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Immigration Advising:

The Office of International Students Program provides advice, information and services related to your student visa status in the United States. The role of the international advisor is to assist you in maintaining your legal student status. 

International student counselor is available for immigration advising and other academic/career related counseling issues on a walk-in basis or at a scheduled appointment. You can make an appointment by calling the counseling department (661) 395-4421.

Keys To Maintaining Your Legal Status

F-1: Staying in Status
There are basic requirements for maintaining F-1 status in the United States. If you are an international student it is very important to follow the guidelines below to ensure that you remain in good standing with Immigration Services (USCIS):

• Keep your passport valid at all time.
• Attend the school noted on your I-20
• Keep a valid SEVIS I-20 at all times. The expiration date is located on item# 5 on the SEVIS 1-20.
• Enroll for a full course of study. You should plan on registering for at least 12 units each semester, fall and spring semester. Summer registration is optional.
• Pursue the major listed on your I-20.
• Studies should be completed by the completion of studies date on the I-20. However, if more times is needed, obtain a program extension from International Student Services before the completion date has passed. Documents cannot be extended after they expire.
• Notify International Student Services of any breaks or interruptions in your studies, such as taking less than 12 units required. Breaks in study can impact your ability to apply for immigration benefits in the future.
• If you have changed your major or degree level, request a new I-20 document from the International Student Services.
• Report change of address to the International Education Services office within 10 days of your move.
• Report other changes directly to the International Student Services.
• Do not enroll for more than one distance education course.
• Do not engage in any illegal activities.
• Do not accept employment off campus without legal authorization from the International Education Office and the Immigration and Naturalization office BCIS (previously INS).
• Maintain adequate health insurance coverage at all times during the entire academic year.
• By Federal regulations, F-1 visa students are allowed a 60 day grace period to remain in the US after completion of a degree program.

Employment Regulations For F-1 Visa Students-OPT

OPT or Optional Practical Training is the term used by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) to refer to a temporary off-campus employment. This program offers students on F-1 visa an opportunity to gain practical work experience while they are in the United States. OPT can be used either before or after completion of course of studies under the following circumstances:

• OPT may be on campus/ off campus
• Part- time OPT is for 20 hours or less per week when school is in session
• OPT must be full-time after the completion of courses and degree.

Eligibility Requirements For OPT

• You must have been in lawful student status for one full academic year 
• You must submit a completed application to the BCIS California Service Center.
• For full time OPT, you must apply before completion of your final term.
• You must make an appointment with the international student counselor to discuss the application process.

Income Tax Information

Don't forget to file your income taxes prior to April 15th.

Work or no work, you must apply!

These websites will help you with questions regarding your tax forms. they will  also help you with the filling instructions.

www.irs.gov                      The Internal Revenue Service

www.taxes.ca.gov              Information about California taxes

www.thetaxguy.com           Tax info for international students

www.hrblock.com              Provides an online assistance in filling your tax returns. There is a fee for this service.

Permanent Visa:

Admission requirements  for immigrants is the same as for the United States citizens. Applicants must present their Permanent  Resident Alien card prior to registration for the semester. California residency is based on one year from the date of arrival in California.

For further information, regarding enrollment at BC or questions regarding  this web site please contact:

Ms. Shohreh Rahman
International Student Counselor
email: srahman@bakersfieldcollege.edu