Can International Students Take The US LSAT?

A Common Question

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from international students is whether they can take the USA/Canada “domestic” or “regular” LSAT. This question comes up because there are far fewer international LSAT dates than there are domestic US test dates. Many test dates offer the regular LSAT but not the international one.

Yes…and No

The answer to this question is: it depends. In some cases international students can take the domestic LSAT, in other cases they cannot.

When Can International Students Take the US LSAT?

International students can take the regular US/Canada LSAT when they are physically present in the US or Canada for the actual test dates. So, if you are a Chinese national and are visiting or studying in the United States, for example, you can sit for the domestic LSAT in the US.

The guiding rule is that you can only take an LSAT when you are physically present in that location. If you are physically in the US or Canada, then you can take a “regular” or “domestic” LSAT. If you are not in the US/Canada, then you must take the international LSAT, with its more limited slate of dates.

I’m Outside the US—Can I Take the Regular US LSAT?

No. You must be in the US to take the regular US exam. If you are physically outside the country, LSAC will not allow you to sit for the exam. They will use IP blockers and other tools to stop you from taking the test. This means that if you are a US citizen but living in England, for example, for the purposes of the LSAT you are an international student and must take an international LSAT administration.

But I’m an American! I Should Be Able to Take the US Test!

Sorry, but that’s not how it works. Access to the LSAT is based on your location at the time of the test, not the country for which you have a passport. Here’s a handy chart that breaks it down:

Thanks and if you have any questions, please post them below. Happy studying!