International Students Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is SEVIS?
A: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System - put in place by the Department of Homeland Security to monitor and maintain the status of international students, as required by federal mandate. SEVIS is an online dynamic document, all student arrival and departure information, and changes to student status and whereabouts must be entered into the SEVIS system.
Q: How can I get an I-20?
A: Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status) will not be issued until you completed application has been reviewed and accepted. Application packet can be mailed to the student, or they can download it on our website.
Once the student receives the I-20 it must be taken the Embassy/Consulate in their country to be issued a visa for entry to the US (Canadians do not need a Visa). Please see Regulations for Foreign Visa Students in the application packet referred to above.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, $50.00 payable to CCCC in US dollars
Q: Do I have to attend full time?
A: Yes, student must carry at least 12 units per semester. The PDSO (Primary Designated School Official, Jill Board) may authorize an exception prior to dropping below a full load, but this may only be done for medical reasons, academic reasons (with advisor recommendation) or for the last semester before graduation. A student may only drop below a full load one semester. The PDSO/DSO will check on student enrollment 30 days into the semester.
Q: Do I have to take the TOEFL examination?
A: All applicants must prove their English proficiency. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) must be taken by anyone, whose native language is not English. Student must present a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based) or 173 (Computer-based).
Q: Do I need to send official transcripts or mark sheets? Do my transcripts have to be translated?
Yes, official transcripts of academic records together with an English translation certified by an international evaluation service, and a transcript of courses in progress if previously enrolled at a higher ed institution.
Q: Is financial aid offered to international students?
A: No financial aid or scholarships are offered to international students. International students must be self-supported and must provide the sufficient funds to cover expenses for entire period of study. The estimated yearly cost is $17,000- $20,000. $17,000 is an approximate cost for a one year, 30 unit program.
Q: Can I work as an international student?
A: Yes, as an international student you may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) on campus (no funding is currently available for 2003-2004 year). You cannot work off campus without permission of the PDSO/DSO (Designated School Official) and the BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services). Remember one of the admission requirements was to submit a financial statement showing that you have sufficient money ($17,000 -$20,000) for your tuition and living expenses per year. Therefore, you should not count on getting job on campus. Please contact PDSO/DSO for further information regarding off campus employment, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes, only your spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) are eligible to enter the US in F-2 dependent status. Each dependent must receive their own I-20 if they wish to obtain an F-2 visa and enter the US. Please see PDSO/DSO for further information.
Q: Can I get a driver’s license or social security card?
A: Yes, students can obtain both, however the social security number is not necessary other than to obtain employment.
To get a driver’s license, student must either provide the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with a social security number or a denial letter from the Social Security office. In most instances, the student will be given a denial letter (not a social security card). The DMV will accept the denial letter and issue a driver’s license. Student will need an Enrollment Verification Letter from A&R showing they are a full-time student.
If a student is seeking a social security number, they would need a letter showing that in order to obtain on campus employment the social security number is needed and an Enrollment Verification Letter from A&R showing they are a full-time student.
Q: When does the PDSO/DSO need to be notified?
A: The PDSO/DSO should be notified:
- Upon student arrival
- When long term SEP is complete (copy needed for International student file)
- Prior to dropping below 12 units
- Temporary travel out of the country
- Add/change F-2 dependents
- Prior to seeking employment, including OPT and CPT
- Update financial information
- Update personal information, driver’s license, social security, tax ID #
- Address/phone number changes
- Program extension requests
- Shorten program length
- Program change (new major, etc.)
- Suspensions or other disciplinary action
- Termination of student
- Transfer requests
- Program completion
- Before departure
Q: How can I reach you?
A: E-mail is usually the easiest and most effective ways to reach us. We check our email daily and you can expect a timely response.
- Must not arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date.
- Must contact school to report that they have arrived.
- Must take a minimum of 12 units during each full semester (summer session not included).
- Must attend all classes and maintain normal academic progress.
- Must speak with International Student Services before dropping a class. Remember, they must take a minimum of 12 units!
- Must report if they want to change their major, which requires the school to issue a new I-20.
- Must report a change of address or phone number.
- Must not allow their I-20 to expire if they need more time to complete their program of study.
- Must keep ALL i-20s, even the ones that seem unimportant!
- Must leave the country no longer than 60 days after completion of their program of study.
