International Admission
Begin your U.S. university journey at Concordia.
Discover How Far You Can Go
At Concordia University Irvine, you’ll find a challenging education with a global focus, a rigorous core curriculum, and dedicated support for international students. Our international students are fully integrated into campus life and welcomed into a close-knit, family-like community.
You’ll live, learn, and worship alongside American students in our residence halls, cafeteria, classrooms, and student activities. In turn, our students, faculty, and staff value the perspectives international students bring as we grow together in global connection and cross-cultural understanding.
First-Time Freshman
Admission Requirements
Our admission requirements are based on your academic record and English Proficiency. We review each application holistically, and our Admissions team is always here to answer your questions.
High School Transcripts
Outside the U.S.
- Your official transcripts must be evaluated by a member of the NACES.
Inside the U.S.
- Transcript evaluation is not required.
GPA Requirements
- First-time international students must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent according to the grading system used in their country
Proof of English Proficiency
As an international student, you must submit one of the following standardized tests for admission to Concordia:
- SAT: Minimum 430 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score, with a total score of 980 (Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, and Math)
- ACT: Minimum composite score of 18
- TOEFL: Minimum iBT score of 79
- IELTS: Minimum overall band of 6.5
- Duolingo: Minimum 100
Scores must be sent directly from the testing institution to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Copies are considered unofficial.
- SAT School Code: 4069
- ACT School Code: 0227
Note: If you submit more than one SAT score, we use the highest score from each section and combine them into a superscore. For the ACT, we use your highest composite score.
Graduate & International Students:
Concordia currently offers F-1 visa sponsorship for a limited set of graduate programs: the MBA (including Sports Business and Managerial Science concentrations), the Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration (MCAA), and the Master’s of Science in Coaching and Exercise Science (MSCE). Other graduate programs are not currently eligible for international admission. Admission requirements vary by program — contact your admissions counselor for program-specific details.
Undergraduate Students (First Time Freshman)
Step 1: Fill Out Your Application
You can apply 100% online on our application portal. Your progress saves automatically, so you can complete it at your own pace.
Step 2: Submit Your Official Transcripts
To complete your application, you’ll need to submit your official high school transcript (including your graduation date) directly to Concordia. Transcripts can be sent electronically via Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse (fees may apply) or mailed in a sealed envelope to:
Concordia University Irvine
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
All non-U.S. equivalent transcripts must arrive with:
- A certified English evaluation by a member of NACES
- An official translation documenting:
- Coursework
- Examinations taken
- Grades received, including passing and maximum marks
- Evidence of secondary school graduation
Recommended NACES evaluation services include:
Concordia does not accept General Reports — please request a Detail Report or Course Report with a Course Analysis.
If you have questions at any step along the way, please connect with Lonnie Lee, Director of International Student Admissions, for support and guidance
Transfer Student
Transfer Admission Requirements
Our transfer admission requirements are based on your academic record and English proficiency. We review each application holistically, and our Admissions team is always here to answer your questions.
Colleges Outside the U.S.
- Official transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES member. High school transcripts also require evaluation if you attended high school outside the U.S.
Colleges Inside the U.S.
- Only a high school transcript evaluation is required.
High School Transcripts
- Your official high school transcript, indicating and verifying graduation, must be sent directly from your high school to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- If your transcript is not in English or does not use the U.S. GPA grading system, it must be evaluated by IERF. Request a Detail Report (also known as a course-by-course report).
GPA Requirements
- International transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent according to the grading system used in their country
Proof of English Proficiency
As an international student, you must submit one of the following standardized tests for admission to Concordia:
- SAT: Minimum 430 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score, with a total score of 980 (Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, and Math)
- ACT: Minimum composite score of 18
- TOEFL: Minimum iBT score of 79
- IELTS: Minimum overall band of 6.5
Scores must be sent directly from the testing institution to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Copies are considered unofficial.
- SAT School Code: 4069
- ACT School Code: 0227
Undergraduate Students (Transfer)
To apply to Concordia University Irvine as an international transfer student, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
We strongly encourage international students to apply early.
Step 2: Submit Your Official Transcripts
Submit a transcript from each secondary and post-secondary school you have attended, current through the time of application.
High school transcripts are considered official only when sent directly from your high school guidance counselor to your admissions counselor by email, by mail in a sealed envelope, or hand-carried to Concordia University Irvine in a sealed envelope.
All non-U.S. equivalent transcripts must arrive with a certified English evaluation and translation documenting:
- Your coursework
- Examinations taken
- Grades received, including passing and maximum marks
- Evidence of secondary school graduation
Transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent according to the grading system used by the country the student is applying from.
Concordia University Irvine does not have a translation or evaluation service, and students are required to submit their records in English. If your school does not issue an English translation, your international transcripts must be professionally evaluated to be equivalent to the U.S. grading system through one of the companies listed with NACES. Suggested credential evaluation service: IERF.
Mail it to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
Step 3: Submit Your Official Test Scores
You must submit one of the following standardized tests:
- SAT: Minimum score of 980 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math)
- ACT: Minimum composite score of 18
- TOEFL: An English language proficiency test for non-native speakers of English. Minimum iBT score of 79
- IELTS: Minimum overall band of 6.5
Scores must be sent directly from the testing institution to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Copies are considered unofficial documents.
- SAT School Code: 4069
- ACT School Code: 0227
Note: If you submit more than one SAT score, we use the highest score from each section (critical reading and math) and combine them into a superscore. We also use the highest composite ACT score.
Application Deadlines
At Concordia, you can apply for fall or spring enrollment. We encourage you to apply early so you have plenty of time to explore financial aid, housing, visa timelines, and next steps.
Fall Semester
| Type | Outside the U.S. | Inside the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | June 1 | July 1 |
| Deposit Deadline | July 15 | August 1 |
Spring Semester
| Type | Outside the U.S. | Inside the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | November 1 | December 1 |
| Deposit Deadline | December 1 | December 15 |
F-1 Visa Process
Follow the steps below to receive your Form I-20. The process differs depending on whether you are transferring your F-1 status from another U.S. school or applying for an F-1 visa from outside the United States.
International students are non-citizens of the United States and are responsible for maintaining lawful immigration status. Reference Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Who Can Study? document to understand which visa types may be allowed to study.
Admitted international students can obtain a Form I-20 for F-1 status from Concordia University Irvine. The following Concordia Irvine programs are SEVP-approved for F-1 students:
- Undergraduate bachelor’s degrees (full-time, in-person)
- Master’s of Business Administration
- Master’s of Business Administration: Sports Business
- Master’s of Business Administration: Managerial Science (STEM-designated)
- Master’s of Coaching and Athletics Administration
- Master’s of Science in Coaching and Exercise Science
Here are the steps to receive your I-20 from Concordia:
Step 1: Submit Your Deposit
To secure your spot in the incoming class you will need to submit a non-refundable $300 enrollment deposit. Deposits can be made securely online via credit card or electronic check.
If you prefer to pay by mail, checks can be sent to:
Concordia University Irvine
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
To make a tuition payment instead of a deposit, visit the Bursar’s Office.
Step 2: Submit Required Forms and Documents
| REQUIREMENT | ALREADY IN THE U.S. (Transfer Student) | OUTSIDE THE U.S. (New F-1 Visa Applicant) |
|---|---|---|
| Submit the I-20 Request Form | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Copy of Valid Passport | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Scholarship Award Letter | 🔁 Varies, if awarded | 🔁 Varies, if awarded |
| Financial Document 1: Official Bank Statement (≤ 6 months old, includes name & balance showing sufficient funds for your program) | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Financial Document 2: Affidavit of Financial Support Form (Available on MyCUI, International Community Group, F-1 International Student Resources, F-1 International Student Forms) | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Copies of F-2 Dependents’ Passports, Visas, and Proof of Additional Funds ($5,000 per dependent) | 🔁 With dependents only | 🔁 With dependents only |
| Copy of National Letter of Intent (NLI) | 🏃 Athletic students only | 🏃 Athletic students only |
| Copy of F-1 Visa | ✅ Required | ❌ Not applicable |
| Copy of Current I-20 | ✅ Required | ❌ Not applicable |
| Copy of I-94 (get the most recent at i94.cbp.dhs.gov) | ✅ Required | ❌ Not applicable |
| Notify the DSO at your current school of your intent to transfer your SEVIS record to Concordia University Irvine according to your school’s transfer procedures. Provide your Concordia University Irvine admission letter, any required transfer forms, and Concordia’s SEVIS School Code: LOS214F00971000 | ✅ Required (after program/semester ends) | ❌ Not applicable |
Note: Financial documents must be less than six months old at the time of submission. Financial support may come from your own resources or from a sponsor. If your sponsor is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, an affidavit of support (PDF) must be completed and submitted with your application. These same financial documents will also be required at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when you apply for your visa.
Acceptable evidence of financial support:
- Official bank statements
- Letter on bank letterhead with required signature/stamp
- Scholarship letters
- Lines of credit
- Governmental funding
Unacceptable financial documents:
- Chartered accountant statements
- Payroll reports/expected income
- Tax statements and W-2s
- Property assessments
- Credit cards
- Bank statements without currency amounts
- Other statements of non-liquid assets
If you are transferring to Concordia from another U.S. institution, please also provide the following additional items:
- Copy of F-1 visa
- Copy of passport
- Copy of I-94
- Copy of I-20 (All 3 pages)
- Submitted I-20 Request Form
For questions on the immigration process, please contact [email protected] or (949) 214-3469.
Step 3: Receive Your Form I-20
Once Step 1 and Step 2 are complete, an electronic I-20 will be sent to your Eagles email account.
- Check your Concordia Eagles email regularly
- Print a copy of your electronic Form I-20 and keep it with you when:
- Applying for an F-1 visa
- Traveling to the United States
If you have trouble logging in to your Eagles email, please contact IT at [email protected].
Step 4: Pay the SEVIS Fee
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online before your F-1 visa interview. You can review the processes for paying the Form I-901 SEVIS fee outlined by Homeland Security. After you have paid the fee, you may apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 5: Apply for a Visa
Plan for Visa Wait Times
Visa interview appointment wait times vary by location and season; you should apply for the F-1 visa early. To review wait times for the location you intend to apply at, please visit the Visa Appointment Wait Times outlined by the U.S. Department of State, click Global Visa Wait Times to view the list.
Complete the Online Visa Application
You must complete the DS-160 form and pay the visa application fee, print the application and confirmation page, and bring it to the visa interview.
Schedule & Attend Your Visa Interview
Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live. Interviews may be scheduled at another embassy or consulate if accepted; you should be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Visa Resources
- Study in the States, Applying for a Visa to Travel to the United States
- U.S. Department of State, Study & Exchange
- U.S. Department of State, Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicant VISA EXCEPTION Citizens of Canada and Bermuda who meet all requirements do not have to apply for the F-1 visa.
- Guidance for Canadian citizen students
- Guidance for Bermudian citizen students
Step 6: Enter the U.S.
1. Enter the U.S. within 30 days of your program start date
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. You may not enter more than 30 days early.
2. Enter on an F-1 visa only
Do not enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa or F-2 dependent visa if you intend to study. You are not permitted to attend school on a B-1/B-2 or F-2 visa, and U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) may deny a change-of-status request if you had prior intent to study.
3. Use your Concordia University Irvine I-20
Do not enter the U.S. using an I-20 from another school. If it is your first time studying in the U.S., your F-1 visa should list Concordia University Irvine.
Procedures at the Port of Entry
When traveling to the U.S., it is recommended that you carry:
- Your signed I-20
- Your valid passport
- Your valid F-1 visa
- Proof of class registration (if available)
We recommend you also hand-carry:
- Financial documents (proof of sufficient funds)
- Your Concordia admission letter
- I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
Documents needed at the Port of Entry:
- I-20
- Valid passport
- Financial documents
- Admission letter from Concordia University Irvine
- I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
- Proof of ties to Canada (Canadian citizens only)
Traveling without the required documents may result in being denied entry. Final decisions are at the discretion of the CBP officer at the port of entry.
Other Visa and Immigration Statuses
U.S. immigration regulations vary by visa type. If you are not applying for F-1 status, review the information below.
J-1 Visas and the ISEP Exchange Program
Concordia University Irvine is not authorized for J-1 visas.
International students who are attending ISEP member institutions and are accepted to the ISEP Exchange Program are eligible to study in Concordia Irvine’s undergraduate programs for up to 1 year, pending confirmation of placement. ISEP is the sponsor for students’ J-1 visas.
Other Approved Visa Types
Prospective students with other visa types must have already obtained status and must provide documentation of a valid and eligible visa and, if applicable to the program, evidence of approved authorization to work.
Students with approved visa types and statuses are responsible for managing the rights and responsibilities in accordance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Once an approved visa expires, the student is responsible for applying for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Some exceptions to this may apply.
Changing Your Status to F-1
Students on other approved U.S. visas may contact Concordia Irvine’s Moon International Center to provide evidence of approved status and, if they wish, to change status to F-1 for any of the SEVP-approved programs listed above.
DISCLAIMER: U.S. immigration regulations are subject to change and can be complex on an individual basis. Should students need additional guidance related to their circumstances, they may choose to consult with appropriate legal counsel.
Not sure where to start?
Contact PDSO, Dana Peterson at [email protected] or (949)214-3469 for questions or updates related to the F-1 visa process.
Contact Lonnie Lee, Undergraduate International Admissions, at [email protected] for questions or updates related to international admissions.
Resources for International Students
FAQs
Can I work in the U.S. with an F-1 visa?
F-1 students can seek employment and training benefits available to them through authorized on-campus employment or off-campus employment (CPT, OPT, or Economic Hardship). All employment must be reported to and authorized by the Moon International Center.
Our Career Services office offers information on internships and other employment opportunities. While in F-1 status, you must receive authorization before starting any compensated employment (including internships) or uncompensated internships for academic credit.
USCIS defines compensated employment as work performed in exchange for a benefit.
Employment authorization is required if:
- You receive a salary, hourly wage, fees, books, supplies, transportation, or any other benefit in exchange for work performed, or
- The person who normally holds your position receives payment
Can I work on campus?
Under U.S. federal immigration regulations, F-1 students are permitted to work on campus under specific conditions. This type of employment does not require prior authorization from USCIS but must be reported to the DSO.
Eligibility: All F-1 students with an active Concordia-issued I-20 are eligible for on-campus employment.
Benefits
- Work up to 19 hours per week during the regular academic semester.
- Work up to 40 hours per week during official university breaks (e.g., summer for undergraduate and MBA graduate students).
- The type of job is not restricted—it can be in any department on campus
Application Process
- No formal application to immigration authorities is required.
- Students apply directly through Concordia’s on-campus employment system (e.g., HR, Handshake, or department).
- You must report your on-campus job to the DSO before you begin working by providing a job offer letter from the supervisor on Concordia University Irvine letterhead.
Note: Once you receive a job offer, you may apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
Am I able to work or intern in my field of study?
Yes. Students on a Concordia I-20 who have been in status for at least one academic year may be eligible to work in a field related to their major through:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major (Undergraduate) or program (Graduate) area of study.
Students interested in participating in practical training—including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)—should plan to attend a Practical Training Workshop hosted biannually by the Moon International Center (MIC) as early as possible in their academic program.
Important: You must receive prior authorization from the MIC and, in the case of OPT, from USCIS before beginning any employment. Engaging in work without authorization is a serious violation of F-1 status.
CPT is employment that:
- Is an integral part of your curriculum
- Is directly related to your major
The work must be tied to a required course, and you must be supervised and receive a grade.
Note: CPT must be renewed each semester and must coincide with course registration.
CPT Application: Apply through the Moon International Center. You must be approved and receive a CPT I-20 with a notation from your PDSO/DSO.
OPT is a type of off-campus authorization that allows eligible F-1 students to work part-time or full-time in their field of study for up to one year while they’re still taking classes at Concordia.
Note: You may apply up to 90 days before graduation or 60 days after graduation.
OPT Application: Apply through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with support from your PDSO/DSO at the Moon International Center. The application fee is $410.
What if I experience severe economic hardship?
If you have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year and experience a severe, documented, and unforeseen change in financial support, you may be eligible to apply for off-campus work authorization.
Benefit: Work part-time, off campus, for one year while still enrolled at Concordia.
Application: Contact your PDSO for details and application steps.
Does Concordia give credit for college-level exams, like AP and IB?
Yes. Incoming first-year students may transfer up to 30 non-accredited credits from the following:
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- DSST
Our team can help you understand how your scores transfer into your academic plan.
My I-20 was canceled. How do I get reinstated?
If you are determined to be “out of status,” your I-20 may be terminated in SEVIS. If eligible, you may apply for reinstatement to F-1 status so you may legally remain in the U.S. and continue your studies.
Reinstatement should be requested as soon as possible after a status violation. It is costly, remains on your immigration record, and can affect eligibility for certain benefits (such as work authorization). The PDSO/DSO will advise you and provide the correct forms. In serious cases, you may need to consult an immigration attorney.
You may be eligible for reinstatement if:
- You have not been out of status for more than 5 months
- You do not have a record of repeat violations
- You are pursuing, or will soon pursue, a full course of study
- You are not working without authorization
- You are not deportable on other grounds
- The status violation was beyond your control, or
- You failed to submit a program extension or seek approval for below full-time enrollment in time
Schedule an appointment with your DSO to discuss the reinstatement process and requirements.
How do I get a Social Security card?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued by the Social Security Administration and is required for paid work in the U.S. It is a unique, lifelong number and is used for tax and government purposes.
You will need an SSN for employment and tax reporting, but a Social Security card is not a work permit by itself.
Working While Waiting for a SSN
You may begin working while your SSN application is being processed, as long as you already have employment authorization (from your program sponsor or USCIS). There is no legal requirement that employers wait to hire you until your SSN has been assigned.
Social Security Number Safety
Because SSNs are often used as personal identifiers, they can be targets for identity theft. Protect your SSN by:
- Never carrying your Social Security card with you; keep it in a safe place
- Only providing your SSN when there is a specific, legitimate need
- Being careful with any forms or applications that contain your SSN
- Never giving your SSN over the phone to someone who calls you
- Never replying to emails or websites that ask for your SSN
Schedule an appointment to apply for a Social Security number in person at a local Social Security Administration office. You need to bring your current I-20, passport, most recent I-94, Form SS-5, an employment offer letter, and a letter from DSO to the Social Security Administration office to obtain an SSN. Submit a Social Security Number Letter Request Form to your DSO. Access all F-1 Forms and additional Social Security Resources at MyCUI International Community Group Resources.
You will also need a letter from Concordia — fill out the form here.
If I want to transfer out of Concordia, what do I need to do?
You should attend the institution that issued your first I-20 for at least one semester (except under certain extreme circumstances). After the first semester, you can request to transfer to another institution as long as that school has accepted you for admission. The process for transferring is as follows:
1. Contact the new institution and meet their admission requirements. You can request an official transcript through the Registrar’s Office for your application.
2. Complete the Transfer Release Request Form and submit it to your DSO at Concordia with an acceptance letter from your new institution.
3. Your DSO will transfer your SEVIS record based on the release date indicated on the form and provide you with an updated I-20.
F-1 student forms are available on the MyCUI International Community Group Resources.
Talk to an Admissions Counselor
Our Admissions team is here to guide you through every step of the application process and help you find the path that fits your goals.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need guidance? Our team is here to help you at every step. Reach out and we’ll connect you with the right support.
Admissions Office
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: (949) 214-3010
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.