International
Student
Program
Embark on your new educational
chapter in the United States.
HOW TO APPLY
International students must be issued an F-1 student visa before they arrive as a student in the United States. BBBA is a SEVP approved school and can issue an INS form I-20 to qualified international students, which allows them to receive an F-1 visa to legally attend our school. For more information, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov.
The experiences, knowledge, and differences represented by international students add diversity to Berean Bible Baptist Academy. If you are considering BBBA, review the admissions procedure below for international students. If you have questions, contact the Admissions Office at (619) 421-4151 or send an e-mail to info@bereanbible7.org.
PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING AN I-20
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BBBA must have a complete I-20 Application Form filled-in and signed before issuing an I-20. A scanned copy can be sent via e-mail. However, the original signed copy must be received for verification. You may request a form by contacting the school office here.
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The non-refundable student Application for I-20 admission fee of US $350 must be paid in full.
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An official acceptance letter from BBBA.
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BBBA tuition + registration fee must be PAID IN FULL [some additional fees may be required based on student program and billed separately at a later date]. Check the fee schedule on the
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current year’s I-20 Application form.
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Supporting documents must include a letter from your banking institution indicating you have sufficient funds to cover tuition for one year.
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Provide an US address where student will be staying.
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Once Berean Bible Baptist Academy has all the necessary documents, we will issue the student an I-20 form through the Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS).
PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING AN F-1 VISA
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Read and understand your I-20 and your responsibilities as an international student in the US.
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Once you receive the I-20, you will go online to www.fmjfee.com to pay the SEVIS I-901 administrative fee, which must be paid three days prior to your embassy visit. This fee can be paid with a credit card. Your payment receipt should be presented at the embassy when you take your I-20 to apply for your student visa.
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Contact the United States Embassy or consulate and ask what documents are needed to obtain your student visa. You can visit the US Embassy website for your country to learn more about the documents needed.
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When the required documents are completed and fees are paid, you must make an appointment with the US Embassy. Getting an appointment with the US Embassy may take some time. Don’t delay in making this appointment.
ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR F-1 VISA APPROVED
(Traveling to the U.S.)
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Keep your passport and I-20/F-1 visa with you at all times.
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You are required to show your passport and I-20/F-1 visa to an Immigration officer at your port of entry in the United States.
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The immigration officer may stamp your visa and I-20.
ARRIVAL AT BEREAN BIBLE BAPTIST ACADEMY
(NO SOONER THAN 30 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF SCHOOL)
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Bring your passport and a copy of your F-1 Visa and I-94 Arrival/Departure Card to school and present to the Designated School Official (DSO).
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Additional forms for Enrollment (to be submitted upon issuance of F-1 Visa):
o Student Handbook Acknowledgement
o Consent for Medical Emergency Treatment & Waiver Form* o Medical Dispensation Approval Form
o Permission for Student Medication Dispensation by School Personnel
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Current Student Immunization Card which includes:
o Tuberculosis (TB) Test results
o Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination if 7th Grade and above.
The DSO will confirm your legal entry into the United States through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and SEVIS. The DSO will need to make copies of all your legal documents: I-20, Visa, and passport for your school records. Berean Bible Baptist Academy recommends keeping all of your visa documents in a secure place.
We encourage international students to purchase a health insurance coverage that is designed specifically for international students. There are various choices available that you can check online. The minimum cost for one year's coverage by a U.S. health insurance company is around $ 515.
LEAVING THE U.S. FOR HOLIDAY OR TRAVEL
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When an international student leaves the U.S., he/she must notify the DSO.
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The DSO will verify that the student has a continued I-20 and that the I-20 is signed.
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Students must always travel with their legal documents.