Orange Coast College is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to admit international students under F-1 visa status.

At OCC, we believe that our international students provide global diversity to the campus. International students and domestic students at OCC learn from each other which leads to greater understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Interested international students can request an application for admission by emailing the Global Engagement Center at occinternational@cccd.edu. An application packet can also be downloaded by visiting the Global Engagement Center website at https://orangecoastcollege.edu/services-support/gec/international/index.html. Our admission process allows for acceptance to OCC during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applicants must submit all required documents prior to the application deadline for the semester in which they wish to attend. Approximate start dates are late August for fall, late January for spring, and early June for summer semesters. International students must enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 units each semester in order to maintain their valid F-1 status. In addition, all international students must maintain continuous medical coverage that is provided through the Global Engagement Center throughout their studies at OCC. All international students pay non-resident tuition fees in addition to all other applicable fees during their entire attendance at OCC.

The following are admission requirements for international students who are, or intend to be under F-1 visa status: 

• Completed and signed international student application. 
• Application fee in the amount of $55 USD. 
• Academic records from all previous institutions attended.
• English requirement: A minimum score of 500 (paper-based) or 61 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an acceptable score on many other standardized tests or completion of an acceptable level in an approved intensive English program.  For a complete list of acceptable tests and acceptable scores as well as intensive English programs and acceptable levels, please visit https://orangecoastcollege.edu/services-support/gec/international/index.html.
• Financial support documentation
• Documents related to current or past legal status in the U.S.

DHS prohibits international students from unauthorized employment. International students must obtain approval from the Global Engagement Center before they engage in any on- or off-campus employment. For further information or specifics regarding admission and submission of documents, please refer to the International Student application packet or contact the Global Engagement Center by telephone at (714) 432- 5940 or via email at occinternational@cccd.edu, or visit the Global Engagement Center.

IEC@OCC is a not-for-credit intensive English program primarily for international students who do not meet the English proficiency level to attend OCC credit classes. For more information, please visit the website at www.iec-occ.edu or call 714-432- 5940.

Students with Visas

Students with certain types of visas who are eligible for admission may enroll at OCC (limitations of units and/or restrictions may apply), provided they have a valid status that does not expire before the end of the term for which they are enrolling. Students with a non-immigrant visa classification must ensure that enrollment in College does not interfere with their primary intent of non-immigrant status.

A student who is precluded from establishing domicile in the United States shall not be classified as a resident unless and until he or she has been granted a change of status by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to a classification which permits establishing domicile and has met other residency requirements.

Students with B1 or B2 visa status are not eligible to enroll in a course of study, but may enroll into non-credit courses.