Note: Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score) is required to be considered for admission into the Credit (Academic) Program. A minimum score or better is required on one of the following exams: TOEFL IBT (56), ITP (483); IELTS (5.5); or Duolingo (85). English Language School Certificates or English Language School Diplomas are not accepted in place of this requirement.

Per current F-1 student regulations from the U.S. government, Credit (Academic) F-1 students must take at least 12 units every semester to maintain their F-1 status. Of these 12 units, at least 9 units must be in-person or hybrid.

Admitted change-of-status students holding J-1 visas (or any other U.S. nonimmigrant status enabling enrollment) must maintain valid and active status throughout the entire semester to be eligible for enrollment.

Degrees and Certificates Offered: Click Here

Fees Information (Credit/Academic Program): Click Here and look under "Tuition and Fees".  Minimum of 12 units/credits every semester is required to maintain F-1 status.  Students can study up to 17 units per semester.

Learn more about the Credit (Academic) Program.

 

The Fall 2025 application period has ended and we will no longer accept new application for F-1 status international student.

We are now accepting Spring 2026 application:

  • New Student Applicant Deadline: The Spring 2026 deadline to submit your application, payment, and documents is October 1, 2025 (for new students applying for the F-1 visa in their home country).
  • Transfer-in Student Applicant Deadline: The Spring 2026 deadline to submit your application, payment, and documents is November 1, 2025 (for transfer-in students who are already in the U.S. with an active I-20 and F-1 status).
  • Change-of-Status Applicant Deadline: The Spring 2026 deadline to submit your application, payment, and documents is  November 1, 2025 (for applicants who are already in the U.S. with an active non F-1 status and want to change to F-1 status). Admitted change-of-status students holding J-1 visas (or any other U.S. nonimmigrant status enabling enrollment) must maintain valid and active status throughout the entire semester to be eligible for enrollment.
    • ​​​​Information about the USCIS Change-of-Status process can be found on the USCIS website at: 
    • ​It is the student's responsibility to apply for and request a change-of-status with USCIS after receiving their CCSF acceptance letter and Form I-20. Our office is unable to advise, assist directly, or recommend legal services regarding this process due to liability. For questions and complex matters, it is the student's responsibility to seek legal counsel or services from an immigration lawyer. 
  • CCSF Active OPT Returning Student Applicant Deadline: The Spring 2026 deadline to submit your application, payment, and documents is  November 1, 2025 (for previously graduated CCSF students on active OPT status who wish to return for additional education to help achieve their career goals.).