As an F-1 student, you can connect with other students through clubs, organizations, sports, and events. Eligible students may also request to work on campus—or at one of our satellite locations—and participate in training related to their major. You may also request a Social Security Number, a learner's permit or driver's license, and travel home during the summer and semester breaks (spring and winter).
F-1 students are eligible for Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Applied of Associate Science, and Associate of Arts in Teaching degrees.
Nursing and Allied Health Applicants
If you are an F-1 student, you can petition for the College's Associate of Science in Nursing and Associate of Applied Science degrees in allied health, but only after being granted admission. You must meet specific requirements and obtain a Social Security Number for program admission consideration.
Out-of-state residents, including F-1 students, will be accepted only if remaining seats exist after all qualified Maryland residents are admitted. Click here for more information about program admission requirements.
Transfer Details
F-1 students may transfer to another Student Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP) certified school to further their education. Please refer to the following information to proceed with Prince George's Community College admission.
Change of Status Requests
If you are currently in the United States (U.S.) and plan to request a change of status after being offered international admission, please note that this process lasts several months. For more information, refer to the U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services' website.
F-1 Admission Requirements (Degree-Seeking)
Students studying under an F-1 visa are eligible for admission during the fall and spring semesters. They must submit complete packets with the application, fee, and supporting documents by the following dates:
- Fall admission: June 1
- Applications for fall admission will be reviewed beginning April 1.
- Spring admission: November 1
- Applications for spring admission will be reviewed beginning August 1.
Applications are reviewed in the order that they are received. Applicants can expect the results of their initial review within 3-4 weeks of submitting an application or the earliest application review date listed above (whichever is later).
Note: The College may deny admission to applicants who do not meet all requirements or miss deadlines.
Submitting Documents for F-1 Admission
Step One
Applicants must complete the international online application as degree-seeking students. (Please contact internationalgroup@pgcc.edu for assistance with the process.) After you submit the online application and pay the $50.00 non-refundable fee, we will send a confirmation email with additional guidance.
Step Two
Applicants must upload these documents to their applicant portal or submitted as a complete packet to:
internationalgroup@pgcc.edu
(Please do not send hyperlinks—all emailed documents should be attachments.)
OR
F-1 Student Admission
Office of Records and Registration
Prince George's Community College
301 Largo Road
Bladen Hall, Room 126
Largo, MD 20774-2199
If applicable, accompany your documents with an official English translation from a certified agency.
View the F-1 Admission Checklist for a summary of required supporting documents. Click on each item below for more information.
- Choose question
F-1 Admission Requirements (Visiting or Concurrent)
1. Please contact internationalgroup@pgcc.edu to begin the application process.
2. Email the following documents as a complete packet for consideration to internationalgroup@pgcc.edu or submit them in person or via mail to: Records and Registration, International (F-1) Admission, 301 Largo Road, Largo MD, Bladen Hall, Room 126.
- Image and date page of a valid visa.
- Current I-20 to show Continued Attendance.
- Current college transcript.
- Permission for the desired term from the official at your home school. This letter must indicate that you are in good standing with the terms of your F-1 visa and specify courses that you are authorized to register for (evaluation forms that include status information are acceptable).
After F-1 Admission is Offered
F-1 students offered admission to Prince George's Community College will receive an acceptance letter and an I-20 showing initial attendance for the admitted term.
During your visa interview, the U.S. Consulate in your home country or USCIS here in the United States will request the acceptance letter, the form I-20, and any additional documents for consideration of F-1 immigration status. This step does not apply to F-1 transfer students seeking a degree in the U.S.
Please note that the College does not manage this phase of the process. You are encouraged to review USCIS guidance for preparing for your visa interview here.
Official evidence of F-1 status and arrival to the U.S. (if applicable) are required for enrollment. Admitted students should refer to their acceptance letter for information about the earliest date for entry to the United States and the latest date for entry to the United States.
Important Information for Current F-1 Students
Enrollment and Program Requirements
All F-1 students must be enrolled in a full-time degree-seeking program (at least 12 credits) and may not enroll in more than one online or remote course that counts toward the full-time course of study. No exceptions can be made to this policy, as this is a federal requirement.
Students who need to discuss their eligibility for a reduced courseload, program extension, or temporary leave of absence should contact internationalgroup@pgcc.edu for guidance.
Students should work with an academic advisor to select courses that meet the requirements listed above and count toward their program of study. Assistance with registration can be found here.
Tuition Information
All F-1 visa holders are charged the out-of-state tuition rate, regardless of the local address used during studies.
Students should refer to the Paying for College web page and their bill for tuition information and payment options. The College offers a payment plan with target enrollment dates that require a U.S. bank account. Please consider expenses for textbooks and supplies; the I-20 form will show an estimate. Federal financial aid is not available for F-1 students.
Change of Visa Status
Students who enroll at PGCC as F-1 visa holders and have subsequently been granted a change of status should contact internationalgroup@pgcc.edu for guidance. Upon a change of visa status, students may be considered for in-county or in-state/out-of-county residency for tuition purposes.
Employment Information
F-1 students may request on-campus employment at any point during their enrollment. F-1 students may also request off-campus employment (under extremely limited circumstances), pre-completion optional practical training (pre-OPT), post-completion optional practical training (post-OPT), and curricular practical training (CPT) after one academic year of enrollment.
Upon clearance by USCIS for OPT or CPT, students must comply with the required work hours of less than 20 hours a week while school is in session and all other employment requirements. Note that OPT must be related to the student's program of study, and CPT (cooperative education, internship, or work-study) must be attached to the program as a requirement for participation.
All students must contact internationalgroup@pgcc.edu for guidance prior to beginning employment. No employment may begin unless and until authorized by the College's Designated School Official (DSO).
Health Insurance
Health insurance is not required for international (F-1) admission. If you plan to seek coverage, please contact Maryland Health Connection for assistance.
Start here if you have reviewed your application options and you're ready to apply.