A male student and a female student, sitting at lab table, peer at hand-held equipment with a little beaker and squeeze bottle on the table.

International Students

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in Taft College!

If you are still deciding, see our International Students page and picture yourself at Taft College.

Ready to apply?

Here are some steps to follow to make your transition easier as a new International Student.

Contact the Admissions Department at Taft College at 661-763-7798, or talk with a Principal Designated School Officer (PDSO) or Designated School Officer (DSO) to get information about the requirements to attend Taft College as an international student.

  • Complete the admissions application
  • Obtain a student ID number that you will use on the International Application and in Taft College.
  • Complete the on-line orientation
  • Complete the International Student Application (PDF) and submit all required documents, including the $100.00 application fee.
  • Complete the Residence Hall Application and submit it along with the $150.00 dorm deposit, if you are planning to stay on campus. If you are not planning to stay on campus, you do not have to complete this step.
  • You will receive an Acceptance letter from Taft College once everything has been reviewed and approved by the DSO.
  • Pay your Sevis Fee before making an appointment for your F-1 Visa.
  • Receive Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) from Taft College.
  • Make your appointment to get your F-1 Visa (This does not apply to Canadian International students). You will go to either the Embassy or the Consulate of your home country. (Make sure to take your passport, financial documents, acceptance letter, and Form I-20).
  • Contact the DSO of the school to let them know of the outcome of your visit to the Embassy or Consulate.
  • If you are going to be a student athlete, you will have to make an appointment to speak to the Athletic Advisor. If you are not going to be an athlete, be sure to make an appointment to meet with a counselor of the major you are going to be pursuing. 
  • Register for your classes. (All international students must be enrolled in 12+ units. You cannot take fewer than 12 units, and you cannot take more than one online class.)
  • Pay enrollment fees.

New International Student Transferring to Taft College

If you are going to be a new transfer international student to Taft College, here are some steps for you to make your transition easier.

  • Contact the PDSO/DSO to get more information about the requirements to attend Taft College as an international transfer student.
  • Complete the Admissions Application to obtain a student ID number that you will use on the international application and in Taft College.
  • Complete the on-line orientation.
  • Complete the International Student Application (PDF) and submit all required documents, including the $100.00 application fee.
  • Complete the Residence Hall Application (PDF) and submit it along with the $150.00 dorm deposit, if you are planning to stay on campus. If you are not planning to stay on campus, you do not have to complete this step.
  • Contact the PDSO/DSO to let them know you have completed the steps.
  • Contact your DSO in your current college, so they can send the transfer out request for you to Taft College.
  • Request official transcripts to be sent to Taft College.
  • Receive your acceptance letter from Taft College.
  • Make a counseling appointment to speak to a Counselor to help you register for classes.
  • Pay for your classes and get your books
  • Bring in a copy of your passport and visa to the DSO to make a copy and place it in your student record.

When you arrive at Taft College

Settle into your new home. You will need to unpack your belongings and get acquainted with your dorm room. The dorm rooms are not equipped with sheets (twin size), pillows, blankets, towels or an alarm clock. You will need to bring these items with you or purchase them when you arrive. (See more information about the residence halls on the website and in the Housing Handbook.) If you have any questions regarding your residence hall room, please contact the dorm supervisor, Angelo Cutrona 661-428-4032.

Fees are due at registration

After the counselor enrolls you in your classes, you will need to go to the Cashier’s Desk to pay for your classes. To obtain the required books you will need to take a copy of your class schedule to the bookstore. At Taft College, we have a textbook rental program. Students do not have to purchase all the books; some are available to rent. Students simply pay for a rental fee then turn in the rental books at the end of the semester. Students will have to purchase an ASO sticker to be able to participate in the rental program, and the cost is $30.00. You can purchase the sticker in the Cashier’s Desk or at the bookstore.

Go to the Counseling/Admissions Department to see the DSO. Provide the DSO with the following:

  • A copy of your Passport and Visa
  • A copy of Form I-94 
  • If you did not include your Medical Insurance in your international packet, provide a copy of the card or benefits.
  • The DSO will update your I-20 form to reflect continued status after you start your classes and sign it.

We want to make your stay as pleasant as possible. 

Starting a new school in a new country can be very intimidating. Contact Taft College to advise if any other offer of assistance might be available.

Useful Links