Application Deadlines
All application materials must be submitted by the deadline. Email required documents as attachments to admissions@barstow.edu.
If applying from outside the U.S., submit the six required documents listed below. Once all documents are received, we will issue your SEVIS I-20.
📅 Fall Semester:
- February 1 – June 1 (applying from your home country)
- February 1 – July 15 (transferring from a U.S. institution)
📅 Spring Semester:
- September 1 – October 15 (applying from your home country)
- September 1 – November 15 (transferring from a U.S. institution)
Plan ahead to secure your place!
How to Apply
Applying to BCC as an international student is simple! Follow these steps:
1. Submit Your Application
Complete the online admissions application and declare a major at:
🌐 www.barstow.edu/apply
2. Submit Required Documents
Email the following documents to admissions@barstow.edu:
- International Student Supplemental Application
- Proof of English Proficiency – Official Scores must be sent directly to BCC from the testing agency.
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 450 (written); 133 (computer-based); or 46 (internet-based).
- IELTS: Minimum score of 4.5.
- Exemptions: Students whose primary language is English do not need to submit TOEFL or IELTS.
- High School/College Transcripts (evaluated by an accredited member of NACES)
- Financial Statement (proof of funds for one full year of study)
- Passport Copy (ID page)
3. Admission Decision
Once your application is reviewed, you will be notified of your admission status. If accepted, you will receive a Form I-20.
4. Complete Online Orientation
After receiving your I-20, complete the online orientation at:
🌐 www.barstow.edu/orient
5. Pay the SEVIS Fee
Activate your I-20 SEVIS record by paying the $350 SEVIS fee at:
🌐 www.fmjfee.com
6. Apply for Your Visa
📌 Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
📌 F-1 visas are issued up to 120 days before your program start date.
📌 You cannot enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before your program begins.
🔹 Canadian Students: Do not require a visa but must present their I-20, valid passport, SEVIS fee receipt, and financial documentation at the U.S. port of entry.
Upon Arrival in the U.S.
F-1 students must complete the following within 10 days of arrival:
📍 Update Contact Information – Provide your physical address & phone number to Admissions & Records. Notify any changes within 10 days.
📍 Submit I-94 Copy – Upload a copy from:
🌐 i94.cbp.dhs.gov
📍 Meet with a Counselor – Develop an Educational Plan and submit it to Admissions & Records. If modified, update it within 10 days.
📍 Register for Classes – Enroll in at least 15 units per semester, with a minimum of 12 units in face-to-face or hybrid courses.
📍 Pay Fees – Tuition, enrollment, and student fees must be paid at registration.
Maintaining F-1 Status
✅ Full-Time Enrollment: Must stay enrolled in 15 units per semester.
✅ Academic Standards: Must maintain academic progress per the BCC Catalog.
✅ Enrollment Limit: Maximum of six semesters allowed.
✅ Health Insurance: Strongly recommended, though not required.
⚠ Failure to comply with F-1 regulations will result in SEVIS termination and loss of status.
