Current Students

It is important for International students to maintain their visa status by following the US federal regulations as outlined in 8 CFR 214.2(f). There is a lot of information within these regulations, but our office is here to assist in summarizing and advising these rules.

An F-1 visa holder (international student) is required to keep their Form I-20 in active status while inside the United States. There are many aspects to maintaining your F-1 status. Always speak to your Designated School Official (DSO) before making decisions that may impact your status.

Your Responsibilities as an F-1 student
Enrollment Requirements
Immigration Documents
Failing to Maintain Status

Learn More About Maintaining Status

International students are required to meet with their Academic Counselor once per semester. This is to ensure that graduation requirements and academic progress is being met as it coincides with maintaining F-1 status. The webpage below covers a variety of topics relevant to the academics of an international student.

Maintaining a Full-Course Load
Comprehensive Student Educational Plan
Honors Program
Online Courses
Pass/No Pass (P/NP)
Course Overload Petition
Transferring Credits to SCC

Learn more regarding these topics.

Stay safe! Stay healthy! With excellent insurance coverage.

All students attending Santiago Canyon College on an F-1 visa must purchase a health insurance plan selected by the Rancho Santiago Community College District. The cost is $1,098.00 per 6 months.

Admitted students are required to purchase the health insurance plan approved by the District. Other outside health care plans are not accepted, except students sponsored by a governmental agency or program or covered by a U.S.-based health plan of a family member. Proof of health insurance is required prior to registration.

Under this plan, you may choose from a wide variety of health care providers in our local communities who participate in the Cigna Open Access Plus (OAP) Network.

Learn More About Health Insurance

International students can work while inside the United States, but only with pre-approval from a DSO or USCIS. On-campus job availability is advertised through the Job Placement Center. Off-campus employment requires a USCIS application and approval for an EAD (employment authorization document) card. Meet with a DSO for advisement on the application process.

On-Campus Employment
Off-Campus Employment
Optional Practical Training
Severe Economic Hardship
Curricular Practical Training is not currently offered at Santiago Canyon College

Learn more about employment opportunities

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is where you can obtain a California driver’s license or California identification card. The DMV requires you to present your passport, I-20, I-94 record, and proof of your local address in the United States when you apply. If you would like to drive during your studies, we advise you to obtain a California driver’s license. Driving a car without a driver’s license is illegal.

Students can also take advantage of riding Orange County public transportation for free!

OCTA (Bus) - Community College Pass

Metrolink (train) - 50% Student Discount

Learn more about applying for a CA Driver’s License

Opening a U.S. bank account is beneficial because it simplifies financial transactions, such as receiving payments, paying bills, and withdrawing cash. It also provides access to online banking services and helps build a credit history in the U.S. Additionally, having a U.S. bank account can reduce foreign transaction fees and make it more convenient to pay for everyday expenses like groceries and transportation.

You will be requested to present the following documentation to open a bank account at most U.S. banks:

Money. Most banks will require a minimum deposit of $5-$25 USD
Passport and one other form of identification. This may include a student ID card, birth certificate, etc.
Form I-94. (arrival/departure record) The electronic version can be found online.
Form I-20.
Enrollment Verification. Request an enrollment verification from the International Student Program (A-203).
Foreign and local mailing addresses. Bring proof that this is your address, such as a signed lease agreement, utility bill, or housing notice.
A tax identification number (SSN or ITIN).

There are many banks to choose from in the United States. Consider convenience and how the bank can meet your needs. Each bank may have different offerings and benefits.

Consider finding a bank that also services in your home country. Otherwise, below are ATM’s and branches which are close by our school campus:

Bank of America

4825 E Chapman Ave, Orange CA 92869

Wells Fargo Bank

8540 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869

Chase

18511 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869

Schools First Federal Credit Union

2512 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869

(for students who work on-campus)

Current International Students | Forms

Name	Description
Change of Address	If your U.S. or foreign address, phone number, or email address changes, submit this form within 10 days.
Concurrent Enrollment Request	Use this form if you are an SCC student who wishes to take courses at another school without transferring your F-1 SEVIS record.
Authorized Early Withdrawal	Use this form if you need to withdraw from Santiago Canyon College.
Program Extension	If you need more time to study at SCC and your Form I-20 Program End Date is expiring, submit this request at least one month before your program end date.
Reduced Course Load	All international students must enroll full-time (12 units) unless authorized to drop below by the International Student Office. Must be approved prior to dropping below full-time.
SEVIS Transfer	Use this form to request that your SEVIS record be transferred to another school.
Admissions and Records
Visit the Admissions and Records website for academic related forms and petitions. Commonly utilized forms include: Academic Renewal Course Repeat Petition Petition for Exception to Academic Regulation Petition to Overload Petition for Pass/No Pass Request to Change Course of Study/Major Change Form Some petitions require approval from an academic counselor, please read the petition for details and instructions.