*****EFFECTIVE MONDAY MARCH 16, 2020*****
*****All INQUIRIES AND APPOINTMENTS WILL BE BY PHONE OR EMAIL ONLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*****
How to Apply
For applicants outside the U.S. intending to obtain F-1 status
- Submit the application documents listed on the checklist on the Apply for Admission page.
- Receive* the certificate of eligibility (I-20 form) for F-1 status.
- Pay the SEVIS fee to the U.S. Government either through the online services at https://www.fmjfee.com/ or in person at the U.S. embassy.
- Schedule a visa interview appointment with the U.S. embassy.
- Attend the visa interview appointment.
- Make travel plans, arrive in the U.S., obtain a stamp on the arrival departure form (I-94 form), and obtain student status for the duration of your studies in the U.S.
- Check in at Ventura College International Students Office
- Attend the Mandatory New Student Orientation for the semester you have applied for, and register for classes - at least 12 units (at least 9 traditional units). Payment for classes is required at the time of registration.
- Begin your studies at Ventura College and purchase books and class supplies as needed. In order to maintain your F-1 student status, you must remain continuously enrolled in at least 12 units for the entire semester.
*Ventura College and the ISP office will evaluate your application and documents and, if complete, will issue the acceptance letter. It will also offer the I-20 form for outside-the-country and change-of-status applicants. This provides the authorization needed for student visa or change-of-status application. This applicant will also receive a letter of acceptance and more information regarding the visa interview and possible arrival in the U.S. as an international student.
For applicants inside the U.S. currently under F-2 (dependent) status
Dependent family members under F-2 status can attend Ventura College - however they may not accept employment nor engage in business. Please contact us for details.
Restrictions on F-2 dependents
The following are restrictions placed on F-2 status holders by U.S. Immigration Law that went into effect on January 1st, 2003:
- The F-2 spouse of an F-1 student may not engage in full-time study, and the F-2 child may only engage in full-time study if the study is an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade). The F-2 spouse and child may engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature.
- An F-2 spouse or F-2 child desiring to engage in full-time study, other than that allowed for a child in paragraph 1 of this section, must apply for and obtain a change-of-nonimmigrant classification to F-1, J-1, or M-1 status.
- An F-2 spouse or F-2 child is in violation of their nonimmigrant status if engaged in full-time study, except as provided in paragraph 1 or 2 of this section.
An F-2 dependent could engage in English-language study or other part-time study for "avocational or recreational" purposes. The nature of the study would have to be taken into consideration in assessing the limits of this exception. For example, even part-time study might be interpreted by USCIS as something other than "avocational or recreational" if it counts towards degree requirements, leads to a specific educational or professional objective, or if it satisfies a prerequisite.
Extension of stay for F-2 dependents
Dependents in F-2 status are permitted to stay in the United States only to the extent that the F-1 student is authorized to stay. F-2 dependents maintain their status through the F-1 student maintaining their status. Like F-1 students, F-2 dependents are required to keep their passports valid at least six months into the future.
Visits abroad and re-entry
An F-2 dependent leaving the United States temporarily must have the documents needed both to enter the country to be visited and to re-enter the United States. As is the case of the F-1 student, the F-2 dependent needs a valid passport and visa (unless exempt from passport and visa requirements), and a properly endorsed I-20 form. F-2 dependents are eligible for automatic extension of validity of visas on the same basis as F-1 students.
Departure or termination of status
A nonimmigrant holding F-2 status must terminate that status and depart from the United States "upon the termination of the status of the principal F-1 alien."