The process at a glance
- 01Apply & I-20
Receive your I-20 from the university
After accepting your admission offer and providing proof of financial resources, the university's international student office issues your Form I-20. Verify all details on the I-20 match your passport — name spelling errors can cause visa delays. Keep the I-20 with your passport at all times during your stay in the US.
- 02Visa Interview
Apply for your F-1 student visa
Complete Form DS-160 online, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), and schedule a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Prepare documents: passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, financial evidence, admission letter, academic transcripts, and standardised test scores. Be prepared to explain your study plans and ties to your home country.
- 03Arrive & Register
Arrive in the US and check in with the international office
Arrive no earlier than 30 days before your programme start date. Attend the mandatory international student orientation where you will learn about SEVIS compliance, health insurance requirements, campus safety, and available support services. Complete check-in with the international student office to activate your SEVIS record.
- 04Settle In
Open a bank account, get a US phone, and find housing
Open a US bank account (checking and savings) using your passport and I-20. Get a US phone number — prepaid plans are available without a Social Security Number. If living on campus, confirm your housing assignment and move-in date. If off campus, finalise your lease, set up utilities, and arrange transportation to campus.
- 05Plan Career
Start career planning from your first semester
Visit the career centre early to understand OPT timelines, build your resume, and learn about on-campus recruiting. Many international students find that building faculty relationships leads to research assistant positions and strong recommendation letters. Attend career fairs and networking events specifically for international students.
About Lone Star College
Located in Houston, TX, Lone Star College is a community college that welcomes international students seeking quality US education at an affordable price. The college offers associate degree programs and transfer options designed to help students progress to bachelor's degree programs.
F-1 Visa Process for Lone Star College
After being accepted to Lone Star College, international students receive a Form I-20 needed for the F-1 visa application. Requirements include English test scores, proof of financial resources, and a successful visa interview. {name} provides pre-arrival support and can connect new students with current international students for advice.
Programs and Majors at Lone Star College
Lone Star College offers associate degrees across multiple fields including business, computer science, engineering, and liberal arts. These programs are designed with transfer pathways to four-year universities in TX. Starting at {name} allows international students to complete prerequisite courses at a lower cost before transferring.
Transferring from Lone Star College to a Four-Year University
Lone Star College students benefit from transfer agreements with multiple universities. These partnerships ensure that credits earned at {name} count toward bachelor's degree requirements. The college's academic advisors help international students plan their coursework to meet transfer prerequisites and deadlines.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Planning
The cost of attending Lone Star College as an international student is $7,000 to $12,000 in tuition plus living expenses of $11,000 to $16,000, totaling $18,000 to $28,000 per year. This affordability makes {name} an excellent value for international students seeking a US education without the high cost of four-year universities.
Your university's international student office is your primary resource for visa compliance, cultural adjustment, and connecting with the international student community — use it from day one.
Transfer pathway planning from Lone Star College to four-year universities
Lone Star College has articulation agreements with universities in its state that specify which credits transfer and guarantee admission for students meeting GPA requirements. The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) programme with University of California campuses is one of the best-known pathways. Meet regularly with Lone Star College's transfer centre counsellors from your first semester — they will help you select courses that satisfy general education requirements for your target universities. Maintain a competitive GPA (3.0+ for most programmes, 3.5+ for competitive majors like CS, engineering, and business). Complete the intended major prerequisite courses before transferring — many students at Lone Star College complete an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) which guarantees junior standing at participating four-year institutions. The transfer centre can also help with application essays, scholarship searches for transfer students, and connecting you with university representatives who visit Lone Star College's campus.
F-1 visa maintenance specific to community college enrollment
F-1 students at Lone Star College must maintain full-time enrollment of at least 12 credit hours per semester. Community college schedules can be more flexible than universities, but dropping below full-time without DSO authorisation is a status violation. Lone Star College's international student office monitors SEVIS compliance and can authorise reduced course loads for academic difficulties or medical reasons. Transferring from Lone Star College to a four-year university requires a SEVIS record transfer, which the DSO at Lone Star College initiates after confirming your acceptance at the receiving institution. If you plan to attend a four-year university after Lone Star College, notify the international student office by the transfer deadline to avoid a gap in F-1 status. Lone Star College also offers CPT authorisation for off-campus work after one academic year, but many community college students focus on their studies and transfer preparation rather than off-campus employment.
Cost comparison and financial aid opportunities at Lone Star College
Tuition at Lone Star College is significantly lower than at four-year universities — international students typically pay $7,000-$12,000 per year in tuition compared to $25,000-$60,000 at public or private universities. This makes community college an intelligent first step for budget-conscious international students. Lone Star College offers limited merit-based scholarships for international students, though federal financial aid is not available to non-US citizens. Some states offer reduced tuition rates for community college students who are state residents, but international students generally pay the non-resident rate. Plan for total annual costs of $20,000-$35,000 (tuition plus living expenses) at Lone Star College. Education loans through private lenders may be available. Many international students at Lone Star College fund their education through a combination of family savings, home-country education loans, and part-time on-campus employment (limited to 20 hours per week).
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What you learned
End-of-guide quiz
1 question
- 01
An international student transfers to a different US university mid-program. What happens to their visa?
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Frequently asked questions
Can I work on campus at Lone Star College?+
Yes, F-1 students can work on campus up to 20 hours/week at Lone Star College. After one year, CPT and OPT expand work options off campus.
What English scores are needed for Lone Star College?+
Lone Star College requires TOEFL 61-79 or IELTS 5.5-6.0. ESL programs are available for additional language support.
Does Lone Star College have student housing?+
As a community college, Lone Star College does not have residence halls. The international office assists with off-campus housing options in Houston.
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