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Applying for F1 status for the first time:

• Fall Semester (September Start): June 1
• Spring Semester (January Start): Oct. 1

Transferring F1 status from another institution:

• Fall Semester (September Start): Aug. 1
• Spring Semester (January Start): Dec. 1

Complete the International Student Application Packet (PDF)

• Official and evaluated transcripts (high school, university, etc.)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Copy of passport and visa pages
• Affidavit of Support and Financial Statements
• I-94 Arrival and Departure Record
• Immunization Requirements Form

Questions about the application requirements?

1. Review the International Student Application Packet
2. Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab
3. Contact the Office of Admissions: admissions@berkshirecc.edu

Students seeking to study at ºÚÁÏÉçÔÚÏß¹Û¿´Èë¿Ú College on a F-1 Visa must complete a minimum of 12 credits in the fall and spring semesters to be in compliance with holding a student visa. F-1 students must take a minimum of 9 credits in a traditional, on-campus setting. Any credits above 9 credits can be taken online. (Winter intersession and summer session classes are optional.)

Due to programs of study at BCC having different credit limits, course modalities, and off-campus clinicals/practicums, below is a list of suggested programs of study F-1 Visa holders could study that meet compliance regulations:

• Business Administration, AA*
• Business Careers, AS*
• CIS-Computer Science, AS*
• CIS-Networking and Cybersecurity, AS*
• Criminal Justice, AS*
• Engineering, AS
• Environmental Science, AS
• Health Science-Pre-Professional Transfer, AS
• Health Science, AS
• Liberal Arts, AA
• Mechatronics, AS
• Natural and Physical Sciences, AS

*Program of study has a high number of online course offerings for program requirements. Students will need to work with their academic advisor to create an academic plan to keep in compliance with a F-1 Visa.

Academic Year 2025 – 2026

Item	Cost
Tuition and Fees*	$14,450
Housing and Food**	$20,556
Books, Supplies, etc.	$5,160
Health Insurance***	$4,379
Total Expenses	$44,545

*Based on 15 credits per semester. International students will be subject to out-of-state tuition rates. All costs are subject to change and may vary for each student. Note: some programs may charge additional fees.

**Housing is not available at the College. Students are responsible for securing housing on their own. In addition, regardless of whether a student lives with family or friends in the area, the student will still need to demonstrate that they have ample financial resources to support cost of living. There is an additional financial requirement for each dependent of $10,970.

***Massachusetts law requires that all international students have health insurance (MA General Law Chapter 15A, Section 18). A charge for health insurance will be added to the student's bill unless proof of comparable insurance from a U.S. based company is provided.

How do I submit translated and evaluated official high school or university transcripts?

• All foreign documentation must be translated and evaluated to U.S. standards by an outside agency accredited by or a member of and submitted to admissions@berkshirecc.edu. Some examples are below:

What type of evaluation do I need to submit?

• Secondary School (high school) records: General Evaluation
• Post-Secondary School (university) records: Course-by-Course Evaluation

What is the minimum score needed to demonstrate English Language Proficiency?

• All international applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency in one of the following ways:
  • : a minimum score of 80 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT)
  • : a minimum score of 6.5 or higher
  • : a minimum score of 110 or higher

When do I not need to submit an English Language Proficiency score for admissions?

• English is the native language of the applicant's country of citizenship, or
• The applicant has successfully completed at least one full semester of English Composition (level 100 or higher) at a United States college or university and received a grade of a "C" or better, which is confirmed by an official transcript

What is the SEVIS I-20 Form?

• The Form I-20 is your "certificate of eligibility" issued by ºÚÁÏÉçÔÚÏß¹Û¿´Èë¿Ú College (BCC) indicating you are attending (or planning to attend) BCC. It is like a pass to stay in the United States while studying. You need your I-20 to obtain your F-1 visa.

What is the F-1 Visa?

• The F-1 Visa is a student visa issued to a person who will be a full-time student seeking a degree at an approved institution in the U.S. Your F-1 Visa is issued by a U.S. 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.

When will I get my Form I-20?

• Once BCC receives all required documentation, your file will be evaluated by the Office of Admissions. If you meet the minimum admissions requirements and are applying to an open enrollment program, you will be issued your I-20.

When do I make a student visa appointment with a U.S. embassy or consulate?

• We recommend you schedule your appointment upon receipt of your I-20.

What happens if I am denied a student visa after meeting with a U.S. embassy or consulate?

• The I-20 is only an application to apply for a student visa appointment. Receiving an I-20 from BCC does not guarantee a F-1 Visa. A U.S. embassy or consulate will make the decision on whether or not to grant you a student visa. If you are denied, you need to inform BCC immediately.

Does BCC have on-campus housing?

• No. You will need to make your 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.

Can I seek employment with a student visa?

• No. This is why USCIS requires financial documentation that demonstrates sufficient funds available to support your education. The F-1 visa does allow for on-campus employment, however such opportunities at BCC are limited and students should not expect to work.

Can I get financial aid/student loans to assist me with paying for college?

• No. Financial aid and loans are not available through BCC for F-1 students or students on other types of non-immigrant visas.

Who can I get to sponsor me? Does it have to be someone in the U.S?

• You will need to obtain your own sponsors. The sponsors do not need to be in the US. BCC allows for up to two sponsors per applicant. Our only requirement is that the sponsor(s) have sufficient funds to meet your financial requirements and complete the sponsorship agreement.

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 and provide the supported financial documents.

I am on an F-1 or other non-immigrant visa and have lived in Massachusetts for a year and pay state taxes – can I pay in-state tuition?

• No. Students on a F-1 visa at BCC will pay out of state rates. At this time, state regulations mandate that we cannot charge applicants who are in the U.S on a non-immigrant visa in-state tuition.

How much will it cost to attend BCC and obtain a degree?

• Please refer to the "Estimated Annual Expenses" tab above. The estimate provided is based on one academic year. Your degree can be completed in two years, but additional time may be required for students who need to improve their English, reading or mathematics skills prior to entering coursework required for their degree. When planning your financial needs, it is advised that applicants estimate financial need to be between 2 and 3 years.

Can I change my program of study?

• Yes. You may change your program of study, but we must issue you a new Form I-20 with your new program and completion date

What is the minimum amount of credits I can take to remain in compliance as a F-1 visa holder?

• To qualify for and maintain a student visa (F-1 status), students must complete a minimum of 12 credits in the fall semester and 12 credits in the spring semester. F-1 students must take a minimum of 9 credits in a traditional, on campus setting. Any credits above 9 credits can be taken online. Winter intersession and summer session classes are optional.

What happens if I do not complete my degree before my I-20's expiration date?

• BCC can file for an extension to your Form I-20 so you may complete your degree.

Can I transfer from BCC to another college? How do I go about it?

• As long as you are currently in good standing both financially and academically with BCC, we will sign a transfer approval form issued by the school you wish to transfer. In addition, students will need to fill out BCC's .

Can I transfer from another college in the US to BCC? What do I need to do?

• Yes, you will need to submit all documentation required for new applicants. A completed "Transfer Verification Form" signed by your current college/university and current official transcript indicating completed courses and those in progress.

Can I travel outside the U.S. during school breaks?

• Yes, you may travel during school breaks. You will need your Form I-20 signed by a BCC official (PDSO/DSO) once every 12 months.