FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (for international admissions)

In an effort to help you get started in applying, we have prepared this frequently asked questions and answers in a hope that it will help you.

	Is there an application fee?
	BCC no longer charges an application fee.
	When can I apply for admission to receive an I-20?
	You may apply to the College for the fall academic semester between February 1 and May 1, and for the spring academic semester between September 1 and October 15. The fall semester always begins in early September and the spring semester in mid-January. Application packets for admission (and subsequent I-20 issuance) will only be available at this time. Application packets will be available on-line as well as in paper form.
	How do I obtain an International Admissions Packet?
	You can receive an International Admissions Packet by either e-mailing intadmissions@bergen.edu; faxing a request to (201) 670-7973, or by visiting the following page of our website: http://admissions.bergen.edu/admissions/internationalstudents/default.asp
	What can I get ready prior to receiving an international admissions packet?
	You should start by requesting an official copy of your grades and proof of graduation. This must be an official, original copy and must be translated into English by a certified translator. You can also determine who will be your sponsor, which is the person paying for your expenses while you are studying in the US, and read the information concerning International Admissions on our website.
	Who should be my sponsor?
	Anyone in the world can be your sponsor, including yourself, as long as the financial requirements are met. It is also possible to have more than one sponsor, providing that you submit a notarized affidavit and bank statement for each sponsor. A person, organization, or a business can act as a sponsor. Proof of liquid assets are required, which are financial investments such as a bank account, checking account, certificate of deposit, IRA, bonds, stocks, retirement funds, tax shelter, annuity,etc. It cannot be a house, car, jewelry, or furs. If you will be your own sponsor, you will need to show enough funding to pay for your first year as well as an income to pay for future years. It will not be acceptable to show funding solely for year one.
	NOTE:  When a person is applying from outside the United States for an F-1 visa, it is best to use a sponsor in the applicant’s country. It order to be granted the visa, you must prove ties with your home country; that is, a reason(s) for returning to your home country. The suggested ties include having a sponsor in the applicant’s country, owning property in the applicant’s country, and a potential employment opportunity in the home country after returning. It can be much more difficult to obtain an F-1 visa if this is not possible.
	What kind of testing is required?
	If your first language is English, you will need to take the New Jersey Basic Skills Test upon arrival at BCC. This test is a placement test, not an entrance examination, and includes English and mathematics. Either the TOEFL or the Level of English Proficiency Test (LOEP) will be required if English is not your first language. The LOEP is also used for placement purposes only. You should speak with the Office of Testing Services concerning either of these tests including obtaining any preparatory information concerning studying for them.
	How do I arrange to take the placement tests?
	Once you are admitted to the college, you will receive email notifying you of testing dates/times that are available. You may test most week days upon your arrival to Bergen Community College. No appointment is necessary.
	What are the main Immigration requirements for staying in good-standing at Bergen Community College?
	There are three main requirements; namely, you must be admitted to a two-year degree program, must be continuously full-time (12 credits) with the exception of summers, and must be registered for the academic semester (fall and spring).
	Where should I bring my completed international application packet?
	Please bring your admission materials to the F-1 International Student Center (Room A-126) and leave them with the receptionist. Applications will be reviewed as quickly as possible by the International Admissions Advisor. Please allow six weeks for processing before contacting us for a status update.It is imperative that you have an accurate mailing address on file with us at all times while you are applying. If you need to update your address, please email: intadmissions.bergen.edu. If you are mailing your application materials from outside the United States, please send them to the International Admissions Advisor in care of the college address. Office of Enrollment Services, International Student Center Bergen Community College 400 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ 07652 USA
	What happens when the completed international admissions packet is returned to the F-1 International Student Center?
	The documents will be reviewed, checking for completion and either a letter will be generated requesting additional information OR an acceptance letter will be sent to you. If you are abroad, a Form I-20 will be processed and mailed to you with your acceptance letter. If you are a Change of Status Applicant, your I-20 will be sent to the Vermont Service Center for processing as part of your Change of Status Request Package. If you are a Transfer Applicant, your I-20 can only be issued after you finish your current program and have your SEVIS record electronically transferred to BCC. Your acceptance package will contain information about these matters.
	How much will my tuition be?
	You will be paying out-of-county tuition rates. This information can be found on the website or in the current college catalog. Please know that F-1 students must by law register for 12 credits for semester. Many students take 15 credits. You will need about $7,000 per year for tuition and fees.
	When can I pay my bill?
	You will only receive your bill after you have taken your placement test or have been exempted from testing, and have registered for courses. Since you will be charged for the number of credits for which you register, your bill may not be the same each semester. You will be able to pay the Bursar (A229) with cash (US dollars), credit card, debit card, or a check/money order as long as it is drawn on a US bank. You can also pay your bill on-line with a credit card through WebAdvisor.
	What happens if my change of status is not processed before the start of classes?
	The answer to this question depends on what your current status is. If you are a visitor with B-1, B-2, or B 1/2 status, or an individual with F-1 status, by law you must wait for your F-1 status request to be approved before registering for classes. If your current status does not have any restrictions regarding study, then you may proceed with registering for classes.
	I have completed college/university courses in the United States? May I receive credit for this work?
	Upon getting accepted to BCC, you will need to submit an official college/university transcript to Ms. Catherine Malone in Enrollment Services. She will evaluate your credits for transfer credit.
	I have completed college/university courses outside of the United States? May I receive credit for this work?
	You will need to have your credits professionally evaluated by World Education Services (WES) on a course by course basis. Upon getting accepted, Ms. Catherine Malone in Enrollment Services will evaluate your credits for transfer credit.