Lana Oconnell
International students at Berkeley College on an F-1 visa are not eligible for work-study jobs as these are paid with U.S. federal funds. However, they can work on-campus without any extra authorization while they are fully enrolled students with valid, unexpired I-20s. F-1 students will need to apply for a Social Security Number for all paid on-campus work. J-1 students can seek off-campus work authorization for employment in their field of study before or after graduation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International Student Department | Support during the program, assistance with matters related to life at Berkeley and in the community, and information about rights and responsibilities as an international student in the United States. |
| International Student Guide | Provides essential information and helpful resources for international students. |
| F-1 status | Granted to students in the United States as an F-1 student visa holder, enrolled in a full-time program, and following visa regulation guidelines. |
| Form I-94 | Evidence for applications requiring F-1 visa sponsorship, such as ID license applications, work authorization, and H1B applications. |
| F-1 students | Required to pursue a full-time course of study (at least 12 credits for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduates) per semester or obtain permission for a reduced course load (RCL). |
| International Advisor | Must be notified of any change of address within 10 days of moving, and consulted before taking a vacation or leave of absence. |
| Health Insurance | Not required for F-1 students, but strongly recommended due to the high costs of the US healthcare system. |
| Study Abroad | Students can maintain their status as current Berkeley students by studying outside the USA with programs like University of California Education Abroad Programs (UCEAP) and Berkeley Global Internships. |
| Visa Status | Taking a leave of absence or studying abroad in the final semester can impact visa status and post-completion work authorization. |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | F-1 international students in Berkeley Global Internships in US locations must obtain CPT to comply with their F-1 visa. |
| J-1 students | Need to apply for authorization for on-campus payment, scholarships, or fellowships. Off-campus work authorization is available before or after the program completion. |
| International Applicants | Defined as those requiring a visa to reside and study in the United States. |
| International Student Office | Assists with admissions requirements, including transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and financial support documentation. |
| SEVIS I-20 | Required to obtain an F-1 student visa, demonstrating sufficient finances for tuition and living expenses. |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) | Conditional admission offered to students below the required English levels, with short-term ESL study opportunities available. |
| Cultural Opportunities | Various cultural events and experiences near Berkeley campuses, particularly in New York City. |
| Career Opportunities | Many programs include internships, practicums, or job-related assignments to provide valuable learning experiences and career advantages. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for international students
To study at Berkeley College as an international student, you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa. This requires you to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover all your expenses, including tuition and living costs, while studying in the United States. You must also demonstrate English language proficiency.
Financial Requirements:
- You must provide evidence of financial support or a guarantee from your financial sponsor. This typically needs to cover at least the first year of study and should be in the form of a certified bank statement showing sufficient funds (a minimum of $42,000 is mentioned as a requirement by Berkeley College).
- You will need to complete a Non-immigrant Information Form (NIF), which requires proof of financial support.
- After receiving the completed NIF, the Berkeley International Office (BIO) will issue the document required for the student visa application.
- You must also explain the source of your funds and guarantee that you will continue to receive them while studying at Berkeley.
English Language Proficiency:
- You must provide proof of English language proficiency. This can be in the form of approved partner test results or an English test.
- If you do not meet the required English levels, you may be granted conditional admission to study English as a Second Language (ESL) with Rennert International, Berkeley's on-campus partner school, before starting your degree program.
Other Requirements:
- You must complete the educational history section of the application, providing official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions, including certified English translations and proof of graduation.
- You will need to maintain your F-1 status by enrolling in a minimum number of credits per semester (12-18 for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduates) and pursuing a full-time course of study.
- You should maintain your I-20 record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and keep it up to date.
- Before taking vacations, you must meet with an International Advisor and fill out an International Student Change Form.
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Work authorisations for international students
International students at Berkeley College can seek assistance from the International Student Department and the International Student Office. The college offers career-focused programs that include internships, job-related assignments, and practical learning experiences.
International students on an F-1 visa must maintain their student status by pursuing a full-time course of study, comprising at least 12 credits for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduates per semester. Alternatively, they can obtain permission for a reduced course load. To maintain their F-1 status, students must provide evidence of their admission, class of admission, and authorised period of stay through Form I-94. This form is crucial for applying for benefits associated with F-1 visa sponsorship, including work authorisation. Additionally, F-1 students are not required to have health insurance coverage, but it is strongly recommended due to the high costs of the US healthcare system.
J-1 students must apply for authorisation before receiving any on-campus payments, scholarships, or fellowships. They are eligible for off-campus work authorisation in their field of study, which can be utilised before or after completing their program.
International students at Berkeley College can also explore studying abroad opportunities through the University of California Education Abroad Programs (UCEAP), Berkeley Global Internships, or Berkeley Summer Abroad while maintaining their student status. However, studying abroad during the final semester may impact post-completion work authorisation applications, so consulting with the Berkeley International Office is essential for understanding the implications.
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On-campus internships for international students
International students at Berkeley College can take advantage of various internship opportunities, including on-campus internships. These internships offer valuable learning experiences and allow students to gain real-world work exposure closely related to their major field of study or career interests.
Before diving into the specifics of on-campus internships for international students, it's important to understand the visa requirements and resources available. International students at Berkeley typically hold F-1 or J-1 visas, which come with specific regulations and restrictions regarding employment. To maintain their visa status, F-1 students must pursue a full-time course load or obtain permission for a reduced course load (RCL). Additionally, any changes in address must be reported to an International Advisor within 10 days, and meeting with an International Advisor is necessary before taking any vacations.
Now, let's explore the on-campus internships available for international students at Berkeley:
Global Internships Program:
Berkeley offers a Global Internships Program that provides students with the opportunity to expand their global professional network. This program is open to all majors and undergraduates who meet certain requirements, such as being 18 years or older and having completed at least one year of college coursework. International students applying to domestic locations within the United States must have completed one year of full-time study in the country and be authorized for F-1 Curricular Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training. The program is tailored to each student's skills, knowledge, and industry trends, and they will work closely with partners to find a personalized placement.
Faculty-Monitored Internships:
Many Berkeley College programs include faculty-monitored internships, providing a real-world setting to apply their knowledge. These internships are designed with input from industry experts to ensure students learn in-demand skills.
Washington D.C. Internships:
Berkeley also offers internships in Washington D.C., providing diverse opportunities in fields such as non-profit NGOs, think tanks, museums, health institutes, legal offices, government agencies, and congressional offices. The UC Washington Center in D.C. works closely with participating students to help them find and apply for internships, and students with unpaid internships may be eligible for a $1,000 grant from the Washington Center.
Career Engagement Office Resources:
The Career Engagement office at Berkeley provides valuable resources for students seeking internships. They offer information on internships and career paths, and students can utilize tools like the Federal Internship Finder to explore opportunities with the federal government.
It's important to note that internships can be paid or unpaid and typically occur during the summer or throughout the academic year. International students should consult with the Berkeley International Office and their International Advisor to understand their specific visa regulations and any restrictions on the number of hours they can work.
Overall, Berkeley College offers a wealth of on-campus internship opportunities for international students, providing them with valuable experiences to enhance their academic and career journeys.
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International student support services
International students at Berkeley College can benefit from a range of support services. The International Student Department provides assistance for matters related to life at Berkeley and in the community, as well as providing important information on students' rights and responsibilities as international students in the United States. The department also sponsors cultural events each year.
The International Student Office also offers assistance, and prospective students can get in touch via email. The office can provide information on matters such as applying for a visa, entering the US, and housing. Remote advising is available via Zoom Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm PT, and in-person advising is available in Downtown Berkeley Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm PT.
The Berkeley International Office (BIO) also provides support for international students, including travel signatures, document pick-up, and events such as immigration webinars, employment workshops, and social gatherings. F-1 students can receive I-20s via email, and F-1 and J-1 students can request physical I-20/DS-2019 documents by mail.
International students at Berkeley College can also take advantage of short-term English as a Second Language (ESL) study opportunities, as well as career-focused programs that include internships, practicums, or job-related assignments.
For students wishing to study abroad, there are a number of considerations to take into account regarding US visa status. The Berkeley International Office can provide advice on this, as well as on Curricular Practical Training for F-1 students participating in Berkeley Global Internships in a US location.
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Studying abroad as an international student
Admission Requirements:
To be admitted as an international student at Berkeley, you must meet the requirements as a first-year or transfer applicant. Additionally, you need to provide official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions, along with proof of English language proficiency or conditional admission to study ESL. Financial support documentation demonstrating at least $42,000 is also required to obtain an F-1 student visa, which is necessary for studying in the United States.
Visa Considerations:
Maintaining your visa status is crucial when studying abroad at Berkeley. If you plan to study outside of the USA through programs like University of California Education Abroad Programs (UCEAP) or Berkeley Global Internships, you must consult with the Berkeley International Office (BIO) regarding the implications for your US visa status. F-1 students, for instance, are typically required to pursue a full-time course of study and maintain their student status by adhering to specific guidelines.
Work Opportunities:
International students at Berkeley have the chance to gain practical experience through internships, job-related assignments, or practicums. These opportunities are monitored by faculty members and provide valuable real-world applications of their academic learning. Additionally, J-1 students can seek off-campus work authorization in their field of study before or after completing their program.
Support Services:
The International Student Department at Berkeley is dedicated to supporting international students throughout their academic journey. The department provides essential information, resources, and guidance on matters related to life at Berkeley and in the community. They also assist students in understanding their rights and responsibilities as international students in the United States.
Studying abroad at Berkeley College offers a wealth of academic, cultural, and professional opportunities for international students. By embracing these opportunities and navigating the necessary visa requirements, students can enrich their educational experience and prepare for their future endeavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work on-campus at Berkeley. However, F-1 and J-1 students are not eligible for "work-study" jobs as these are paid with U.S. federal funds. To work on-campus, F-1 students must have a valid, unexpired I-20 and J-1 students must obtain written approval from their program sponsor.
J-1 students can seek off-campus employment in their field of study before or after graduation/completion of their program. F-1 students can also apply for a 12-month OPT work extension.
All international students who will be employed at Berkeley will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Additionally, international students are ineligible for federal, state, and need-based financial aid. However, they can apply for grants and scholarships, and graduate students can seek financial assistance from their departments.
