1. Complete the on-line International student application.  

2. Pay the application fee of $100.

3. Submit Official Transcripts.

 

   The following materials must be uploaded to international students.

• Official Bank statement ($20,000 minimum and $5,000 for each addition F-2 dependent).

• Signed and Notarized Affidavit of support (Only if the bank statements are not under the student's name).

• Copy of Passport.

• Copy of visa and I-94 (Transfer students).

• Medical Clearance.

 

MAINTAINING STATUS

• Carry a full course of study (12 units for undergraduate and 9 units for graduate students). Only one online class may count towards the minimum credit amount each semester. Hybrid classes that require some physical presence are not counted toward the 1 class limit for online courses.

• Attend and pass all your classes. If classes are too difficult, consult with your DSO and department chair.

• If you only need one course to complete your program of study, the course cannot be online or distance learning.

• Do not drop a class without first speaking with your DSO.

• If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.

 

ENGLISH PLACEMENT TEST

• All international students are required to take English placement on the new student orientation day unless you proof of passing TOEFL score.

• Minimum passing TOEFL scores (iBT) is 70 for undergraduate students and 75 for graduate students.

• Students may be required to take ESL classes based on the English placement test result.

  

ACADEMIC AND ATTENDANCE POLICIES

• At BU, satisfactory progress toward the degree is required. Failure to achieve a minimum GPA after two consecutive semesters may result in dismissal and termination of I-20.

            - Undergraduate students -- G.P.A below 2.0
           - Graduate students -- G.P.A below 2.0

• Bethesda University requires attendance at all classes for credit. A minimum 80% attendance rate is required for course credit, even if the absences are excused.   

 

TRAVEL SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT

• You must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 to return to the U.S. after travel abroad.
   

• Each signature is valid for one year (Fi students on OPT: the travel signature is valid for six months).
   

• A travel signature is issued by your DSO to confirm you are maintaining your F1 student status.

 

WORK AND PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR F1 STUDENTS

• An F1 student may only work when authorized by a DSO in some cases, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in others. If you choose to work without authorization, you will be forced to leave the United States immediately, and you may not be able to re-enter the United States at a later date.

• F1 students are also eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training following the completion of their studies. OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to your program of study.

• DELETE the last bullet

 

UPON PROGRAM COMPLETION

F1 visa students must take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States after completing your program of study.

Once you complete your program of study and any authorized period of practical training. F1 students have 60 days after completion of your program (the Program End Date on your Form I-20) to leave the United States. If you wish to extend your stay in the United States, talk with your DSO to learn more about doing one of the following. 

• Transfer to another school. 

• Change your education level (e.g. bachelor's to master's).  

• Apply to change status to another visa status (DELETE examples)

 

MEDICAL INSURANCE

• Students must submit a proof of health insurance coverage every semester during the registration period.

 

WHEN TO CONTACT THE INTERNATIONAL ADVISING OFFICE

• Any changes to legal name, U.S. address, country of citizenship, immigration status, field of study, level of education, expected program completion date, or source of funding, dependent (F2) information 

• Before traveling outside of the U.S

• Request for Leave of Absence or dropping below full-time status for any reason