Frequently Asked Questions

After you have submitted your application, BC ISS office will review your application. Our office will contact you via email if any application items or documents are missing. After all documents are received, you can expect the following processing times within 1-2 weeks. The International Programs office will email you a formal admission letter and a copy of your I-20.

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Change of Status in the U.S to International Student:

• Obtain an I-20 from Bakersfield College
• Decide options of change of status: travel and reenter or Change in the US
• Prepare the required documents and follow proper steps
• Complete the packet of documents (below) and mail them to the USCIS Lockbox

Required Documents to USCIS

To apply for a change to International Student status in the United States, you must submit the following documents:

• Form I-539 "Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status"
• USCIS filling fee- Check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Original I-94 card or photocopy of admission stamp and paper printout of I-94 record
• Photocopy of the visa page and identification page in your passport
• Photocopy of the signed I-20 issued by BC and every previously issued I-20
• Proof of SEVIS fee payment - visit fmjfee.com for more information
• Photocopies of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, and passport page
• Evidence of financial support
• Detailed letter explaining why you are requesting the change of status

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All International Students are required to take at least 12 units of study per semester.  There are two regular semesters and one short summer semester per school year.  International Students are not required to attend during the summer semester, although it is encouraged.

All fees are payable upon enrollment and registration into courses. You may pay tuition with cash, traveler’s check, credit card, debit card, or personal check from a U.S. bank account.

 

International Student Non-Resident Estimated Annual Expenses for 2025-2026

Expense	Fee	Total
Out of State Tuition Fee	$336.00 per unit	24 units per year minimum=$8064.00
Enrollment Fee	$46.00 per unit	24 units per year minimum=$1,104.00
Other Fees	$65.00 per year	$65.00 (Student Health Center Fee, Student Center Fee, Student Representation Fee) (Parking permits add $110.00 per school year to the fees, if needed.)
Textbooks and Supplies	$400.00 (average per semester)	$800.00 (average)
Housing (off-campus) and living expenses	$850.00-$1250.00 per month (average)	$10,200.00 (average)
Total Required		$20,233.00 USD (average)

• Dependents: International Students must show a bank account with an additional $7000.00 U.S. for spouse and $5,000.00 U.S. per child.
• All new applicants require a one-time application processing fee of $50.00.
• Payment plans are available upon request.

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Foreign Credential Evaluators

ACEI-Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.

Website: acei-global.org
Telephone: (800) 234-1597

World Education Services, Inc.

Website: wes.org
Telephone: (212) 739-6100

International Education Research Foundation, Inc.

Website: ierf.org
Telephone: (310) 258-9451

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While Bakersfield College does not offer dormitories on campus, our office can help you with your search of surrounding apartments and local homestay agencies.

See our housing information page for recommendations or contact us for more information.

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All Associate Degrees (AA) and Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) programs are open to international students. Please visit our Learning and Career Pathways page.

Note: Students must select a degree program and may enroll in English for Multilingual Students (EMLS) courses to strengthen their English skills.

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