International Student Admission Steps

Submit CCCApply Application

Create an OpenCCC account using a personal email (or log in if you already have an account) and fill out the online application for American River College.

• You do not need a social security number (SSN) to complete the application.
• If you submit your application without a social security number (SSN), work authorization SSN, or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), then you need to contact the International Student Program to process your application and send you your student ID number.

After you submit this application, save or print your confirmation page. You will need a copy of the confirmation page to submit with your international student application packet.

High School Seniors

If your high school completion date is before June and you are applying for the summer or fall semester, then enter the information on your application as if you have already graduated. Please note the “as of” dates outlined throughout the application.

Application Documents

The following documents are required for American River College to issue Form I-20. Email your completed packet to arcintlprogram@arc.losrios.edu. Call (916) 484-8169 if you have questions.

All non-English documents must be translated into English.

1. Copy of the confirmation page from your CCCApply Application to American River College (see step 1)
2. International Student Application Packet, with required documentation attached
3. Evidence of English proficiency via any of the following:
   1. An official TOEFL test result of 61(IBT) and 6.5 (Essentials), ARC Institution Code 4004
   2. IELTS test result of 6.0 minimum
   3. Transfer students only: US college official transcripts showing proof of successful completion with a letter grade of a college-level English writing course or passing the American River College ESL Assessment with a placement into ESL 315 or higher.
4. Proof of financial support:
   1. Complete American River College Financial Requirements and Sponsor form (page 5 of the application packet).
   2. Include an official bank letter in the exchange rate of $42,239 USD (plus an additional $6,000 USD for each additional dependent). The letter must be in English and dated within three months of the application deadline.
5. Proof of educational history:
   1. Copy of high school diploma or a high school transcript showing graduation
   2. Copy of college transcript(s)
6. $50.00 USD non-refundable application fee payable to American River College
7. Copy of passport photo page
8. Students under age 18 must provide an official power of attorney from their home country stating guardianship
9. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine that is on the World Health Organization's approved COVID vaccine list

Transfer-In F-1 Students

Transfer-in F-1 students who have been attending school in the US must submit these additional documents:

1. ARC Transfer Form. This will be completed by your current school's international student advisor.
2. Copy of your most recent I-94, visa, and passport. Original visa and passport are verified in the office upon your arrival.
3. Copy of your current school's I-20 and all other SEVIS I-20s.

Pre-Enrollment Requirements After Being Accepted to ARC

1. Evidence of health insurance. You can purchase health insurance through JCB Insurance Solutions.
2. Certification of negative Tuberculosis skin test.

Application Deadlines

Submit all required documents together by the following deadlines. We will not review incomplete applications.

Applicants Outside of the US (Applicants Who Will Need to Apply for F-1 Visa)

• Fall semester: May 1
• Spring semester: November 1

Transfer Applicants in the US (Applicants in the US With a Valid F-1 Status)

• Fall semester: June 1
• Spring semester: November 15

1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
2. Schedule an interview appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate. Visit the US Embassy website to find a US Embassy or Consulate near you.
3. Bring your Form I-20, Letter of Acceptance from American River College, and I-901 receipt to your interview with the US Embassy or Consulate, along with any other documents they request.

You can enter the United States with your I-20 and F-1 Visa 30 days prior to the start date on your I-20. The exact date is listed on your I-20.