7 Immigrant and International Students
International students
Welcome, international students to LaGuardia Community College! Embarking on your academic journey in a new country can be both exhilarating and challenging. This chapter will guide you through your initial college semester to facilitate a successful start at LaGuardia Community College.
Every year LaGuardia Community College welcomes hundreds of international students. The college is located in Queens, New York, the most diverse county in the United States, just one subway stop away from Manhattan. Students are ideally situated for a rich experience. The college is a microcosm of the world–over 130 countries speaking more than 50 different languages are represented. Countries of origin include Ecuador, Bangladesh, Nepal, Columbia, Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, Greece, and South Korea, among many others! In the video below, let’s meet three of LaGuardia’s international students and learn about their experience at LaGuardia.
Starting your Academic Journey
Visa and Immigration Assistance
Refer to the International Student Handbook to understand visa regulations and immigration procedures needed to maintain your F-1 status. The handbook covers topics such as staying in status, academic expectations (e.g., grades and professor teaching styles), and resources for work and wellness.
Academic Tips
LaGuardia Community College offers the largest ESL program in the New York City area. The First Year Seminar and this Handbook are great resources to support your success at LaGuardia. You’ll learn how to handle your coursework and academic requirements, and you’ll acquire information about lots of the college’s resources that will benefit you. Keep in mind that each professor and every course have requirements that you should note and follow. Below is a short list of important practices:
- Ask questions, in class and outside of class.
- Attend all class sessions. If you are absent, be sure to follow up on what you missed with the professor.
- Participate in class.
- Submit assignments on time.
Academic Advising
Schedule a meeting with your international academic advisor to discuss your educational goals, course selection, and degree requirements. Your advisor can provide guidance on creating a personalized academic plan that reflects your interests and aspirations.
- Degree progress and registration: International students have additional, specific requirements!
- International F-1 Visa students must enroll, full-time taking at least 12 regular or equated credit hours every semester, and keep this credit load to completion.
- Online Coursework: Immigration regulations allow for one online class per semester towards your minimum requirement. You could take additional online courses beyond your minimum enrollment as well if you like. For example, a student could take one online course for 3 credits, 3 regular courses for 9 credits, and that’s the required 12. Beyond the required 12, an additional online course could be taken.
- A recommended, manageable course/credit load is: 9 credits-Session 1, 3 credits-Session 2
- Do not Withdraw from a course if that reduces the required 12-credit hours. No “W” grade is counted towards the 12-credit hour minimum. Details provided here–W’s Grades.
*If you’re considering withdrawal, see your ISS, Academic Advisor to discuss the best approach. Email fsinformation@lagcc.cuny.edu, or make an appointment with My LaGuardia App: https://www.laguardia.edu/iss-advising/
Campus Resources
Explore the various resources available on campus, including the library, tutoring center, career services, and student organizations. These valuable resources will enrich your academic experience, present opportunities, and foster personal growth. The college wants you to succeed and to enjoy your experience!
A short list of key resources follows:
- International Student Services (ISS)provides administrative support with F1 and 1-20 matters, academic counseling (first-year to graduation), and links to all other Student Services offices.
- The Center for Career and Professional Development will assist with your resume-writing and employment–Center For Career And Professional Development (laguardia.edu)
Employment rules: permitted only on-campus at LaGuardia or other CUNY colleges; and, limited to 20 hours per week.
- The LaGuardia Foundation Fund offers scholarships: Scholarships – LaGuardia Community College. Eligibility requirements: complete 12 credits (remedial courses are not counted) and earn at least a 3.0 grade point average. For more information visit: International Student Services (ISS) (laguardia.edu)
- The Wellness Center provides free counseling on how to manage college life, stress, and anxiety– The Wellness Center At LaGuardia Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by utilizing the health services and counseling resources available to you on campus. Take care of yourself and seek support when needed to maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Cultural Integration
Immerse yourself in the vibrant multicultural community at LaGuardia Community College. Participate in cultural events, co-curricular activities, and clubs, to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds! This will broaden your college experience, help you make lifelong friends, and build valuable skills for your future!
- Learn more about the International Student Club and how they were inspired to create the club, what it means to create a club, and even some guidance and tips around international student support. You can learn more about clubs in Find Your LaGuardia Community and what it means to network and connect with peers.
- Consider applying for President’s Society as you will gain valuable skills to increase your preparedness and confidence as you transition from a community college to the workforce or four-year college.
- LaGuardia students have free gym and pool access and recreation memberships through Athletics and Recreation.
- In addition to student clubs, there are several centers and programs that you can connect with. Learn more about the Women’s Center and LGBTQIA+ Safe Zone hub. Student Clubs & Organizations
Connect with your International Student Services Staff
Feel free to reach out to your LaGuardia international student office or advisor to ask questions and learn more about resources. They can help you with any concerns or issues you may have, such as your academics, employment opportunities, and your F-1 status.
Contact Information:
Room: B-Building, B-117
Phone: (718) 482-5145
fsinformation@lagcc.cuny.edu
By taking advantage of the academic and social opportunities at LaGuardia Community College, you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding and successful experience as an international student. Welcome to your new home away from home!
Immigrant Students
This information is up to date as of February 18th, 2025
CUNY Stands with Undocumented Students
CUNY has several resources for undocumented and immigrant students. For free legal resources and referrals, students should visit CUNY Citizenship Now! All of their services are free. For other types of support, students should visit the Office of Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs. This office specifically has resources for undocumented students.
Know Your Rights with ICE
All students should be aware of their rights when dealing with ICE. Speak up for yourself when dealing with ICE and assert your rights. All people present in the US are protected under the US Constitution.
ICE in Public
- ICE officers DO NOT need a judicial warrant or an administrative warrant to speak to you in public.
- If an ICE officer approaches you in public, first ask, “Am I free to go?” BEFORE giving them any of your personal information.
- If they say no, you can say, “I want to use my right not to answer any of your questions.” This may not stop them from trying to detain you, but you are putting your right to remain silent to good use.
ICE at Home
- If ICE comes knocking at your door, ask to see a JUDICIAL warrant. A judicial warrant is signed by a judge and is different from an administrative warrant.
- ICE CAN NOT enter your home with an administrative warrant. This warrant has very little legal power, since it was created by ICE.
- DO NOT open the door without seeing the judicial warrant. Either ask ICE to slide the warrant under the door OR to hold it up in the window.
- If ICE enters your home, you have the right to REMAIN SILENT.
- If ICE enters your home, you have the right to RECORD the interaction.
- Do not LIE and do not give ICE officers FAKE documents.
ICE in the Workplace
- If you are in a break-room that is for employees only at your place of work, ICE officers CAN NOT enter that space without a judicial warrant, due to that space being designated as ‘private.’
- In the event of an ICE RAID, ICE will show up to your place of work unannounced. If ICE discovers unauthorized workers on the premises, they may arrest and detain them.
- In the event of an ICE AUDIT, ICE may show up to your place of work unannounced or they may have given your employer prior notice. In this case, ICE will ask your employer to provide I-9 forms for all employees. If the I-9s are not on file, the employer has 3 days to provide them to ICE. Please note that your employer has the right to let you go if you cannot provide I-9 documentation.
