• Passport - Have your passport ready for travel
• Obtain a Student Visa
  • Apply for your student visa through a U.S. Consular Office near you and read about the Student Process Steps
  • Have your 1-20, passport, financial support forms, and SEVIS fee receipt (I-901) with you and know the interview process
• Prepare for Departure/Travel Arrangements
  • Secure housing/apartments (Please note Bakersfield College does not have residence halls; however, there are apartment buildings near the campus)
  • After you receive your visa, make your travel arrangements to arrive in Los Angeles, California (Port of Entry)
  • Note: Bakersfield is approximately 100 miles north (2 hours) of Los Angeles airport (LAX) See "Travel from LAX Airport to Bakersfield" below for more details.
• Arrival to Bakersfield
  • International students in visa status may not enter the United States more than 30 days prior to the start date on Form I-20.
  • Within a few days of your arrival to Bakersfield, you must check in with the International office by sending an email to internationalstudents@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
• Helpful Websites
  • Google Maps
  • MapQuest Maps
  • Hotels in Bakersfield
  • Taxis in Bakersfield

Rome2Rio

FlixBus

CheckMyBus

Housing

Bakersfield College does not offer on-campus accommodations. However, there are many apartments near BC’s Panorama Campus. Rent charges vary according to location, size, and amenities in the complex. Upon request, we will mail you a list of apartments in the area. You can contact them directly to inquire about availability and charges.

You can also visit Off-Campus Housing for housing information.

Change Address

When you acquire housing, you must update your information with Bakersfield College AND International Student Affairs.

Updating Banner

Banner, also known as MyBanWeb, is the system BC uses to keep student information and registration. Once you have arrived, you have applied to Admissions and you have housing, you must update Banner with your new address. Anytime you change your address or phone number, notify the International Student Affairs office immediately and follow these steps:

1. Sign in to insideBC
2. Select MyBanWeb menu dropdown in the top left window of the screen
3. Select Update Address
4. Click Change under Mailing Address
5. Enter your correct information
6. Click Save
7. Next, update ISA and SEVIS, details below.

Updating ISA and SEVIS

Complete the Address Update form for International Students and submit it to the International Student Affairs Office.

What is SEVIS?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system for maintaining information on international students in the United States. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a division of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the investigative unit in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), administers SEVIS.

What is the SEVIS Fee?

The U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires the collection of a one-time SEVIS fee of $200 from international students on International Student visa. The following information may be of help to you:

• You cannot pay the fees at the Consulate Office.
• You must pay the fee at least 3 days prior to your interview.
• Another person can pay the fee on your behalf.
• The fee must be paid directly to DHS by mail, online, or Western Union Quick Pay.
• You can find information on the form-I-901 (Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants) by visiting FMJfee.com
• After paying the fee, you will receive a form I-797 (Receipt Notice) which must be presented when applying for your visa.
• The SEVIS fee will not be refunded if you are denied a visa; however, if you reapply for a new International Student within 12 months of the denial, you will not have to pay the fee again.