Application deadlines

International applications including all supporting educational and financial documentation must be received complete by the date as listed for the intended start term.

• Fall semester, completed application due April 1
• Spring semester, completed application due July 1

Costs

Estimated $43,100.00 USD total for a two-year, associate degree program and housing. An international student seeking to attend LLCC on an F-1 Visa must provide documentation of funds available for educational and living expenses for two years of $43,100.00 USD.

• $21,100.00 USD: Estimated tuition, fees, and books for two academic years of 60 credit hours.
• $22,000.00 USD: Estimated housing and living expenses for two academic years (20 months).

Housing

The college does not have student housing, assist with locating/arranging housing or provide transportation for students. Students or their sponsors are responsible for all housing arrangements, contracts, security deposits, rent payments and transportation. It is recommended that students complete housing arrangements before arriving.

LLCC programs

LLCC offers a wide variety of credit programs. Learn more about the programs we offer.

The following programs are not available to F-1 VISA students: 

• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Respiratory Care
• Neurodiagnostic Technology
• Radiology 
• ESL/English as a Second Language
• Computer Sciences
   

Things to do

Springfield is located in the middle of Illinois and is home to a number of interesting historical sites as well as outdoor activities. Some of the most visited sites are the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and other Lincoln landmarks. 

Things to do and best places to eat according to:

• Trip Advisor
• Visit Springfield

Weather

Springfield experiences all four weather seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Weather in the spring, summer and fall can feature wind, rain and thunderstorms. It rains approximately 28% of the year. Weather in the winter brings cold temperatures and snow. On average, Springfield receives 17.7 inches (45 cm) of snow each year between November and March. 

Getting around

Springfield features a bus system, an airport and an Amtrak train stop. It is important to understand that public transportation in the United States is likely very different than public transportation in other countries. Springfield’s bus system has 16 lines that run throughout the city. Learn more about the city bus schedule, Amtrak schedule and Greyhound bus service on the city’s website. 

Driving in the U.S. and Illinois

An international student can use their valid license from their home country for up to 90 days after arrival. After 90 days, if you want to continue driving you will need to get either a temporary visitor driver’s license or get a full Illinois license which requires a U.S. social security number. 

An “international license” is not valid in the state of Illinois. 

To be eligible for an Illinois driver's license, you must have:

• A social security number (SSN).
• A total program length on your I-20/DS-2019 of at least one year.
• More than six months remaining on your program at the time you apply.
• Successfully completed a six-hour adult driver education course through a certified provider (only if you are 18-20 years old).

Visit the Illinois Secretary of State's website to learn more. 

Health care

Health care in the U.S. is a private system and can be quite expensive. It is highly recommended that international students enroll in private health insurance. Health insurance plans do not always cover dental and vision expenses so be sure to check what you are getting before signing up. 

Tips for your arrival

These are things we highly encourage you to consider doing as soon as you arrive or even before if possible:

• Open a bank account.
• Get a phone/U.S. phone number.
• Figure out how you are getting to LLCC’s campus.
• Find the closest grocery store to where you live. (Note: Many stores now deliver or make picking up easy.)
• Look up latest COVID guidelines and requirements for Springfield.

The F-1 Student Visa process takes time and requires a lot of work on the part of the student. Students must begin this process with LLCC six months before the start of the semester. Steps to applying:

• Complete the F1 International Student I-20 Admission Packet.
• Make a copy of your passport, and send it to LLCC.
• Provide proof of financial ability to pay $43,100.
• Have a TOEFL score of 550-written, 173-computer or 61-internet based
• Complete the LLCC Admission Application (no cost).
• Send a $75 money order or cashier’s check for the I-20 application to LLCC.
• Applicants must meet all requirements for admission into the U.S. as set forth by the department of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Students should email all the documents, records, TOEFL scores and a copy of their passport to Lindsey Weihmeir for review prior to mailing them.

After receiving the mailed version of the documents, we will mail the I-20 in return. At this point in the process, the student will meet with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to conduct an interview and apply for a visa. 
 

Are you ready to get started on your next chapter? We're excited for you to join us! Application to transfer must be completed no later than 60 days prior to the beginning of the term requested or transfer admissions will be denied.

An F-1 Visa student wanting to transfer to LLCC must submit all documents, transcripts, TOEFL scores and verification of financial support required of new F1 students. Those include:

• Complete the F1 International Student I-20 Admission Packet.
• Make a copy of your passport, and send it to LLCC.
• Provide proof of financial ability to pay $43,100.
• Have a TOEFL score of 550-written, 173-computer or 61-internet based
• Complete the LLCC Admission Application (no cost).
• Send a $75 money order or cashier’s check for the I-20 application to LLCC.
• Applicants must meet all requirements for admission into the U.S. as set forth by the department of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Additionally, transfer students must provide:

• Copy of other U.S. college/university I-20 as issued to student.
• Letter of release for student in good standing from the other U.S. college or university.

Students should email all documents, records, TOEFL scores and a copy of their passport to Lindsey Weihmeir for review prior to mailing them.

To meet INS requirements, all F-1 students must enroll in at least 12 semester hours of coursework. Prior to admission, international students must show evidence of financial support for at least one year’s expenses. Therefore, international students are expected to pay tuition in full at the time of registration. Although most international students are ineligible for state and federal financial aid, students with refugee to immigrant classifications may be eligible to receive financial assistance.