International Students

A limited number of international students may be admitted to Barstow Community College. The goal of the program is to provide   educational opportunities for the international students and to promote international understanding on campus and in the    community. The number of F1 students admitted is limited to three percent of the day enrollment. F1 students will not be accepted   for admission into any program where applications by qualified United States citizens exceed space available.

 

APPLICATION DATES

Fall Semester:

February 1 to June 1 for applicants who are living in their home country

February 1 to July 15 for students transferring from institutions in the U.S.A. 

 

Spring Semester:
September 1 to October 15 for applicants who are living in their home country

September 1 to November 15 for students transferring from institutions in the U.S.A.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

The online application AND all documents are required by the deadline. Documents may be sent by email to  admissions@barstow.edu as attachments. If you are applying from your home country, you should submit the six documents below for admission. After all documents are received, a SEVIS I-20 will be issued. There is no fee to apply to Barstow Community College.

  1. Online Admissions Application
  2. International Student Supplemental Application
  3. English Proficiency
  4. High School / College Transcript – evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc.
  5. Financial Statement – must indicate available funds for one full year of attendance
  6. Copy of Passport ID page

 

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Students must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

  • Official TOEFL score – ETS must send an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score directly to Barstow Community College.
  • Official IELTS score - Submit official IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) to Barstow Community College. The minimum score is 4.5 on the academic module.
  • Students whose primary language is English do not need to submit TOEFL or IELTS.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Complete the online Admissions Application at www.barstow.edu/apply. Students must declare a major.
  2. Submit the International Student Supplemental Application and all supporting documentation.
  3. After completion of the listed requirements, the applicant will be considered for admission and will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance by mail. When accepted, the applicant will be sent a Form I-20.
  4. Once the student receives the Form I-20, online orientation must be completed (www.barstow.edu/orient).
  5. Pay the $350 SEVIS fee to activate your I-20 SEVIS record at www.fmjfee.com
  6. Make an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. 
  • All non-immigrant visitors are required to have a valid visa in their passport to be allowed entry into the U.S.
  • Students applying for initial entry F-1 may be issued the visas up to 120 days before the academic program start date as noted in item 5 on the I-20.
  • You may not enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before the start date noted in item 5 on the I-20 form. You should make your travel arrangements with this date in mind. The start date is chosen to allow adequate time for you to arrive and make housing arrangements prior to the start of the semester.
  • Visas cannot be issued inside the U.S.
  • If you are living outside the U.S., you must obtain a passport from your government. Next, you must apply for an F-1 student visa. As soon as you receive your I-20, schedule your visa appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for an F-1 visa.

Canadian citizens do not need a visa, but simply present the I-20, valid passport, SEVIS fee receipt, and financial documentation to the immigration officer at the U.S. port of entry. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State's travel pages.

 

ATTENDING ON AN F1 STUDENT VISA

  • Within 10 days of arrival to the United States students must:
    • Update their physical address with BCC and provide a phone number. Admissions and records must be notified within 10 days every time there is a change to either of these.
    • Submit a copy of the I94 which can be found at https://i94.cpb.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
    • Meet with a counselor and develop an education plan. A copy of the education plan must be submitted to Admissions and Records. A new copy must be submitted within 10 days any time there are changes.
    • Register in 15 units, 12 units of which must be in face-to-face or hybrid classes.
  • Students are required to pay non-resident tuition, enrollment fees, and student activities and representation fees upon registering for classes.
  • Students must maintain full time enrollment (a minimum of 15 units per semester). Failure to do so, without receiving permission in advance from the Dean of Enrollment Management and Services, will result in the student being reported as out of status to   the SEVIS.
  • Enrollment of F1 students is limited to a maximum of six semesters.
  • Students must maintain academic standards as outlined in the Catalog. Failure to do so will result in being reported as out of status.
  • Students are not required to purchase international student health insurance, but it is highly recommended.

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