International Student Admission

This college is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. International students (F1 visas) and persons who hold nonimmigrant visas including but not limited to visa types B (special restriction applies), C, D, H1, H2, H3, H4, J, O, P, Q1, TN, TD, TWOV, U, are citizens and residents of another country. Eligibility for admission is determined by the type and current status of the visa. If eligible for admission, students present in the United States under these visa types are classified as International Students and are required to pay nonresident tuition fees in addition to the mandatory enrollment and health fees for each semester of attendance. Contact the International Student Program for more information. Students who hold certain types of nonimmigrant visas approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services may be eligible for admission as well as residence classification for tuition purposes.

Proof of current visa status must be submitted to determine this eligibility. See the International Students Program section in this catalog, or contact the International Student Office or Admission and Records Office for more information.

International Student Admission Requirements and Procedures (F-1 Visa students only)

An international student is anyone enrolled in courses in the United States who is neither a permanent resident nor a citizen of the United States. Most international students who intend to study full time in the United States will have a F-1 visa. Persons holding visas should contact the Admissions and Records Office to determine their eligibility for admission to the college, or contact the International Student Program.

Prior to admission, international students must submit all of the following documents for evaluation to the International Student Office:

• Application Deadline:
  • Fall Semester: June 15
  • Spring Semester: November 15
• International Student Application form for Ventura College
• Dated and signed personal letter (in English) describing educational background, special interests, and reasons for applying to Ventura College
• Proof of TOEFL with a score of 45 iBT or other satisfactory evidence of English level. Please send the score directly to Ventura College from ETS. Currently we are accepting Duolingo (score of 75) as well. Please indicate Ventura College as your receiving institution.
• Official Translated Transcripts: Transcripts of all High Schools and Colleges previously attended must be translated to English and submitted
• A $50 non-refundable Application Processing fee. Check or money order payable in US dollars and made out to “Ventura College”
• Most recent bank statement AND a letter from a bank official confirming your sponsor's financial standing or a statement from a government agency granting the support to show proof that you have sufficient financial support to pay tuition, fees, and living expenses for one year. We estimate this cost to be approximately $23,000.
• Affidavit of Support Form - signed and dated by the sponsor.
• A personal letter of reference from a school instructor, administrator or an employer
• A copy of passport information page.

For transfer students, please submit the following documents:

• Copy of current I20
• Copy of Visa page
• Copy of I94

All items can be emailed to vcinternational@vcccd.edu as a PDF file except for the following:

• Official Transcript
• Language Proficiency Score Report

Prior to enrollment in classes, international students must complete the following activities:

• Take appropriate assessment steps at Ventura College.
• Attend an orientation session for new international students, including academic counseling.
• Attend in-person, an individual appointment with the International Student Office staff.

Prior to attendance in classes, international students must provide the following items to the International Student Office:

• Completed Health Statement, and negative Tuberculosis skin test (Mantoux). If skin test is positive, student will be required to obtain a clear follow-up chest x-ray
• Proof of major medical insurance coverage meeting minimum school requirements. Appropriate insurance may be purchased through the International Student Office on campus
• Passport, visa, I-94 card and any previous I-20s issued by other schools, so copies can be made and filed.

Limitations on International Student Enrollments

Due to the District’s space limitations and the special educational needs of international students, the Ventura County Community College District reserves the right to limit the number of international students admitted each year. Consult the college website for additional Information.

Full-Time Attendance Requirement

F-1 student visa holders attending college are required by U.S. immigration regulations to maintain full-time student status while studying in the United States. At Ventura College, full-time attendance means the student must enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 units of coursework each Fall and Spring semester. Students are not required to take courses during summer vacation or winter/spring breaks. Students taking less than 12 units for any reason must first speak to a counselor and get the final approval from the International Student Specialist in the International Student Office prior to dropping/withdrawing from classes.

Online/Distance Learning Course Limits

International students are allowed to use no more than three (3) units of fully online instruction towards the full-time attendance requirement each semester. International student taking only 12 units of coursework must complete at least nine (9) units of courses taught in the classroom to maintain their I-20 status.

Permission to Work (F-1 visa only)

According to immigration policy, International students may work 20 hours a week, on-campus only, during their first nine months of study. Contact the International Students Office for information, vcinternational@vcccd.edu or (805) 289-6182.