F-1 International Student Guides

When can I register for classes?

Please refer to the Registration Periods page for important registration dates and deadlines. Make sure to renew your mandatory health insurance and clear any hold on your account that might prevent you from registering for your courses. 

Enrollment Requirements for International Students

On-campus Classes

• Fall and Spring semester: to maintain your F1 international student status at OCC, you must enroll in classes that begin at the start of the Fall and Spring semesters at OCC.
  • You MUST enroll in and complete at least one full-term (16-week) class during both the Fall and Spring semesters. At least 9 of your minimum 12 units must be taught on-campus. For example: you may not take 6 online and 6 on campus units. 9 on campus units and 3 online units is ok. 
  • Students MAY NOT enroll exclusively in short-term or 8-week classes. 8-week classes cover the same amount of material as 16-week classes, but at an accelerated pace.
• Summer semester: if summer is your first term at OCC, you must complete at least 6 units. Subsequent Summer enrollment is optional. 
• Hybrid classes with a consistent on-campus component count as on campus. BEWARE, because some hybrid classes are half ONLINE and half LIFELINE. These classes do not have an on campus component and are 100% online.

Online Classes

• Only 3 of the online units can be counted towards the minimum of 12 units for full-time enrollment. 
• Hybrid classes that are half ONLINE and half LIFELINE do not have an on-campus component and are 100% online.
• If you are sponsored by your home country government scholarship (SACM, UAE etc) you MUST get written permission from your scholarship advisor, BEFORE enrolling in an online class! 

Minimum Unit Requirements

Thinking of dropping your class(es)? Remember, as an international students you must:

• Enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 units each Fall and Spring semester. At least 9 of those 12 units must be on-campus classes. These requirements apply only to Fall and Spring semesters. 
• Summer enrollment is optional unless Summer is your first semester at OCC. If Summer is your first semester, you must enroll in at least 6 units.
• If you think you will fall below 12 units, contact the Global Engagement Center to meet with an F-1 Student Advisor before dropping.

Waitlist Information 

Want to enroll in one of your required courses but that class is full? You can put your name on the waitlist. Please visit the Waitlist Information page to find out more detailed information.

Concurrent Enrollment 

You may take 3 units of concurrent enrollment (at another school) to complete the 12 unit requirement in a term but the majority of your units must be taken at OCC.

Verify with an academic counselor that this class will count/transfer before you enroll at another school. 

​If you have any questions regarding any of the below dates, refer to the Important Dates page.

• Non-Payment Drop deadline
• Last day to drop a class with a full refund
• Last day to drop a class without a "W"
• Deadline to select Pass/No Pass grading option
• Last day to drop with a "W"
• Find out these dates on Important Dates or you can refer to your Web schedule bill on your MyCoast for the course specific dates

*Please note: each student is responsible for being aware of deadlines. There will be no exceptions made for courses dropped after the refund deadline or the drop without a "W" deadline. Deadlines can be verified by viewing or printing your Class Schedule (Web Schedule Bill) or on the Deadlines and Dates to Remember. You may also call the Answer Center at (714) 432-5072 during normal business hours to confirm withdrawal deadlines for a course. 

​You can pay for your tuition online through MyCoast. Below are some useful links with important information on enrollment fees, when to pay your tuition and refund information.

• Enrollment Fees
• Non-Payment Drop Policy
• Refunds
• PayMyTuition

​If you have questions about transfer requirements, graduation requirements, and any other academic related questions, schedule an appointment with an International Student Academic Counselor.  Appointments are published every Thursdays for the following week.

Here are other useful resources:

• Waitlist Information
• Pass/No Pass Grading Options
• Repeating a Course: Sub-Standard Grades

• If you are a former student without access to MyCoast, scroll down to the bottom the page for instructions for "Former Students"
• If you need a verification of your student status, please email occinternational@cccd.edu to request one.

1. Visit the OCC Graduation Page for more information
2. Degrees are verified and sent by mail 4-7 months after completion of coursework. 
3. You can contact the Graduation office at (714) 432-5581 to check the status of your degree.

There are few important rules you must follow to maintain valid F-1 student status. It is your responsibility to follow these rules:

Maintain full-time enrollment

• Follow Registration & Academic Information instructions. 
• Stay connected with us! Keep us informed if there is any changes that might affect your study plan or mental health. 

Maintain Good Academic Standing

• Maintain a 2.0 GPA or better to avoid academic probation or even dismissal from OCC. You may be placed on academic probation if your overall GPA falls below 2.0.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your GPA, make an appointment to see the international academic counselor.

Follow All Other Federal and State Laws

• Working in the U.S. without authorization is PROHIBITED.  See "Working in the U.S." section for information on ways you can receive authorization to work in the U.S.
• If you wish, you may volunteer at an established volunteer program such as a Food bank, Homeless shelter, Animal Shelter, hospital etc...
• File your Tax return every year even if you did not earn income in the USA.

In very limited situations, you may be permitted to take less than 12 units. See an F-1 advisor BEFORE dropping below 12 units if you think any of the cases below apply to you.  

Do NOT drop below 12 units until you have met with an F-1 advisor and been authorized for RCL.

Final Semester before graduation or transfer

If you have less than 12 units to complete in your last semester to meet graduation/transfer requirements, you may be eligible for Last Semester RCL. 

Make an appointment with the International Academic Counselor for authorization. They will fill out the recommendation and send it to your F1 advisor. It will be processed by your advisor.

We recommend you discuss this option with your counselor before starting your last semester. 

NOTE: RCL does NOT authorize you to take an excess of online units, or enroll with an excess of concurrent enrollment at another school. You must still take the majority of your classes at OCC, and on campus. Check with your F-1 Advisor and Academic Counselor if you have a special situation.

Academic Difficulties

If this is your first semester attending a U.S. college and you are struggling in classes, you may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). See an F-1 Advisor to determine if you are eligible. 

Not all students will be eligible and you must be approved BEFORE dropping below 12 units.

Medical Authorization

If you are ill and being medically treated by a doctor (M.D. or D.O. or a Psychologist) for a medical or mental health condition that prevents you from attending classes or requires that you have less than full time course load, you may be eligible for Medical Reduced Course Load.  Complete the top portion of this Medical Reduced Course Load Form (PDF) before submitting it to your medical provider to complete.

The completed recommendation must be submitted to our office directly by your provider to be considered valid and must specify the semester and the number of units recommended. You must be approved BEFORE dropping below 12 units.

If you have a sudden illness, accident or surgery please let your F-1 advisor know, we will do what we can to help support you. 

Important Rules

If you take a class at another school, you can count these towards the required 12 units total for full-time enrollment. 

• At least 9 units must be taken at OCC
• At least one class must be a 16-week OCC class
• Only 3 online units may count towards full-time enrollment. At least 9 units must be taught on- campus
• Any ESL/ENG Courses MUST be taken at OCC
• Courses taken at another institution may not meet OCC prerequisites, graduation and/or transfer requirements - please be advised.
• Approval is not required, but we encourage you to meet an International Academic Counselor to review your selection.

The 5 things to know about registration video contains information on concurrent enrollment. 

Instructions for Concurrent Enrollment: 

1. For classes at Golden West College (GWC) or Coastline Community College (CCC), simply log into your MyCoast and enroll, no application necessary
2. For classes outside of the Coast Community College District, apply (as a concurrent student) to the school you plan to enroll in and follow their instructions to enroll in the course(s) you want
3. If approval is required to enroll, please email occinternational@cccd.edu, include the following information:
   • Name of school for concurrent enrollment
   • Course name, course number, and units
   • Semester of enrollment
4. Submit proof of enrollment by email to verify you are enrolled in at least 12 units and maintaining status (i.e. unofficial transcript or web schedule bill)
5. Once you complete the class, submit proof of your final grade(s) in by email
6. Submit official transcripts to OCC's Enrollment Center, if you would like to transfer units to OCC.

​If your I-20 is expiring but you need more time to complete your program at OCC, you may be eligible for an I-20 extension.  

Schedule an appointment with an Academic Counselor to review your academic progress. The counselor will submit an I-20 extension recommendation to the Global Engagement Center. 

We recommend that you apply for I-20 extension at least two months before the expiration date. You MUST complete this process BEFORE your I-20 expires, you will NOT be eligible for an extension and you will be out of status.

NOTE: If your I-20 ends this semester and you will transfer out for next semester, you do not need to extend your I-20 first. For example, if your I-20 ends in Spring (May) and you will transfer out for Fall, you do not need to extend your I-20. Graduating students have a 60-day grace period (after expiration) to transfer their I-20.

Accepted to another institution? Congratulations!  To request a transfer of your SEVIS record, complete the Transfer Out Request Form and attach a copy of your acceptonce letter. PLEASE NOTE: 

• If your I-20 ends this semester and you will transfer out for next semester, you do not need to extend your I-20 first. For example, if your I-20 ends in Spring (May) and you will transfer out for Fall, you do not need to extend your I-20.
• You must complete your last semester at OCC. Do not drop your classes! We will transfer your SEVIS record the day after the semester ends.
• When we transfer out your SEVIS record (I-20), the new school will receive it electronically. You should contact them for your new I-20.

Important Rules

• Your transfer must be completed within the 60-day grace period, counted from the last day you attended classes at OCC.  If you miss the grace period, OCC will be unable to transfer your SEVIS record in active status! 
• U.S. Immigration regulations require that you must attend the next available session at your new school, and it must start no later than 5 months after your last day of attendance (or OPT) at your old school. 
• If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. before classes begin at your new school, you will need to use the new school's I-20 to re-enter the U.S. 
• If you are currently on OPT from OCC, your OPT will end when we transfer your SEVIS record.
• Do not drop the current semester's classes. You must finish the current term to transfer out in-status (with an active status I-20).
• Do not forget to drop any OCC classes you are enrolled for the next semester at OCC.

Transfer Eligibility Forms

• If the school you are applying to has a form that we need to fill out, submit it to the Global Engagement Center by completing the Transfer Eligibility Form here. Please allow 5 business days typically for processing. 

​See an F-1 advisor to discuss your options if you plan to take a temporary leave of absence or completely withdraw from OCC. Whether you are facing personal difficulties / emergencies or simply returning home for a personal reason, we are here to support you. We will advise you on the proper steps to take, your I-20, how long you are allowed to stay in the USA, and when to drop your classes.

If you leave the U.S. without informing an F-1 advisor, your I-20 may be TERMINATED which may negatively cause immigration issues or problems traveling to / from the U.S. in the future. If you do not enroll, and you remain in the U.S., your I-20 will be TERMINATED for 'Failure to Enroll', which will have serious negative consequences.

Generally, you cannot take a semester off if you stay in the U.S.

Passport

Your passport must be valid at all times while you are in the U.S. When you travel, you must have at least 6 months left on your passport to return to the U.S. Contact your home country embassy in the U.S. for instructions on how to renew your passport.

Visa

Your F-1 visa must be valid for you to enter the U.S. However, you can stay in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa as long as you have a valid passport, I-20, and are maintaining your status as an F-1 student. For information on renewing your visa, please visit the Visa Information page.

I-94

The I-94 form is a record of your legal admission to the U.S. You can download your I-94 online. Make sure that the "class of admission" on your I-94 says F-1.

If you are unable to locate your I-94 online, or if any information is incorrect on your I-94, please contact the Global Engagement Center.  

​All F-1 students must provide their current U.S. address, phone number, and an emergency contact within 10 days of arriving in the U.S. Current F-1 students should report any changes within 10 days. You can update this information quickly and easily through MyCoast. See this guide for detailed instructions (PDF). Make sure you use the USA format for your address and a 10 digit phone number.

Use the proper American formatting for your address. Do not put the entire address on one line. Each field has a maximum characters length.  

Planning on visiting your home or going on vacation outside the US? Follow this guide to prepare for your trip.

​All students should bring the following documents:

• Original I-20 with valid travel signature
  • read the section titled "Travel Signature on your Form I-20" below for details
• Copy of your I-901 fee receipt
• Passport valid for at least 6 more months from the date of return to the U.S.
• Valid F-1 visa sticker in the passport.

If on approved OPT, also bring:

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
• Job offer letter or proof of employment

Also recommended:

• Proof of full-time enrollment in current or next academic term (such as a print out of your unofficial transcript) Make sure you do not have an excess of online units (3 of your minimum 12 units may be online)
• Proof of sufficient financial support/sponsorship/Bank statements (less than six months old)

​Check the second page of your I-20.  Your travel signature should be less than 1 year old on the date you reenter the U.S.  If your travel signature is more than 1 year old, you must request a new one from the Global Engagement Center. Allow 5-7 business days for processing.

An Electronic DSO signature is valid. The updated I-20 will be emailed to your OCC student email. Print it in color, and sign the form with blue pen on page 1 and carry with you in your carry-on when you travel.

OPT Approved: 

​Carry ALL documents on your person, NOT in your checked-luggage. If you do not have all the required documents at the port of entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has the ability to deny you entry to the country. CBP officers always have discretion to determine admissibility. 

You may be issued a form I-515A, which allows you to temporarily enter the U.S. for 30 days.  If you receive a Form I-515A at the port of entry, contact the Global Engagement Center IMMEDIATELY to schedule an appointment with an F-1 Advisor who will help you review and respond to the I-515A. You must respond to the I-515A by the date granted or you will be considered in violation and out of status.

​The visa document issued at the U.S. embassy and secured in your passport is only necessary if you are planning to travel and must be valid at the time of reentry to the USA.

The first time you travel to the USA your I-20 must be from the school listed on your F-1 visa. After your first entry to the USA your school name printed on the Visa can be different than the I20 you use to travel. This is common if you transfer to a new school. You do not need to apply for a new F-1 visa solely for this reason.

If the visa stamp in your passport has expired, you will need to renew your visa before returning to the U.S. Review the Visa Application Information carefully and plan ahead.

If you are in the U.S. and are maintaining valid F-1 status, it is not necessary to travel, ONLY to renew your visa. The visa cannot be renewed while in the U.S., but if it expires, you may remain in the U.S. without consequence. Always keep your I-20 and passport valid!

Location matters! On-campus employment must take place on the premises of the I-20 issuing institution (on the OCC campus), such as the Student Center dining hall or an academic department.  This may also include commercial firms that provide direct student services on-campus, such as the on campus Starbucks and the Bookstore. This DOES NOT include a construction firm that is building on campus.  All students must file a tax return annually during tax season (January 1- April 15) for the previous calendar year.

On-campus employment Requirements

1. Must be a current F-1 student, pursuing a full course of study
2. Cannot exceed 19 hours per week while school is in session
3. Does not have to be related to course of study
4. Must maintain 2.5 GPA minimum

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment benefit for F-1 students that meet certain eligibility requirements and is specifically intended to allow students to gain experience in their chosen field of study before completing the program.

If you are interested in learning more about CPT, you can sign up for a CPT workshop facilitated by one of our F1 advisors by clicking HERE. Workshops are held monthly, typically online via Zoom.

Review CPT eligibility and guidelines carefully, as well as information about employment, SSN, and filing taxes on our Guides page, under 'Working in the U.S.' before beginning the application process for off-campus field work/internship experiences: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Guide and Request Forms (PDF)

Eligibility Requirements

• Student is currently in valid F-1 status and has been enrolled 1 full academic year (fall and spring semester)
• Must have a 2.5 GPA minimum OR Internship must be required by major for graduation
• Student must enroll in a course that requires an internship or fieldwork component. Internship may only be approved for the same term of enrollment
• Must enroll in a full course of study or be approved for a Reduced Course Load

General Guidelines

• Each student is responsible for finding their own internship opportunity
• Internship must be in student's field of study
• Internship may begin no earlier than first day of classes and must end by last day of classes for the term
• May not begin working until CPT has been approved and CPT I-20 has been issued by Global Engagement Center
• May work no more than 20 hour per week
• Must maintain valid F-1 status
• CPT approval required for all internships, paid AND unpaid
• CPT is subject to final review and approval by the Global Engagement Center. 

Steps to Request CPT

1. Attend an Internship Academy Orientation (Watson Hall 3^rd floor; Career Center) if an internship is not required by your major –- OR— Meet with your major department's Program Coordinator if an internship is required by your major
2. Meet with an F-1 international student adviser to review eligibility
3. Complete the Internship Academy Student Learning Outcomes Agreement (SLOA) forms and the CPT request form (PDF). Obtain all required signatures.
4. Submit SLOA and CPT forms to the Internship Academy or to your Program Coordinator (if internship is required by your major). Enroll in appropriate internship course
5. Submit original, signed CPT forms to the Global Engagement Center
6. Wait 5-10 business days to obtain a new I-20 with CPT authorization and begin internship. Apply for SSN if necessary

Changes to your CPT

Please report any of the following changes to the Global Engagement Center:

1. CPT Canceled - if you decide not to go through with your internship or if you drop the internship course
2. Change of employment dates (i.e. if your internship ends sooner than expected)
3. New Employer – if you change your employer, submit a new CPT form
4. If you expect you will receive an incomplete in the course

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization that allows an international student in F-1 status authorization to work in the United States for up to 12 months in employment directly related to their major field of study, upon completion of their program.

Attend an OPT Workshop

If you are interested in learning more about OPT, you can sign up for an OPT workshop facilitated by one of our F1 advisors by clicking here HERE. Workshops are held monthly, typically online via Zoom.

After you attend the OPT workshop, you will receive instructions for the online filing of a post-completion OPT application, as well as a statement of understanding from your F-1 advisor which you will need to complete. When you are done preparing all your documents, please request an OPT I-20 and upload your documents using the OPT Document Check form for review. Once ready to apply, please review the detailed information about employment, SSN, and filing taxes on our Guides page, under ‘Working in the U.S’.

If you missed the last workshop you can watch the recording.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have completed one-year of full-time enrollment at OCC in F-1 status

• You must be in good academic standing and completing an AA/AS or a Certificate of Achievement during the current term in which you apply for OPT

• You can apply as early as 90 days before the end date of your final semester, but no later than 60 days after the end of your final semester

• Pursuing another program of study during OPT is not permitted. If you choose to transfer, your OPT will be canceled on the date your SEVIS record is transferred 

General Guidelines

• The current USCIS filing fee is $470 (online application) or $520 (paper application)

• Each student is responsible for finding their own employment

• Students must report employer/employment dates & locations in the SEVP OPT Student Portal

• Employment must be in student's field of study

• Employment may not begin until you receive your EAD card and the start date listed on your EAD card arrives

• Employment must end by the end date listed on your EAD card

• You cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment days (cumulative during the entire duration of your OPT period)

• Must work more than 20 hours/week

• Must maintain valid F-1 status

• Don't forget to file your tax returns before April 15th for the previous calendar year

• You MUST maintain the required insurance coverage through the Global Engagement Center while you are on OPT. You can buy your mandatory insurance policy here: https://www.studentinsuranceplan.info/occ.html 

When can I start working?​

You may search for a job, and be interviewing while your OPT is pending.  You may not begin working until you have received your Employment Authorization Card (EAD) and the start date arrives. You may only work during the dates authorized on the card! You may not begin working before the start date or continue working beyond the end date printed on your EAD card. The EAD card is valid for a maximum of one year.

Can I extend the EAD if I graduated with a STEM major?

At the Associate Degree level there is no STEM extension possible.

If you transfer and complete a bachelor's degree you may be able to do OPT again, and then you will be eligible for the STEM extension if your major is on the list of SEVIS STEM approved majors.

Days of unemployment rule

Students on OPT are allowed no more than 90 days of unemployment during the entire OPT period. The days are counted from the start date on your EAD card.  Jobs do not need to be paid. An internship or volunteer job or two or more part time jobs are allowed. Self-employment is allowed but you need to keep good records of the time you spend working on developing your business, working "gigs" etc... Make sure you report your employer info to the SEVP student portal. if you do not, they will assume you are not working and these days will count as days of unemployment.  There is an Unemployment Date Counter in the student portal.

How many hours can I work?

If you are on OPT, you must work Full time in a job directly related to your field of study. Full-time employment for OPT is a minimum of 20 hours per week.  You can work more if you like. If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment (during the entire duration of your OPT), your F-1 status will no longer be valid and you must depart the U.S. You can work more hours if you like. 

Do I need to keep the medical insurance?

Yes. Maintain medical insurance coverage with OCC. If your US  employer provides full medical insurance coverage, insurance purchase through OCC may be waived. You will still be required to purchase the supplemental Evacuation/Repatriation coverage. Please send the proof of your insurance policy provided through your employer showing your name and the dates of coverage to occinternational@cccd.edu.  B. After you receive your EAD card, then you can purchase the OPT insurance for the months left remaining on your EAD card, that you will be in the USA. 

What is the SEVP Portal?

You will receive an email from USCIS to set up your SEVP portal. This email will come to your OCC email address around the time that you receive your EAD card.  The link is valid only for 30 days. You must report all employment to USCIS through the SEVP portal. 

You can access your student SEVP portal and make updates as needed after you set it up for the first time using the email link.  You should update any changes to your employer, job, your address, email address or phone number within 10 days of the change.

Again, if you accumulate over 90 days of unemployment (during the entire duration of your OPT), your F-1 status will no longer be valid and you must depart the U.S.  If you do not report your employment to the portal, USCIS will assume you are not working! If you miss the 30 day time period for the set up link contact an F-1 advisor to reset your link.  If you miss the 10 day reporting deadline put in the information you can, and submit the proper dates to your F-1 advisor so they can edit it for you in OCC's SEVIS account.

Can I take classes while on OPT?

No. While on OPT, full time enrollment is prohibited. Do not start a new academic program while on OPT.   If you wish to begin a new academic program, you must request to transfer your SEVIS record to another school or contact your F1 advisor to get a  new I-20 to attend OCC again. As soon as we transfer your SEVIS record out or make a new I-20 for you, your OPT will be canceled.

If the course is required by your employer, you may enroll in no more than one course, incidental to your OPT.  Discuss with an international student adviser before enrolling in any course.

Severe Economic Hardship work authorization is based on a sudden, significant, unforeseen financial problem that occurs to your sponsor outside of their control. Proof of the financial distress is required. 

If you believe you may be eligible, please watch the pre-recorded Severe Economic Hardship work authorization Workshop and review the Severe Economic Hardship work authorization Application Guide. Schedule an appointment to speak with an F-1 adviser if you have additional questions.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. You must have completed one year of full-time enrollment at OCC in F-1 status
2. You must be in good academic standing and enrolled in a full course of study (exceptions may apply)
3. Employment will not interfere with your studies (20 hours or less)
4. You can demonstrate that employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen economic circumstances beyond your (or your sponsor's control)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is an identification number meant only for tax purposes, to track income and determine benefits. International students holding an F-1 visa are not eligible for an SSN unless approved for employment.  The SSN is not a work authorization. Just because you have a SSN does not mean you are eligible to work in the United States.

For employment eligibility and approval requirements, please read above​ (On-campus employment, CPT, OPT).

Once you are approved for employment, here is how to obtain an SSN:

Employed On-Campus:

1. Your OCC employer should complete a job offer letter, submit it to occinternational@cccd.edu.  Allow 2-3 business days for the GEC to review your offer and issue an SSN support letter.  We will send this support letter to your OCC student email address.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

1. Complete the CPT form and submit to the GEC for approval. You will receive a new I-20 with CPT approval.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

1. Apply for OPT and receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).You may apply for the SSN on the same form as OPT.

As an international student you must follow all the laws of the USA, including tax laws. Please stay apprised of IRS requirements for tax filing for international students by checking the details of the IRS website.

This means filing a tax return during tax season (Jan 1- April 15) for any earnings during the previous calendar year.  As non-residents, F-1 students should typically submit a 1040NR or 1040EZNR form. 

Please be aware many common software/online tax services are for residents only and will give incorrect results for non-residents. Please seek the advice of a professional tax prepare if you have questions abut your non-resident taxes.

Here are some helpful resources:

Tax Season Survival Guide for F-1 Students Article 

IRS Tax Form 8843 Online Wizard

IRS Info for Non-residents

​To apply for a driver license, an F-1 student must have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee, must be enrolled full time, and must have a 'continued attendance' I-20. 

You may obtain a 'continued attendance' I-20 after the ADD/DROP deadline of your first semester. All immigration documents must be valid for at least 60 days.  If valid for less than 60 days, the student is not eligible to apply for a driver license.

1. Current Passport valid for at least 6 months
2. I-94 Arrival/Departure record
3. Current 'continued attendance' I-20
4. Social Security Number (SSN) – only if you have one. Most international students are NOT eligible for an SSN.  An SSN is NOT required for a drivers license. If you are asked for one, ask to speak to a DMV supervisor.
5. OPTIONAL: Driver license from your home country – may exempt you from the driving skills test

1. ​Gather all required documents- OCC does not provide proof of residency documents. Many students use insurance documents, utility bills or other mail.
2. Visit your local DMV – make an appointment for shorter wait times
3. Fill-out a Driver License application at the DMV – if you do not have an SSN, mark 'not eligible for SSN' on the application form
4. Pay the application fee
5. Complete the vision and written driving test
6. In most cases, you will have to return for a behind-the-wheel skills test – an appointment typically required
7. Allow two weeks for processing.  If you do not receive your driver license within 30 days, contact the DMV office. Do not contact the DMV before 30 days

• Do not drive a car or motorcycle without a license.
• No texting and driving.
• No cannabis. It's still Federally illegal!
• Do not drive a car (or bike) if you have consumed alcohol or any other substance. You may hurt someone. Being pulled over while you are driving/biking while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance will result in a DUI. Your license may be revoked, and you may be jailed and/or have to pay expensive fines and legal fees.
• You MUST have auto liability insurance.
• You may only drive in CA for 10 days with an international driver license. If you plan to drive, you must obtain a CA driver license.
• Once you pass the written driving test, you will be given a learners permit. You CANNOT drive alone with a permit. You must be accompanied by a licensed CA driver over the age of 25.
• You can drive alone only after you get your drivers license.

Whether you buy a car from a private party or from a dealer, it is always a good idea to find out if you are getting a fair price.  Here are some resources for price comparison:

• Kelly Blue book

​For more information about obtaining a driver license, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

• How to obtain a driver license
• Sample Driver License Tests
• Schedule a DMV appointment