Proof of English Proficiency

SRJC will accept any of the following test scores to meet the proof of English proficiency requirement for international students: 

Intensive English Language Program

SRJC has partnered with several English language programs to prepare students for undergraduate study. If your goal is to attend SRJC, but you haven’t met the English language proficiency requirement, don't worry! You can begin your studies in the U.S. at one of our partner language programs, complete the required level, and then transfer directly to SRJC to begin your academic program.

Prior Education in a Foreign Country

English proficiency can also be demonstrated by meeting one of the following conditions as indicated on your academic transcripts or on a letter from your school on official letterhead:

• Earned a high school diploma or studied for a minimum of 3 years in a country where English is the only official language (see list).
• Earned a high school diploma or studied for a minimum of 3 years at an international school or similar where English is the principal language of instruction.
• Completed all years of study at a school in Singapore with grades of “C” or higher.
• Completed all years of study at a school in Scandinavian countries and received grades of A, B, or C in English 5 and 6.

Prior Education in the United States

English proficiency can also be demonstrated by meeting one of the following conditions as indicated on your academic transcripts:

• Earned a high school diploma, or studied for a minimum of 3 years and attained a grade of "C" or better in all English courses, at a public or private high school.
• Received a degree, or completed an English composition course and attained a grade of "C" or better, at a regionally accredited college or university.

Evidence of Financial Support

In accordance with F-1 visa regulations, international applicants must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to live and study in the U.S. for the first year of their academic program. This is required for you (and any dependents) before a Form I-20 can be issued. The estimated cost of attendance is explained on our Fees & Expenses page. Applicants must upload a bank statement that meets our requirements. All financial documents must include: 

• Current date - Documents must be no more than 6 months old.
• Account holder's name - If the student is not the account holder, a signed Declaration of Sponsor Support must be included.
• An available final balance of $29,800 - Financial resources must be available for immediate withdrawal. Checking and savings accounts are acceptable. Investment accounts, retirement funds, pensions, tax returns, lines of credit, employment letters, and/or life insurance polices are not acceptable. Business accounts are only acceptable with proof of ownership. If you will receive free room/board from a local sponsor, only $18,605 is required, along with a signed Declaration of Sponsor Support. 
• Currency - If the currency is not displayed, we will assume the national currency according to whatever country is listed on the bank or account holder's address.

_{See examples of acceptable documents. If you have questions or need assistance accessing this document, please email rpetrow@santarosa.edu.}

Academic Records

Proof of high school graduation is required for applicants who will be under 18 years of age* when classes begin. Upload a copy of your diploma or unofficial transcripts listing the date of completion. Transcripts can also be used to demonstrate English proficiency (see above). SRJC does not have a minimum GPA for admission, nor do we require SAT scores. If you have completed any undergraduate coursework at another college/university and you would like it be considered for transfer credit at SRJC, this cannot be requested until your admission is complete and you are enrolled in classes at SRJC.

*Special note for minors: Please have a parent or guardian submit the Parent/Guardian Consent Form and we recommend that you stay with a host family who can act as your legal guardian in the U.S. 

Application Deadlines

**Summer Admission: New F-1 students may apply for Summer/Fall admission. Only students who are currently in the U.S. with active F-1 status may request a SEVIS transfer to SRJC for Summer session. Full-time enrollment is 6+ units.

SRJC does not require official transcripts for admission. However, if you have completed any lower-division undergraduate coursework at an accredited college or university, you may be able to transfer some credits towards your degree or certificate program at SRJC.

To transfer credits to SRJC from a foreign institution, first you must obtain official records from your school and submit them to an NACES-certified member and purchase a comprehensive credential evaluation. Once SRJC receives your official evaluation, you must submit the Transfer Credit Evaluation Form. Please visit the admissions website for more information about submitting official transcripts to SRJC.

Sometimes plans change, or a student is unable to obtain the F-1 visa/status before classes start at SRJC. If necessary, you may choose to defer your Program Start Date and you won't have to re-pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.

When the application cycle opens for the next available semester, you can sign in to OpenCCC and submit a new online application to SRJC. You do not have to resubmit any documents. Once ISP receives your new online application we will email you an updated Form I-20. 

F-1 students may take classes two or more SEVP-certified schools to meet the full-time requirement (see Study in the States). 

Inbound: Follow the Steps for New Students to enroll at SRJC. When asked on CCCApply about citizenship, you should put Other/No Documents. Otherwise you will be redirected to the international application, which is not required for concurrent enrollment students. Once registered in classes, you may obtain an enrollment verification online. 

Outbound: Choose another school and review their schedule of classes. Check with your counselor to make sure the class will transfer and meet SRJC requirements. Apply to that school and follow their process to register for classes and pay your tuition. Once enrolled, you must give ISP a copy of your class schedule. After completing the course, you must request a transfer credit evaluation. 

If you are currently inside the U.S. in another status (e.g. B-1/B-2, J-1), there are two ways to acquire F-1 status so that you can legally study full-time at SRJC. The recommended path is to depart the U.S. and apply for the F-1 Student Visa at the U.S. Embassy.

If you choose not to return to your home country, the alternative is to file a Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with USCIS. ISP does not recommend this option because of the lengthy processing time during which you cannot study, work, or travel. Furthermore, changing status is not the same as receiving a visa, so you must still obtain an F-1 Student Visa from the Embassy if you wish to travel internationally during your studies.