International Students

Coastline's International Student Program (ISP) provides services for international students studying ESL (English as a Second Language) - or who would like to study ESL - on the F-1 student visa.

International students at Coastline enjoy quality classes and a full-time ESL staff dedicated to their academic success and personal needs. The goal of the ISP is to provide educational opportunities for international students wanting to enhance their English knowledge and promote international understanding on campus and in the community.

Quick Links

• Application Deadlines
• General Information
• Admission Procedures
• Current International Students
• Immigration

Application Deadlines

Fall 2023

• Out of Country and Change of Status - July 15, 2023
• In-Country Transfer - August 15, 2023

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PayMyTuition

PayMyTuition

PayMyTuition

International Tuition Payment Portal

The Coast Community College District (CCCD) has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates.

General Information

• Locations

  ESL Courses

  Westminster - Le-Jao Campus

  14120 All American Way Westminster, CA 92683

  Administrative Building

  Student Services Center in Fountain Valley

  11460 Warner Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

• Advisor's Hours

  Available by phone at (714) 241-6141

  Monday - Friday: 8am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm

Admission Procedures for ESL International Students

How To Apply

1. Download the International Student Application.
2. Complete the application, financial support form, and bank certification. If you have a sponsor, make sure your sponsor signs the appropriate documents.
3. Mail or email your application to the International Student Program. Coastline does not accept photos of documents. Please scan all documents. If you prefer to mail your documents: Coastline College Attn: International Student Program, 11460 Warner Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Make sure you include the $55 USD non-refundable application fee.

Requirements

Applicants for admission to Coastline College must be high school graduates, or equivalent, or 18 years of age or older.

Coastline College admits international students for the Fall and Spring Semesters. The Fall Semester begins late August, and the Spring Semester begins late January. Continuing students have the choice of enrolling in the Summer Term - and if they wish to enroll, should contact the International Student Advisor prior to registering for classes. New students are not accepted for the Summer Term.

• Admission Materials

  Admission Materials

  All admissions materials listed below must be submitted by July 1 (for Fall Semester), or by December 1 (for Spring Semester) to ensure acceptance. If a student's application is denied or incomplete, Coastline will hold it for one year to facilitate re-application. No application fee will be charged for re-applying.

  International Student Application Form

  • The International Student Application form must be completed and returned with a non-refundable $55.00 U.S. currency (check, money order, or credit card) application processing fee by the deadlines listed above.

  Financial Support Information

  • A financial support form must be completed and signed by the student's sponsor (self, parent or relative) to present evidence that the student has sufficient financial resources to meet all expenses during his/her period of attendance at Coastline.

  Duolingo Test/English Proficiency

  • International students must have sufficient knowledge of English to enable them to benefit from instruction in upper-level ESL courses. Therefore, all applicants from non English-speaking countries must take the Duolingo English Test and score a minimum of 500 or higher on the paper-based test, or 61 or higher on TOEFL iBT. A copy of your most recent score (no more than 2 years old) should be forwarded to Coastline (Institutional Code #004086). Coastline  College also accepts the Pre-first grade level of the STEP-Eiken test in lieu of the TOEFL exam as well as the iTEP score of 4.0.
  • The English as a Second Language Institute is Coastline's specialized English Program for international students who need to improve their skills in speaking, grammar, comprehension, reading, or writing the English language.

  Transcripts

  • Arrangements should be made to have complete, official transcripts of all high school, college and ESL work sent directly to Coastline Community College International Student Admissions. Transcripts must be officially translated into English. Sealed transcripts can be mailed by the student or sent by the institution attended. Faxed copies and photocopies are not acceptable.

  School Transfers Within the U.S.

  • Students transferring from another U.S. college, university or high school must also send a copy of their I-94, the visa page in their passport, and their I-20 A-B form. Transferring students must be in good standing and in status at their current campus, and must have a 2.0 ("C") grade point average or better.
• Registration

  Registration

  When the application and all other necessary documents have been received and evaluated, students will be notified of their acceptance by email. Coastline will issue accepted students the I-20 Form, normally 60 to 120 days prior to the start of the semester.

  There will be orientation information provided to international students. ESL course levels will be assessed during the first week of school. At the time of registration, students must be prepared to pay registration fees, submit their passport, visa, and I-20 form for verification, and purchase health/medical insurance.

• Tuition and Fees

  Tuition and Fees

  Please download Estimated Expenses for International Students.

  • Coastline College may charge additional fees for materials used in class and any other fees mandated by the State of California.
  • There are no loans for financial aid available to international students.
  • Scholarship applications are considered by Coastline College upon completion of 12 units. Award amounts are modest and cannot be relied upon as any portion of the required sponsorship.
  • Immigration policy does not permit international students to work the first year of attendance.

  NOTE: All fees are due at the time of registration.

  International Students can make tuition payments with PayMyTuition - from any bank, in any country, in any currency, at better than bank exchange rates.

• Admissions Checklist

  Admissions Checklist

  The following list is designed to help ensure that you have gathered all the documents necessary for admission to Coastline College.

  1. Completed International Student Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Financial Support Form
  4. 2 passport-size photographs
  5. Translated high school and ESL records or college transcripts
  6. TOEFL record or equivalency (not required for students starting in ESL)
  7. Copies of passport pages (if available)

Current International Students

• Maintain F-1 Student Status

  Maintain F-1 Student Status

  All international students who are in F-1 visa status must follow a set of immigration regulations as outlined by the U.S. government in order to maintain their international student status. The following set of rules and regulations is a guide to properly maintaining international student status at Coastline College. We are here to help you! Before you make an academic or immigration decision, get information from us first.

  The 4 Basics of Maintaining Your F-1 Student Status

  • Complete a minimum of 12 units in fall and 12 units in spring
  • Make academic degree progress towards your major
  • NO unauthorized employment
  • Report to the International Advisor any changes in your name, address, telephone, major, dependents, and/or program completion date

  Additional Responsibilities

  • Passport must be valid
  • Keep original immigration documents (passport, visa, I-20) in a safe, secure place

  Full Course of Study

  • International students must be registered for a full course of study (12 units) during fall and spring semesters.
  • Registration is not required for summer sessions.
  • Only 3 units or one online course per semester is applicable to the full-time enrollment total.

  Maintain Valid Immigration Documents

  • I-20 - International students must be aware of the expiration date on their I-20. If students cannot complete their degree by the expiration date on their I-20, students must request a program extension before the expiration date on the I-20. Students who do not file a program extension in a timely manner will be considered out of status.
  • Passport - Students should keep their passport valid at all times. If the passport will expire soon, student must renew it through the embassy or consulate of their home country. More details are available here.

  Change of Local Address

  Students who change their local address must report the change to the International Advisor within 10 days of moving.

  By maintaining your F-1 status you are eligible for the following:

  • Travel on the F-1 Visa
  • Program Extension
  • Transfer Eligibility
  • Concurrent Enrollment
  • Employment for F-1
• Register For Classes

  Register For Classes

  International students must register for a minimum of 12 units. 12 units is considered a full-course of study by USCIS.

  Preparing To Register

  • Pay for health insurance at least 3 business days before your registration date and time.
  • Find the list of classes in the class schedule.
  • Due to CA budget cuts, there are fewer classes offered so they will fill up fast. It will be difficult to get the classes you want/need. Be flexible with your schedule and consider many different choices of classes.

  When To Register

  • Check your registration date and time on your MyCoast account .
  • Be sure to register immediately on your registration date at time.

  How To Register

  • Register on your registration date and time through myCoast. Online registration through MyCoast is available 24/7.

  When To Pay For Registration

  • Payment should be made immediately after registering for courses or you will be dropped from your courses. Students are dropped for nonpayment every week. View the non-payment drop schedule.

  Ways To Pay For Registration

  • Credit Card - online or in person.
  • Check/Money Order - payable to Coastline College (write your student ID# on the front of check).
  • Cash - pay at the Admissions and Records counter, 1st Floor of College Center, Fountain Valley.
• Health Insurance

  Health Insurance

  As a Coastline Community College international student, you are required to have health insurance coverage from the college through a school-approved insurance company.

  When To Pay For Health Insurance

  • New students - upon arrival or transfer to Coastline College.
  • Continuing students - before your registration date and time.

  How To Pay For Health Insurance

  • Pay online with credit card at jcbins.com
  • The student health insurance plan is a comprehensive health plan with coverage for medical, counseling, and pharmacy benefits that comply with the Affordable Care Act requirements. (Policy Number 281729)
  • Aetna Vital Savings – Discount Dental plan. Not insurance, just instant discounts that can be purchased separately from JCB Insurance Solutions

  How To Use Your Insurance

  • It's a good idea to visit Student Health Services through Memorial Prompt Care which is contracted with Coastline College for full-service primary care and urgent care.
  • If it's an emergency such as severe injury or sickness, go to the nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 from any phone.
  • If you go to an outside doctor instead of Memorial Prompt Care, you can save money by using a preferred provider (PPO). When you go to the doctor, show them your ID card and pay the $20 co-pay cost.
  • To find out which doctors are PPO providers visit the Anthem website, then follow the instructions.

  24-Hour Nurse Advice Line: 1.800.700.0197

  Need to File a Claim? Complete a claim form and mail items within 90 days of accident or injury.

  Coastline College accepts no responsibility for medical expenses incurred by international students.

• Housing and Accommodation

  Housing and Accommodation

  Coastline College does not provide on-campus housing for students. If you're in need of housing accommodations, below are a list of resources to search for short-term and long-term accommodations - as well as roommates, apartments, and homestay.

  Short-term Accommodations

  When you first arrive at Coastline, it may take you a few days to a week to find a roommate or apartment. Homestay can be coordinated before you arrive. The following are affordable short-term accommodations:

  • Sonesta ES Suites Huntington Beach Fountain Valley
  • Sonesta Select Huntington Beach Fountain Valley

  Long-term Accommodations

  Once you feel comfortable at Coastline and make friends, you may want to move into an apartment with other students. To save money, most students share a bedroom with a roommate. For example, 4 students will live in a 2-bedroom apartment. You can find homestay, apartment, and roommate information below or in our office.

  Homestay

  One of the best ways to improve your English and learn about American customs is to stay with an American family. Coastline College works in partnership with two homestay programs that you can choose from:

  • Global Student Services, USA, Inc.

  Each program offers great services so be sure to review the applications and decide which program and cost works best for you.

  Roommates

  If you are looking for roommates or would like roommates to find you, you can post it on the following search engine:

  • Roommates.com is another great search engine to find roommates in Newport, Westminster, or Garden Grove area.
    

  Apartments

  There are many apartments that serve the large student population at Coastline. Several are familiar renting to international students. These apartments:

  Dorms

  Coastline does not have on-campus housing.

• Public

  Public

  Coastline Community College has three learning sites where classes are held. The sites are the Garden Grove Campus, Westminster - Le-Jao Campus, and Newport Beach Campus. Coastline has an administrative building located in Fountain Valley where you can find the Admissions & Records Office, Bookstore, Financial Aid Office, EOPS Office, Distance Learning Department, and Military Program/Contract Education Department.

  If you do not have a car you will need to take public transportation to reach each location.

  What To Know About Public Transportation

  • The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) provides extensive bus and rail transit service throughout Orange County.
  • Make sure you know how frequently your street or area is served by the OCTA and the times of schedules stops. This information is available at www.octa.net.
  • If you need to take public transportation daily, it is recommended that you get a monthly pass through OCTA to save on transport expenses.
  • Coastline students can ride the OC bus to school, work, shopping, and beach for free! Learn more about the Free Bus Pass.
• Reduced Course Load (RCL)

  Reduced Course Load (RCL)

  International students who plan to be enrolled for part-time studies must submit the Reduced Course Load form to the International Advisor in a timely manner. There are only a few exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement for the Fall and Spring semesters. Each exception has its own criteria, which are outlined below.

  The deadline for submitting the Reduced Course Load form is the last day to add/drop for that semester. Students should not drop below full-time enrolment until they have received authorization from the International Advisor. Students who drop below full-time enrollment without the proper authorization will be considered out of status.

  Academic Difficulty RCL

  Students may request an RCL due to academic difficulty only once per degree level. Academic difficulty could be due to the follow reasons:

  • Difficulty with English language or reading requirements
  • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods
  • Improper course placement

  Students who receive an academic difficulty RCL must resume a full course of study in the next available semester in order to maintain status.

  Medical RCL

  A Medical RCL may be authorized due to a temporary medical condition with an appropriate doctor's letter recommending the RCL for medical reasons. Students must receive prior approval from the International Advisor for the medical RCL.

  Requirements of Medical RCL:

  • Letter from licensed physician, medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist that recommends student to take less than the minimum units required for full time enrollment
  • Receive prior approval from the International Advisor
  • No more than 12 months (3 semesters) total of Medical RCL permitted per degree level
  • Must take a minimum of 6 units

  If a doctor believes that a student is unable to meet this minimum unit enrollment, then the student should consider a Medical Leave of Absence.

  Final Semester RCL

  The International Advisor may authorize a final semester RCL for students who are in their final semester of study and only have a few units remaining to meet academic program requirements. Students may request an RCL due to final semester only once per degree program.

Immigration

• F-1 Visa

  F-1 Visa

  International students attending Coastline hold an F-1 student visa, a non-immigrant classification which allows you to enter and remain in the US as long as you are a properly registered full-time student.

  What is a Visa?

  A non-immigrant US visa is issued as a stamp in your passport by a US embassy or consulate outside the United States. A visa stamp indicates that you are eligible for entry and reentry to the United States in the immigration category indicated (F-1, E-2, H-1B, etc). Most visa stamps are for multiple entries.

  Can I get a F-1 visa inside the U.S.?

  No, it is not possible to apply for or to renew a visa in the United States. Visas are issued only by a US consul in a US embassy or consulate outside the United States.

  What if my F-1 visa expires while I'm in the US?

  A visa does not determine how long you can remain in the United States. Therefore, you may stay beyond the expiration date of your visa as long as you are in status as a full-time student. However, when traveling outside the US, it will be necessary to apply for a new visa stamp, through the same process as your initial visa application, at a US embassy or consulate to gain reentry.

  Resources For Obtaining An F-1 Student Visa

  • Study in the States
  • US Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • US Embassy or Consulates
  • EducationUSA

  F-2 Visa Holders

  F-2 dependents are able to engage in study at Coastline College as long as they are enrolled in less than a full course of study. An F-2 dependent who wants to enroll full-time in a course of academic or vocational study must apply for and obtain approval to change nonimmigrant classification to F-1 before beginning full-time study.

• 10 Points To Remember

  10 Points To Remember

  1. Ties to Your Home Country
     Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as exchange visitor visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. "Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc.
     The interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans, and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter that can guarantee visa issuance. If you overstayed your authorized stay in the U.S. previously, be prepared to explain what happened clearly and concisely, with documentation if available.
  2. English
     Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do not prepare speeches!
  3. Speak for Yourself
     Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.
  4. Know the Program and How It Fits Your Career Plans
     If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will participate in a particular exchange visitor program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to come temporarily, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how research or teaching in the U.S. relates to your current or future professional career when you return home.
  5. Be Brief
     Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
  6. Additional Documentation
     It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky.
  7. Not All Countries Are Equal
     Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students and other individuals have remained in the U.S. as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after completing their exchange visitor program in the U.S.
  8. Employment
     Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be for participation in a temporary teaching or research position, not for the chance to establish a career in the U.S. While many scholars hold regular employment positions during their exchange visitor programs, appointment to such positions must be temporary in nature. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of the program.
  9. Dependents Remaining at Home
     If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support them, your visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa.
  10. Maintain a Positive Attitude
      Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

  Credits: Gerald A. Wunsch, Esq., 1997, former member of the NAFSA Consular Issues Working Group, and a former U.S. Consular Officer in Mexico, Suriname, and the Netherlands; Martha Wailes, Indiana University, and the U.S. Department of State.

  Note Regarding Potential Visa Issuance Delays

  All applicants for a U.S. visa are subject to security checks before a visa can be issued. Visa delays for some applicants can range from weeks to several months. A visa will not be issued until the application clears all security checks. In addition, For F and J visa applicants, the Department of State must be able to verify SEVIS information in its system, which does not contain "real-time" SEVIS information. Rather, SEVIS information must be uploaded periodically from a separate immigration SEVIS system used by schools.

  Additional Resources

  Individuals applying for nonimmigrant visas to the U.S. may also benefit by visiting the Travel to US for visa information.

• SEVIS

  SEVIS

  Sample I-20

  SEVIS is an online database that houses a record for each F-1 status student.

  • Creates your SEVIS I-20 with a unique SEVIS ID number
  • Reports changes in student records to verify status
  • Authorizes student employment
  • Authorizes reduced course loads
  • Transfers student record to another institution

  For everything you want to know about your F-1 status, go to SEVP Student.

• Immigration Status

  How is my Immigration Status different from my Visa?

  Your visa indicates that you are eligible to enter the US in a specific immigration status. A US border official will review your eligibility and authorize your requested immigration status by issuing the Form I-94 to show that you have been granted permission to be in the US. The I-94 is indicates your arrival/departure document and indicates your immigration status and the length of time you may remain inside the United States.

  F visa holders will see the notation "D/S" on their form. D/S stands for "duration of status" and refers back to the expiration date on your I-20 immigration document.

• Leave of Absence

  Leave of Absence

  F-1 international students who wish to take a semester off during the academic year (fall and spring semesters) and not enroll in courses must receive authorization for Leave of Absence (LOA) from the International Advisor.

  Students considering a LOA must review these requirements:

  • Student must be in good academic standing when requesting an LOA
  • Student must be outside the U.S. during the LOA

  It is the responsibility of the students to meet with the International Advisor and receive written approval. Students have 15 days from the date the International Advisor approves the LOA to depart from the US.

  Make sure you have a Travel Signature on your I-20 that is not more than 9 months old when you plan to return to the US.

  Medical Leave of Absence

  F-1 students are eligible to take an LOA due to medical reasons. Students have the option to return to their home country or remain in the U.S. to receive medical treatment.

  Students who wish to remain in the U.S. must obtain a doctor's letter recommending the LOA for medical reasons. Students who remain in the U.S. without obtaining advance approval for medical LOA from the International Advisor will be considered out of status.

  For F-1 students, Medical LOA must be renewed each semester.

  Requirements and Limitations of Medical LOA

  • Must have a letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist recommending leave for a specific semester.
  • Must have PRIOR approval from the International Advisor before withdrawing from courses
  • No more than 12 months total leave are allowed per degree level

  Students considering a LOA due to medical reasons must meet with the International Advisor.

  Leave of Absense Exceeding 5 Months

  Students who will be outside the U.S. for longer than 5 months for a LOA must obtain a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number in order to re-enter the U.S. and return. The current I-20 will be invalid after being outside of the U.S. for more than 5 months.

  It is the student's responsibility to contact the International Advisor at least two months prior to returning to Coastline Community College to request the new I-20.

  Students will need to use the new I-20 to pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a new F-1 visa, even though they may possess an unexpired visa associated with their previous I-20 SEVIS ID number.

  Leave of Absence and Off-Campus Work Authorization

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations state that an F-1 international student must be in status for a full academic year (9 months) in order to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

  This regulation is especially important to note for students who are considering a LOA of over 5 months in the final year of studies at Coastline Community College.

  Returning to Full-Time Enrollment After a Leave of Absence

  All students returning from a LOA must validate their return to the International Advisor by reporting within 21 days of the start of the new semester. Students must meet with the International Advisor.

  Students must bring the following documents to the appointment:

  • Stamped I-20
  • A copy of your most recent I-94
  • Copy of F-1 visa and passport