What is the minimum amount of credits I can take to remain a full-time student in
compliance as a F1 visa holder?
- 12 credits per semester in your program of study.
Can I change my program of study?
- Yes, you may change your program of study. You must contact your DSO/PSDO to schedule
an appointment with them in order to issue you a new Form I-20 with your new program
of study and completion date.
Can I get a certificate as a F1 student?
- No. BCC only awards associate degrees to students on a F1 visa.
What happens if I do not complete my degree before my I-20 expires?
- BCC can file for an extension to your Form I-20 so you may complete your degree.
Can I get credit for college/university courses I took at a college/university in
my country?
- Yes, you may be eligible to receive credit for courses that are equivalent to BCC
courses. You will need to have your transcripts translated to English (if needed),
and/or have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved credential evaluation
service.
How do I submit translated official high school or collegiate level transcripts?
- Official transcripts must be evaluated by an outside agency accredited by the National Association for Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or a member of NAFSA. Some examples are below:
- All official and evaluated transcripts must be sent directly to admissions@berkshirecc.edu. Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institution.
We cannot accept transcripts sent to us electronically from students. If you are delivering
the transcript by hand, it must be unopened with the official seal from the sending
institution still intact.
I have college transcripts, but I don't have access to my H.S. transcripts, is this
okay?
- As long as the evaluation of your college transcripts states that the U.S. equivalency
of a high school credential is required for admission, that is acceptable.
What is the minimum score needed to demonstrate English Language Proficiency?
- All students seeking an International Student Visa (who are coming from countries
that are non-native speakers of English) must demonstrate English language proficiency
in one of the following ways:
Can I seek employment with a F1 student visa?
- No. This is why USCIS requires financial documentation that demonstrates sufficient
funds available to support your education.
Can I travel outside the United States during school breaks? What do I need to do?
- Yes, you may travel during school breaks. You will need your Form I-20 signed by a
BCC official (PDSO/DSO).
Do you have on-campus housing?
- No. BCC does not provide campus housing. Students will need to make their own arrangements
for housing.
If I am living with a family member or friend, will I still have to provide proof
of financial
support/sponsorship for the entire amount listed?
- Yes. Regardless of your housing situation, you will still have to demonstrate that
you have ample financial resources to support housing costs if necessary.
What is the F1 visa?
- The F1 visa is a student visa issued to a person who will be a full-time student seeking
a degree at an approved institution. Your F1 visa is issued by a US embassy or consulate
in or near your country and is on one of the pages of your passport with your picture,
personal information, and name of the school on it. It is like a ticket to enter the
United States.
What is the I-94?
- Form I-94 is the DHS Arrival/Departure Record issued to foreign travelers who are
admitted to the US. Foreign visitors to the US arriving via air or sea no longer need
to complete paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 or I-94W. You can access
their CBP arrival/departure record information online.
What is the SEVIS I-20 Form?
- The Form I-20 is your "certificate of eligibility" issued by the Berkshire Community
College indicating you are attending (or planning to attend) Berkshire Community College.
It is like a pass to stay in the United States while studying. You need your I-20
to obtain your F-1 visa.
When will I get my Form I-20?
- Once BCC has received all required documentation, your file will be evaluated by the
DSO/PDSO. If you meet the admission requirements, you will be issued your I-20. Please note: the I-20 cannot be issued more than 120 days prior to the start of your
academic program.
When do I make an appointment with the US embassy or consulate?
- BCC recommends you schedule your appointment upon your receipt of your I-20.
Who can I get to sponsor me? Does it have to be someone in the US?
- You will need to obtain your own sponsor(s). The sponsor(s) do not need to be in the
US. BCC only requirement is that the sponsor(s) have sufficient funds to meet your
financial responsibilities.
Am I allowed to sponsor myself?
- Yes. You are allowed to sponsor yourself as long as you fill out the Affidavit of
Support on your own behalf.
