International Students

F-1 Student Visa

The goal of the International Student Center is to provide educational opportunities for international students and to promote international understanding on campus and in the community. The following regulations govern the admission of F-1 student visa students to Fullerton College.

  1. Application deadlines are as follows: Applicants must submit complete applications by July 1 (Fall) and December 1 (Spring). A $40 non-refundable application fee is required for processing.
  2. F-1 visa students are required to pay non-resident tuition, enrollment and health fees and are strongly encouraged to purchase a Campus Photo ID Card. See “Student Fees” for additional information.
  3. F-1 visa students are required to complete a full course of study (minimum of 12 units) each Fall and Spring semester. In accordance with Federal regulations, failure to do so will be reported to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  4. Criteria for admission of F-1 visa students:
    1. The applicant must demonstrate English proficiency as indicated by a minimum TOEFL score of 61 (iBT), an IELTS score of Band 5, or an iTEP score of Level 3.5.
    2. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or have earned the equivalent of an American high school diploma or have attended 12 years of elementary and secondary schools. The student must submit academic records accompanied by a certified English translation. Evaluations of foreign transcripts and other admission documents will be based upon the recommendations of The Country Index, The World Education Series of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, or other sources.
    3. Applicants must provide evidence of financial responsibility. Certification of Parent, Self, or Sponsor Support and Bank Certification are required. Bank statements must be translated into English and represent American currency.
    4. Applicants must submit original copies of transcripts of any college coursework completed. Foreign language transcripts must be accompanied by certified English translations.
    5. Applicants must submit an essay describing their academic and career goals at Fullerton College (minimum 700 words).
    6. Applicants must submit a copy of their valid passport and a 2”x 2” photograph.
    7. Applicants who have attended other U.S. colleges or universities may be considered for admission provided the applicant meets Fullerton College admission requirements and is in status with U.S. Department of Homeland Security. F-1 visa applicants who have completed two or more years of college will be advised to seek admission to an institution offering upper division courses.
    8. Applicants who have earned a Bachelors or Masters Degree must submit the 2nd Bachelors/Masters Contract.
    9. Applicants who plan to transfer from another U.S. college, university, or English language school must submit:
      • Copy of visa
      • Copy of the electronic I-94
  5. The F-1 visa student shall be held to the same scholastic requirements and to the same College rules and regulations as other students.
  6. F-1 visa students must purchase the health and accident insurance policy mandated by the college. This policy includes major medical coverage including repatriation and evacuation. Students who do not purchase health insurance will not be able to register for courses.
  7. F-1 visa students are required to comply with U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regulations that pertain to F-1 visa students. Review Code of Federal Regulations, Title 8 CFR Part 22 Section 214.2(f).
  8. F-1 visa students will not be accepted for admission into any program where applications by qualified U.S. citizens exceed spaces available.

F-2 Student Visa

F-2 Visa Regulations

U.S. Federal Register states “accompanying spouses and children of academic and vocational nonimmigrant students with F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant status to enroll in study at an SEVP-certified school so long as any study remains less than a full course of study. F-2 and M-2 spouses and children remain prohibited from engaging in a full course of study unless they apply for, and DHS approves, a change of nonimmigrant status to a nonimmigrant status authorizing such study.”

  1. F-2 visa high school students must follow the admission procedures of the International Student Center and submit the Fullerton College Special Admit packet to the Admissions and Records Office.
  2. Application deadlines are as follows: Applicants must submit complete applications by July 1 (Fall) and December 1 (Spring). A $20 non-refundable application fee is required for processing.
  3. F-2 visa students are required to pay non-resident tuition, enrollment, and health fees. Students are also strongly encouraged to purchase a Campus Photo ID Card. See “Student Fees” for additional information.
  4. F-2 visa students may register in a maximum of 11 units each Fall and Spring semester.
  5. Criteria for admission of F-2 visa students:
    1. Applicants must provide evidence of financial responsibility. Certification of Parent, Self, or Sponsor Support and Bank Certification are required. Bank statements must be translated into English and represent American currency.
    2. Applicants must submit:
      • 2”x 2” photograph
      • Copy of F-2 I-20
      • Copy of their valid passport
      • Copy of F-2 visa
      • Copy of the electronic I-94
      • F-2 Status Verification Form
      • Consent to Treat a Minor Form, if 17 or younger
        After completion of the listed requirements, the applicant will be considered for admission and will be notified within two weeks. When accepted, the applicant will be sent an acceptance letter, along with registration and orientation materials.
  6. The F-2 visa student shall be held to the same scholastic requirements and to the same college rules and regulations as other students.
  7. F-2 visa students are required to comply with U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regulations that pertain to F-1 visa students. Review Code of Federal Regulations, Title 8 CFR Part 22 Section 214.2(f).

F-1 Visa Concurrent Enrollment

Students enrolled full time at another institution from which they have a valid I-20 are permitted to enroll at Fullerton College on a part-time basis. The “F-1 Student Enrollment Agreement” form must be completed, approved by the student’s school and the Fullerton College International Student Center and submitted with the application for admission. F-1 students must pay all appropriate tuition and fees. A $20 non-refundable application fee is required for processing.

B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa Regulations

U.S. Federal Code states that B visa holders “violate the conditions of his/her status if he/she enrolls in a course of study. [Those] who desire to enroll in a course of study must either obtain an F-1 or M-1 non-immigrant visa from a consular officer abroad and seek re-admission to the United States, or apply for and obtain a change of status.” B visa holders are encouraged to speak directly with the International Student Center about obtaining F-1 status in order to legally enroll at Fullerton College. Expired B visa holders are encouraged to speak directly to the Admissions & Records office for more information. For more information regarding international student admissions and the F-1 visa, visit http://isc.fullcoll.edu. Students may contact the International Student Center at (714) 992-7078 or send an email to isc@fullcoll.edu. 

Visa Dependence

Legal stay typically expires when a dependent child turns 21. Dependent children should contact the International Student Center 6-12 months before turning 21 to discuss a possible change of an F-1 status.

Permanent Resident Status

Students applying for admission may be asked to present their permanent resident cards, and/or other immigration documents at the time of application. Residency is based on one year from the date on the application for the visa, permanent resident card, or other immigration document. Students must have resided in California for one year and one day prior to the start of the semester, as set by the Board of Trustees. Other documentation may be required to qualify for resident tuition.

Other Visas

Visa regulations subject to change. Contact the Admissions and Records Office for further information.