International Student Affairs (ISA)
As a main resource for international students, the counselor in the International Student Affairs Office, will advise individuals and the institution on visa regulations, academic support services, social, and cultural adjustment process; and facilitate intercultural learning across the campus.
We focus on:
- Admissions: F-1 visa admission to Bakersfield College
- Immigration: Guidance on the visa process and F-1 immigration regulations
- Academic counseling/advising,
- Cultural adjustment: Assist with social security number, driver's license, housing, work on/off campus and other resources for families of F-1 visa holders
- Cross- Cultural Skills adjustment: F-1 Orientation, International Student Organization (ISO) and other educational programs to facilitate across global learning
Need Assistance?
Consult with the ISA counselor:
Walk-In Advising (no appointment needed)
ISA Office #37
Mondays/Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m.-noon and 2:00pm -4:00 pm
Tuesdays/Thursdays: 9:30 a.m.-11:30 am & 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Appointments:
Schedule 30 minutes appointment with the counselor at least one day in advance.
Phone: 661-395-4652
SEVIS Regulations Regarding F-1 Students
- Full Time Status (D/S): A student who drops below 12 credits each semester without prior approval from the International Student Services Official will be out of status and will be reported to the SEVIS accordingly.
- Online Courses: Only one Distance Learning/Online course may be counted toward the 12-credit requirement.
- Dropping Out: If you withdrawal from courses, you must depart US immediately.
- Travel and Visa Renewal: If you plan to travel out of U.S. on student visa at any time, bring your I-20 to the ISA office for travel endorsement..
- Employment: You may not engage in an employment without the permission of International Student Affairs Office.
- Optional Practical training (OPT): Upon graduation from BC, you may qualify for authorized for practical training (OPT). Please check with ISA Office for details.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) employment that is integral part of your major, may be authorized for qualified students.
- Change of Address report: report any change of address within 10 days of change.
Transferring out
If you wish to transfer to another U.S. campus, you must complete and submit the F-1 Transfer-Out Request.
Transfer Eligibility
- You are in a legal F-1 status
- You are a full time student at BC (minimum 12 units)
- You have an Acceptance letter from the school with your name and the term of your admision on school letterhead
- All fees owed to BC are paid in full and cleared
- You are not enrolled, or have dropped before form is submitted, in the upcoming term
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