International Student Admissions
Whether you're applying from another country or are already in the U.S., you are welcome at HCC!
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The application process for international students requires you to complete key steps and upload specific documents. If you are a F-1 student, please select your applicant type below and proceed to the steps.
To start classes at HCC, you will need to submit your application multiple weeks ahead of time. Visit the Apply & Enroll page to see the latest semester application deadlines and start dates.
Important Note: If you are an international student planning to attend HCC on a status different than F-1 (DACA, refugee, L visa, H visa, etc.), please follow the instructions for non-international students (New First-Time Student, Transfer, Returning, etc.) on our Apply & Enroll page.
Also, the regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(b)(7) specifically prohibit a course of study in the United States for B-1 or B-2 status visitors.
We Are Here to Help
On-campus and virtual support options are available. For virtual support, please visit our Virtual Lobby, which is a one-stop resource to get help with enrollment, advising, financial aid, and payments. Just look for the "International Students" section to get started.
What best describes you?
To make sure you complete the correct steps, choose the F-1 international student application type that fits you and your situation the best. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out using the contact info below.
I live outside the U.S. and want to attend HCC on an F-1 visa for the first time.
I am an F-1 student in the U.S., and I want to transfer to HCC.
I am in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and wish to change my status to F-1.
I have already applied to HCC but need to change my start date/semester.
I am an F-1 student from another U.S. school who is permitted to take a few classes at HCC.
I am an F-1 International Student with HCC ID, who has not enrolled at HCC for the last 3 consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer.)
Using an Agency
IMPORTANT: You do not need to secure a third-party agency to gain admission to HCC. HCC staff is available at no cost to assist you with the admissions and registration process.
If a you choose to utilize the services of a third-party agency, be aware that you assume full responsibility for all actions conducted by the third-party agent acting on your behalf. Although rare, there have been incidents of third-party agencies submitting fraudulent admissions documentation on behalf of a student. If fraudulent activity is committed by an agency representative acting on your behalf, you are fully responsible and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Given that third-party agencies often require personally identifiable information from students to act on their behalf, it is also possible for an agent to gain access to a your online student account and make changes without your consent.
Under 18?
If you are a F-1 international student under the age of 18 who wishes to attend HCC, you must provide documentation to prove that you have achieved the equivalency of a U.S. high school diploma in your home country by submitting a transcript evaluation along with your application. View a list of accepted testing agencies below.
Additional Resources
Learn more about being an international student at HCC.
Letter Request
Fill out our online form for a letter request from HCC's international office.
Contact Us
We are excited to welcome all international students to Houston City College. We're ready to answer your questions about the admissions process, choosing your program, or anything else you may need. To get help online, visit our Virtual Lobby.