The process at a glance
- 01Apply & I-20
Receive your I-20 from the university
After accepting your admission offer and providing proof of financial resources, the university's international student office issues your Form I-20. Verify all details on the I-20 match your passport — name spelling errors can cause visa delays. Keep the I-20 with your passport at all times during your stay in the US.
- 02Visa Interview
Apply for your F-1 student visa
Complete Form DS-160 online, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), and schedule a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Prepare documents: passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, financial evidence, admission letter, academic transcripts, and standardised test scores. Be prepared to explain your study plans and ties to your home country.
- 03Arrive & Register
Arrive in the US and check in with the international office
Arrive no earlier than 30 days before your programme start date. Attend the mandatory international student orientation where you will learn about SEVIS compliance, health insurance requirements, campus safety, and available support services. Complete check-in with the international student office to activate your SEVIS record.
- 04Settle In
Open a bank account, get a US phone, and find housing
Open a US bank account (checking and savings) using your passport and I-20. Get a US phone number — prepaid plans are available without a Social Security Number. If living on campus, confirm your housing assignment and move-in date. If off campus, finalise your lease, set up utilities, and arrange transportation to campus.
- 05Plan Career
Start career planning from your first semester
Visit the career centre early to understand OPT timelines, build your resume, and learn about on-campus recruiting. Many international students find that building faculty relationships leads to research assistant positions and strong recommendation letters. Attend career fairs and networking events specifically for international students.
About De Anza College
De Anza College in Cupertino, CA provides international students with affordable pathways to US higher education. The college offers associate degrees and certificate programs with smaller class sizes and personalized attention. Many students begin here before transferring to a four-year university.
F-1 Visa Process for De Anza College
The F-1 visa process for De Anza College starts after admission and financial certification. The college issues a Form I-20, which you use to apply for your student visa. You will need to demonstrate English proficiency, show sufficient funds for your first year, and complete your visa interview. {name}'s international office guides students through each step.
Programs and Majors at De Anza College
Academic programs at De Anza College span business, STEM, liberal arts, health sciences, and more. The college has transfer agreements with universities in CA that guarantee credit transfer for students meeting GPA requirements. International students save significantly by completing general education requirements at {name} before moving to a university.
Transferring from De Anza College to a Four-Year University
Transferring from De Anza College to a four-year university is a common path for international students. The college has partnerships with universities that accept transfer credits and offer guaranteed admission for qualifying students. The transfer center helps students identify destination schools, complete applications, and manage the transition process.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Planning
De Anza College offers international students an affordable education with tuition of $7,000 to $12,000 per year. Including living expenses, the total annual cost is approximately $18,000 to $28,000. Compared to four-year university tuition, community college can save international students tens of thousands of dollars on their first two years of study.
Your university's international student office is your primary resource for visa compliance, cultural adjustment, and connecting with the international student community — use it from day one.
Transfer pathway planning from De Anza College to four-year universities
De Anza College has articulation agreements with universities in its state that specify which credits transfer and guarantee admission for students meeting GPA requirements. The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) programme with University of California campuses is one of the best-known pathways. Meet regularly with De Anza College's transfer centre counsellors from your first semester — they will help you select courses that satisfy general education requirements for your target universities. Maintain a competitive GPA (3.0+ for most programmes, 3.5+ for competitive majors like CS, engineering, and business). Complete the intended major prerequisite courses before transferring — many students at De Anza College complete an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) which guarantees junior standing at participating four-year institutions. The transfer centre can also help with application essays, scholarship searches for transfer students, and connecting you with university representatives who visit De Anza College's campus.
F-1 visa maintenance specific to community college enrollment
F-1 students at De Anza College must maintain full-time enrollment of at least 12 credit hours per semester. Community college schedules can be more flexible than universities, but dropping below full-time without DSO authorisation is a status violation. De Anza College's international student office monitors SEVIS compliance and can authorise reduced course loads for academic difficulties or medical reasons. Transferring from De Anza College to a four-year university requires a SEVIS record transfer, which the DSO at De Anza College initiates after confirming your acceptance at the receiving institution. If you plan to attend a four-year university after De Anza College, notify the international student office by the transfer deadline to avoid a gap in F-1 status. De Anza College also offers CPT authorisation for off-campus work after one academic year, but many community college students focus on their studies and transfer preparation rather than off-campus employment.
Cost comparison and financial aid opportunities at De Anza College
Tuition at De Anza College is significantly lower than at four-year universities — international students typically pay $7,000-$12,000 per year in tuition compared to $25,000-$60,000 at public or private universities. This makes community college an intelligent first step for budget-conscious international students. De Anza College offers limited merit-based scholarships for international students, though federal financial aid is not available to non-US citizens. Some states offer reduced tuition rates for community college students who are state residents, but international students generally pay the non-resident rate. Plan for total annual costs of $20,000-$35,000 (tuition plus living expenses) at De Anza College. Education loans through private lenders may be available. Many international students at De Anza College fund their education through a combination of family savings, home-country education loans, and part-time on-campus employment (limited to 20 hours per week).
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What you learned
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- 01
An international student transfers to a different US university mid-program. What happens to their visa?
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Frequently asked questions
Can international students work at De Anza College?+
Yes, F-1 students at De Anza College can work on campus up to 20 hours per week. CPT and OPT become available after one academic year for off-campus work.
What TOEFL score does De Anza College need?+
De Anza College requires TOEFL 61-79 iBT or IELTS 5.5-6.0. Students below these thresholds may qualify for ESL programs first.
Where do De Anza College international students live?+
De Anza College does not offer on-campus housing, but the international office helps students find apartments and homestays in Cupertino.
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