Prospective International Students

Oakland Community College welcomes students from around the globe. With a thriving international student community in its multi-campus system, OCC is an ideal location for students seeking a college experience in the United States.

Information outlined here is specifically for students who are or will have a student visa (F-1 or M-1) status while studying at Oakland Community College. All other international students and Permanent Residents will follow themain admission steps for new students.    

Are you an International Student looking for more information on the services we offer?

Visit our International Student Admissions portal. 

Where do I get started as a prospective international student?

Journey to become an OCC International Student

Apply and receive acceptance to OCC
1.  Apply and receive acceptance to Oakland Community College | Admissions will notify students of their admission status, OCC students email and OCC students ID number.
Confirm English Proficiency or take ESL Placement Exam
2.  Confirm English Proficiency or take ESL Placement Exam | For more information on English Proficiency and testing.
Request Form I-20 from International Student Services
3.  Request Form I-20 from International Student Services | I-20's are requested in the F-1 Student Portal.  Deadlines apply and late request will not be accepted.
Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
4.  Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee | Student with an initial I-20 must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.







Apply for Student Visa
5.  Apply for Student Visa | Student brings Form I-20 and other required documents to apply for a student visa from the U.S. Department of State.
Arrive in the United States
6.  Arrive in the United States | Students arrive no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20.
Complete Check-in and Maintain Status during Program of Study
7.  Complete Check-in and Maintain Status during Program of Study | Students must enroll full-time and not work without authorization. More information on maintaining status is found on the Student Visa webpage.
Complete
8.  Complete academic program and make plans for post-graduation

Why should I choose OCC?

Hundreds of international students call OCC home, and these are just some of the reasons why:

  • Nearly 100 different associate degree programs 
  • Transferable credits – OCC is a top transfer institution, and our students have transferred to over 400 institutions, including selective national universities, flagship state universities and local favorites 
  • Comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) classes 
  • Affordability 
  • Tuition that can be paid with international funds 
  • Support services to help you succeed 
  • Small class sizes 
  • High-demand career programs 
  • Open admissions policy 
  • Caring, experienced faculty in every class – no teaching assistants