International Students

Yes! On July 14th, ICE agreed to rescind their new rules released on July 6th.  New guidance released on July 15th allows continuing students to remain in the U.S. and take all online courses. Continue reading below for more information about how this affects you as an F-1 student.

Yes, visit international admissions for instructions on how to apply. And learn more about our exclusive new program OCC World Class for new international students.

If you are in your home country

Recent ICE guidelines advise that new students currently outside of the U.S. should NOT travel to the U.S. If you are admitted, you can enroll online, but we will send you an I-20 for spring 2021 instead. If you already received an I-20 for fall 2020, please contact us immediately to discuss your options.

 

If you in the U.S. (transfer students or change of status)

As long as you are in the U.S., you may begin fall semester and maintain your I-20. We suggest you do NOT travel before fall term begins.

On May 15, CCCD Chancellor, John Weispfenning, announced that OCC, GWC, and CCC will offer most classes online for fall 2020. Only classes that cannot be taught online may be offered on campus.  See the latest message from the chancellor.

According to the updated ICE/SEVP guidelines, F-1 students may take a fully online course load (no on-campus credits/units are required). Refer to #5 for more guidelines to maintain status.

 

While the OCC campus remains closed, most OCC services remain open to help you remotely online or by phone.  We hope the OCC campus will reopen for the Spring 2021 semester with any necessary safety measures.  Visit the Global Engagement Center and OCC webpages and check your OCC emails regularly for more updates

The MyCoast registration tool has changed recently, here are some helpful tips to get enrolled successfully:

F-1 students can take ALL classes online for fall 2020. There is NO on-campus requirement.

Here are some tips to help you enroll and maintain valid F-1 status and I-20:

YES. If you want to maintain status, you must COMPLETE 12 units minimum. Please complete the Continuing Students Mandatory Survey to let us know your plan for fall so we can best advise you about your specific situation:

OUTSIDE of the U.S. for fall 2020 – RECENT UPDATE:

If you prefer, you CAN stay in your home country during fall semester and take classes online. You MUST COMPLETE 12 units of online coursework to keep your I-20 active while outside of the U.S.

 

If you prefer to enroll in FEWER than 12 units or take a fall semester off, your I-20 will be temporarily cancelled. Refer to question #7 for more information about leave of absence and returning to the U.S. for spring 2021.

 

STAYING in the U.S. for fall 2020:

You MUST COMPLETE 12 units minimum during fall 2020 to maintain your I-20. Refer to #5 for more guidelines to maintain status.

 

If you are struggling or wish to drop any classes, review the Reduced Course Load information under our "Maintaining Status" Guides, and then you MUST MEET AN F-1 ADVISER. DO NOT DROP unless you speak with and F-1 adviser first. 

If you will enroll in 0 (zero) units or fewer than 12 units (and are not eligible for RCL), your I-20 MUST be CANCELLED (Authorized Early Withdrawal), and you MUST LEAVE the U.S. before the start of fall 2020.  This cancellation is neutral and will not affect your future plans to return.

 

If you remain in the U.S. and do not enroll in any classes or complete fewer than 12 units (without authorized RCL), your I-20 WILL be TERMINATED. This is a NEGATIVE Termination and you may face serious consequences related to your visa and status.

 

To request a leave of absence, please complete the Continuing Students Mandatory Survey so we can best advise you about your specific situation. Once you are ready to return, contact us again and we will advise you on next steps to return.

At this time, ICE guidance still allows for an exception of the 5-month rule. This may change at any time. However, if you complete 12 units/credits while abroad, we will keep your I-20 active and you will be able to use the same I-20 and valid F-1 visa to return for spring 2021.

 

If you take a leave of absence, refer to question #7.  When you are ready to return to the U.S., please contact occinternational@cccd.edu and we may be able to reactivate your I-20 so you can return.

 

We strongly discourage returning to the U.S. mid-fall semester as you will not have medical coverage.

Once you have purchased insurance or completed the waiver, allow 3-5 business days for the hold to be removed before registering for fall classes:

 

You should do whatever you think is best for you!  If you choose to complete the Fall 2020 semester abroad, please complete the Continuing Students Mandatory Survey so the Global Engagement Center at OCC can best advise you about your I-20, travel signatures, maintaining status, and hopefully returning soon.

  

Remember, travel regulations and self-isolation requirements may change at any time. There is no guarantee you will be able to reenter the U.S. until the COVID-19 crisis has passed and you may be required to self-isolate for a period. Additionally, most U.S. embassies remain closed and you may not be able to renew your visa if required. Please check the CDC, State Department, and OCC for updates about the virus, travel, and courses/instruction.

As a student at the CCCD district, you can register in classes at any of the 3 sister colleges without additional paperwork or applications. Please note:

• You must complete 7 units minimum at OCC and 12 units total to maintain F-1 status. Refer to #5 for more guidelines for maintaining status.
• We recommend that you meet with an Academic Counselor to make sure the courses you choose will transfer to your program.

If you want to take concurrent enrollment course at another school outside of our district, you must meet with an academic counselor online first for approval. Remember, you must complete 7 units minimum at OCC and 12 units total to maintain F-1 status. Refer to #5 for more guidelines for maintaining status.

No, we do not have the flexibility to lower the non-resident tuition international students pay.  Please visit the Enrollment Fees page for detailed information on tuition and fees.  Online classes will help you continue to make progress towards your academic goal and are no less valuable than they were before.  We encourage you to apply for scholarships in the Spring semester; OCC  is unique  in awarding over $500,000 in scholarships to continuing students each year.

International students are not eligible for the Cares Act. However, International students are an important part of the OCC community, and we may be able to help you with some challenges including laptops, & equipment, groceries & supplies (Pirate's Cove), and other resources. 

 

If you are struggling and think you may need support like the things mentioned above, send a detailed email to occinternational@cccd.edu so we can see what kind of support we can offer.

Yes, AETNA will waive costs for COVID-19 diagnostic testing for patients who meet the CDC guidelines for testing. Aetna also confirmed that treatment of the virus is covered.

 

If you are having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you should take every precaution recommended by the CDC to protect yourself and others. Aetna members should use telemedicine to speak with a doctor at 1-800-556-1555.

 

It is a good idea to set up your insurance account and print your insurance ID card to carry in your pocket. Read more about how to print your insurance card and find doctors on our International Student Insurance page.

Guidance about OPT may change at any moment. As of July 17, you will be eligible for OPT if you are completing an OCC program or transfer requirements and at least 1 year in valid F-status.  If you are studying online while abroad, you may still be eligible for OPT.

 

Read more about OPT on our Current International Student Guide Page under "Working in the U.S." and contact an F-1 adviser if you have additional questions.

Unfortunately, CPT Classes will not be offered during the Fall 2020 semester. Students who need only a CPT class to complete their program should contact an F-1 advisor.

We hope you find what you need here. If not you can check other pages on our site such as the current students page, you can also call our office at (714) 432-5940 or email us at occinternational@cccd.edu. You can also chat live or make an appointment with F-1 advisers and Academic Counselors. Please allow 2 days for a response as we are carefully reviewing each email.