Newly Admitted Students
A Day in the Life of a TCC International Student
You're accepted!
Congratulations and welcome to Tacoma Community College! Now that you have been admitted to TCC for an upcoming term, you should apply for your F-1 student visa and plan for arrival. Below are the steps for newly admitted students who have successfully received an F-1 student visa.
Visa received? Congratulations!
You’ve completed the application process – and you’re ready to arrive to the United States. As soon as you receive your F-1 visa, please let us know by completing the New Student Registration Form through your Application Status Portal. We will follow up with your TCC Student ID number and TCC email address, so you can get started on Step 1 of the Pre-Arrival Checklist.
If your visa application is denied or your plan has changed but you still plan to enroll in the term other than you applied for, please defer your TCC admission to a different quarter by submitting a Deferral Request Form from your Application Status Portal. Do not submit a new admission application form.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
As soon as you register as a new Tacoma Community College international student using the button above, we will support you with your Pre-Arrival Checklist. Here are the new student steps:
STEP 1: Activate your TCC Accounts (Required)
Your credentials will be sent via email. Please use the link below to activate your TCC email, ctcLink and access to our student Portal.
How-To Videos for Account Activation
STEP 2: Apply for a Homestay family (Optional)
STEP 3: Arrival & New Student Orientation (Required)
Arriving to SEA-TAC Airport
A TCC representative is available during our Arrival Days leading up to New International Student Orientation to pick new students up at the airport.
- New students staying in a Homestay: FREE
- New students not in a Homestay: $75 per person for airport pick-up (non-refundable after confirming the service)
WHEN TO ARRIVE? VISIT DATES & DEADLINES
There are many options available for students who are arriving on a different day or plan to arrange their own transportation. The best options for transportation from the airport are generally ride share such as uber or lyft; although, there are many taxi services as well. Depending on where you are staying, there may be a shuttle available. The website for the SeaTac airport has some good information and links to different options:
If you arrive after Orientation, please bring your Passport, I-20 and Admission letter to the International Programs Front Desk for check-in.
New International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation will cover topics ranging from health insurance, maintaining one's visa status, course registration, and campus safety. Fun activities will also be organized to allow students to meet other new and current TCC international students, ask questions and gain a mentor.
Some orientation contents are available online via our online eLearning platform, Canvas.
STEP 4: English Proficiency Evaluation
I have English proficiency. If you have taken the Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL or other English examination, please submit your score to the Admissions team.
I have not taken an English placement test. You will be asked to complete a proctored writing sample during a new student orientation.
STEP 5: Enroll in Classes
The International Advising team will help you choose your classes and enroll for your first quarter at TCC during a new student orientation.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Transferring-in credits from a U.S. institution? Enrollment Services must evaluate your official transcript in order for you to earn credit at TCC.
Order an official transcripts from your former college/university and have the transcript sent to TCC (Bldg. 7, Enrollment Services, 6501 S. 19th St., Tacoma, WA 98466), or electronically to credeval@tacomacc.edu.
Allow 6-8 weeks for evaluation process, longer during peak graduation periods. Transfer transcripts are evaluated AFTER student has registered for at least one quarter.
Transferring-in credits from an international institution? Please have your transcript evaluated by one of the following companies:
WORLD EDUCATION SERVICES, INC.
PO Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York NY 10274-5087
Phone: 212-966-6311; Email; Web site: www.wes.org
FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, INC.
505 5th Ave. South, Suite 101
Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425-248-2255; Email; Web site: www.fis-web.com
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS EVALUATION INSTITUTE, INC.
PO Box 6908
Beverly Hills CA 90212
Phone: 310-275-3530; Web site: www.acei1.com
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SERVICES AACRAO
Phone: 509-577-7435; Email; Website: www.aacrao.org
When I arrived here, the mentors helped me make a lot of new friends from different countries and improve my communication skills.”
Any other questions?
International Programs
Tacoma Community College
Building 11, 2nd Floor
Office: +1 (253) 566 5190
Facebook/Instagram: @tacomaccinternational