ARC International Program: How to Enroll

What is a community college?
California Community Colleges offer affordable and dynamic educational programs. American River College is a part of the Los Rios Community College District, which serves students at four colleges in the Sacramento area. The California Community College system has transfer agreements with the University of California and California State University systems. These agreements allow students to complete their general education requirements at the community college level and then transfer at a junior standing to complete their bachelor degree. More and more students, non-international and international, are choosing to complete their lower division courses in a community college. The community college system plays an important role in California ’s higher education system and is unique community college districts in the U.S. Furthermore, studies have shown that international students who transfer from a community college are better students than their counterparts who entered as freshmen.

What kind of visa do international students receive?
International Students are able to study at American River College on the F1 student visa in F1 status. As an international student, you will be given the I-20, certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant status. This will allow you to apply for the F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country. For more information on student visas, please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. It is important that you are prepared for your visa interview. NAFSA: Association of International Educators has some useful information regarding your interview. In order to receive the I-20 from ARC, you will need to follow the International Student Application Procedures.

After I receive the visa, when can I enter the U.S.?
International students cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start of the semester. Therefore, if the semester begins on January 18th, you can enter the U.S. on December 18th or later. When you enter the U.S., you will need to have: (1) valid passport; (2) valid F-1 visa; and (3) I-20.

What is the I-901 fee?
This fee is for F, M & J visa applicants, and is in addition to the regular DS-156 non-immigrant application fee. This fee will need to be paid before you can receive the F visa. This fee can be paid online.

I am already in the U.S. attending another school, can I transfer to ARC?
Yes, as long as you've maintained your status at your current school, then you will be able to transfer. Please follow the International Student Application Procedures. After you've completed the application, you will need to request the release of your SEVIS I-20 record to American River College. Please, talk to your current international student advisor for more information.

What are the requirements for international students?
When you enter the U.S. with your new visa and I-20, you are considered in good immigration status. International students need to maintain good status while studying in the U.S. In order to maintain your status, you are required to attend school full-time. Full-time study is considered 12 units per semester. There are some exceptions to full time study, but you need to get approval from your International Student Advisor. It is absolutely essential that you comply with the governmental regulations as well as the college requirements to maintain your status.

I came into the U.S. on a tourist visa. Can I go to ARC?
The INS requires that you change your non-immigrant status to a student (F-1) visa before you can attend ARC as a full-time student. To do this, you will need to have an I-20 Certificate complete an I-539 form and submit to the INS Service Center. For more information, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services website.

Can international students work?
Yes, international students may work under certain circumstances. To determine whether you are eligible to work, either on or off campus, contact the ARC International Student Office. Any employment must be authorized by your international student advisor at ARC.

Do I need health insurance?
Yes, the student must provide medical and dental care. Health care in the U.S. is extremely expensive and there are no free medical facilities. The International Student Office will provide you information on a health care program. You will not be able to register for classes without health insurance coverage.

Does American River College provide housing?
No. However, please let the International Student Office know if you need help with housing. We will assist you as much as possible to get started in Sacramento.

Why do I have to show so much money on my bank statement?
According to F1 student regulations, international students must show that they can pay for tuition and living expenses for the entire program. Before a decision can be made on admission, you must show that you can provide for living/housing costs and tuition for a full academic year. The amount required is $15,000 and must be shown on a bank statement in U.S. dollars. If you are living with a relative in Sacramento who is providing you room and board at no cost, then we must receive a letter stating this. The amount of financial support is then reduced to $8,640.

Can I get Financial Assistance?
International students are not eligible for financial aid, but may apply for scholarships. International students are encouraged to research alternative funding sources, such as Study USA.

How do I know which classes to take?
You will meet with the international student counselor to create your educational plan as soon as your arrive on campus. By working closely with the counselor while you are here, you will be able to get the most benefit from your time here at ARC. The Counseling Office offers a number of services to ARC students.

Can I only study English?
American River College does not offer an Intensive English Program. All international students take regular classes, along with intermediate-high English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. We have an excellent ESL program that will help you have success in your other classes. There also are two intensive off-campus English programs in Sacramento: Kaplan Educational Center and California State University in Sacramento. It is possible to attend these programs and then transfer to ARC when you can meet the language requirement.

What is the best way to fill out the online application?
Print out and complete the online application. You may scan the completed form and e-mail it to MalikJ@arc.losrios.edu. You also may fax the completed application to 916-484-8864, or mail it to Jamil Malik, Enrollment Services, American River College, 4700 College Oak Dr., Sacramento, CA 95841.

I don't have a Social Security number to put on the application; what should I do? If you don't have a Social Security number, please leave this blank when applying. You will receive a student I.D. number when your application is processed. Your application may experience a delay. In order to receive your I.D., you will need to contact the admissions office.
I am still in my country, so I don't have a visa number or issue date for the application; what should I do? You don't need to fill in this field in the application. Please leave it blank.
I'm not sure if I want to attend American River College or one of the other colleges in the Los Rios Community College District (Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College, or Cosumnes River College). If my I-20 or student visa is with American River College, can I attend the other Los Rios Community College district campuses? You must attend the school where you have your I-20; however, you may receive permission to take a class at one of the other campuses. This permission is given by the International Student Advisor at American River College.

More Questions?