Review the application process on the International Admissions page.

Once you receive your I-20 form, visit The United States Visas Official Site to locate the U.S. Embassy nearest to you.  Review the visa application information on the specific embassy's website carefully; the procedure is slightly different from one U.S. Consulate to another.

Every visa category has different restrictions regarding who may study and who may not. 

Although you cannot apply for a visa from within the United States, you may be able to apply to change your status to F-1 student.  Please contact the Office of International Student Services for an immigration advising appointment about your particular visa category.

Once your application has been reviewed and completed by the Office of International Student Services, you will receive your I-20.

Review the Post-Acceptance To Do list for more instructions. 

The U.S. consulate or embassy abroad can process your visa up to 60 days before the start date of your academic program.

You may enter the country as early as 30 days in advance of the program start date, the first day of instruction. Find the 'Earliest Admit' date on your I-20 for the exact earliest date you can enter the U.S.

If you are currently attending another U.S. school and have a valid I-20, contact your adviser at your current school, provide a copy of your Cerritos COllege acceptance email, and request that your SEVIS record be released.

The Cerritos College School code is LOS214F00101000.

Yes! Non-immigrants (including F visa holders) have certain constitutional rights in the U.S.

Key Rights For International Students

1. Right to Contact Your Consulate - You can reach out to your country's consulate if needed.

2. Freedom of Speech, Expression, Assembly, and Religion - You are entitled to express yourself, participate in peaceful protests, and practice your religion.

3. Protection from Illegal Search and Seizure - Law enforcement officials need a warrant to search your property, unless there is evidence of an immediate crime.

4. Due Process and Equal Protection - You have the right to an attorney and a fair hearing before a judge.

To learn more about your rights and how to express them, visit the ACLU website.

Government agencies, such as local police, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or Department of Homeland Security (including Immigration & Customs Enforce [ICE] and Customs & Border Protection [CBP])  may request information. When these situations happen:

• Be Cautious: If someone claiming to be a government official contacts you, do not share personal information unless you are certain of their identity. Request contact information (IE: Agency Affiliation, Name, Phone Number) to respond back, if necessary after consulting with a professional advisor.
• Contact: OISS staff member, your attorney (if you have one) and/or a trusted advisor

Refer to Enrollment Calendar for general enrollment dates. To view your specific enrollment appointment, review the Enrollment Appointment information. 

View available classes on Cerritos Schedule+.  Not sure how to use Schedule+? Review the Schedule+ Guide for detailed instructions. 

Ready to enroll? Follow the Online Enrollment instructions to add classes.

To view your holds at Cerritos College, you can log in to your MyCerritos account and look for the "holds and to do's" box. You can click on a hold to see which office placed it and how to remove it.  

Clear holds as soon as you notice them to avoid issues with registration. Common international student holds include:

• Medical Insurance - purchase at least 2-3 days before your registration date 
• Orientation - Complete on Canvas. Check your emails for the invitation to join, or contact the OISS.
• Immigration Issues - schedule an appointment with and F-1 adviser to discuss your situation

View other common Admissions & Records holds. 

Thinking of dropping a class? Remember, as an international students you must be registered in, and complete a minimum of 12 units each semester* and at least 9 of those 12 must be taught as on campus classes.

(*Fall and Spring semesters only. Summer is not mandatory, unless it is your first semester. If Summer is your first semester, be sure to enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 units)

If you think you will fall below 12 units, schedule an appointment with your F-1 adviser to review your situation. 

For other information on dropping a class, refer to the Add/Drop Dates. It is each students' responsibility to be aware of drop deadlines, including last day to drop without a refund, without a 'W', and with a 'W'.  There are no exceptions for refunds if you drop past the deadline.

Each class has a maximum number of spots for students to enroll. Once a class reaches capacity, students can add themselves to a waitlist.  If a currently enrolled student drops the course before the first day of class, the first person on the waitlist will be notified to enroll in that open spot.

If you are still waitlisted on the first day of class, attend that class and the instructor will let you know if you will be able to add the class. 

Waitlisted classes do not count towards your 12 required units. It's always best to add 12 available units to ensure you remain compliant. You can make changes to your enrollment within the Add/Drop dates if a waitlisted class opens up.

You can pay your tuition fees online or in person. View detailed instructions to pay your fees.  Below are more helpful links:

• Enrollment Fees
• Refund Policies & Procedures

Schedule an appointment with an International Student Academic Counselor to discuss any academic questions, including:

• transfer requirements
• graduation requirements
• academic plans
• changing your major

Here are other useful resources:

• Pass/No Pass Grading Options
• Repeating a Course: Academic Renewal

Visit the Admissions & Records How to Order a Transcript page for detailed instructions. 

If you need a verification of your student status (F-1 international students only), please complete the Verification Letter Request Form. Allow 3-5 business days for processing.  

If you attended a college/university outside of the U.S., you will need to have your transcripts translated and evaluated by a foreign credentials evaluation service. Find one at http://www.naces.org/members.html. 

After receiving a report from the evaluation service, submit your official sealed evaluation to the Admissions & Records office. Allow 3-4 months for transfer credits to reflect on your Cerritos Transcript.

If you plan to transfer to a four-year institution, you will have to request that institution to evaluate your international college credit. Even if Cerritos accepts your international credit, another institution might not. 

If you attended a U.S. college/university, contact that school for instructions to order official transcripts.

For more information, visit the Admissions & Records transcript page.

Graduation is not automatic! If you have earned an Associate Degree, Associate for Transfer, or Certificate of Achievement, please submit a petition for graduation at the beginning of the last semester of your program.

View the Admissions & Records Graduation Petition instructions. 

There are few important rules you must follow to maintain valid F-1 student status. It is your responsibility to follow these rules:

Maintain full-time enrollment

• Complete a minimum of 12 units during each Fall and Spring semester. At least 9 of your minimum 12 units must be taught on campus/in-person (hybrid is okay). Three units of online classes can be counted towards your minimum 12 units (Hyflex and remote count as 100% online). Review a detailed description of each type of class modality.  Classes with a consistent on campus component count as on campus.
  • If your first term at Cerritos College is summer, you must complete at least 6 units (A maximum of 3 of your 6 units may be taught online). Subsequent summer enrollment is optional.
• Enroll in at least one 18-week long classes every fall and spring semester. You may not take only late-start classes. 
• Concurrent Enrollment - you can take classes at an other school to complete the 12 unit requirement in a term but the majority of your units must be taken at Cerritos College. See the Concurrent Enrollment section for more details.

 

Maintain Good Academic Standing

• Maintain a 2.0 GPA or better to avoid academic probation or even dismissal from Cerritos College.  You may be placed on academic probation if your overall GPA falls below 2.0.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your GPA, make an appointment to see the international academic counselor.
   

Follow All Other Federal and State Laws

Working in the U.S. without authorization is PROHIBITED.  See "Working in the U.S." section for information on ways you can receive authorization to work in the U.S.

In very limited situations, you may be permitted to take less than 12 units. See an F-1 advisor BEFORE dropping below 12 units if you think any of the cases below apply to you. 

Do NOT drop below 12 units until you have met with an F-1 advisor and been authorized for RCL.

Final Semester before graduation or transfer

If you have less than 12 units to complete in your final semester to meet graduation/transfer requirements, you may be eligible for Final Semester RCL. 

Meet with an International Academic Counselor BEFORE starting your last semester for authorization.

Academic Difficulties

If this is your first semester attending a U.S. college and you are struggling in classes, you may be eligible for an RCL. See an F-1 Advisor to determine if you are eligible. 

Not all students will be eligible and you must be approved BEFORE dropping below 12 units.

Medical Authorization

If you are being medically treated by a doctor (M.D. or D.O. or Licensed Clinical Psychologist) for a medical or mental health condition that prevents you from attending classes or requires that you have less than full time course load, you may be eligible for Medical Reduced Course Load.  Complete the top portion of this Medical Reduced Course Load Form (PDF) before submitting it to your medical provider to complete.

The completed recommendation must be submitted to our office directly by your provider by email or by you in a sealed envelope from your provider to be considered valid and must specify the semester being recommended.

Important Rules

If you take classes at another school, you can count these towards the required 12 units total for full time enrollment. 

• At least 7 units must be taken at Cerritos College to maintain status
• At least one class must be an 18-week Cerritos College class
• Only 3 online units may count towards full-time enrollment. At least 9 units must be taught on a campus.
• Note: Courses taken at another institution may not meet Cerritos prerequisites, graduation and/or transfer requirements
• Approval is not required, but we encourage you to meet an International Academic Counselor to review your selection.
  
  

Instructions for Concurrent Enrollment: 

1. Apply (as a concurrent student) to the school you plan to enroll in and follow their instructions to enroll in the course(s) you want
2. If approval is required to enroll, please email intadmissions@cerritos.edu  include the following information:
   • Name of school for concurrent enrollment
   • Course name, course number, and units
   • Semester of enrollment
3. Submit proof of enrollment by email (intadmissions@cerritos.edu) to verify you are enrolled in 12 units and maintaining status (i.e. unofficial transcript or web schedule bill)
4. Once you complete the class, submit proof of your final grade(s) by email (intadmissions@cerritos.edu).
5. Submit official transcripts to Cerritos's Admissions & Records office if you would like to transfer units to Cerritos.

​If your I-20 is expiring, but you need more time to complete your program at Cerritos College, you may be eligible for an I-20 extension.  

Schedule an appointment with an Academic Counselor to review your academic progress. The counselor will submit an I-20 extension recommendation to your F-1 adviser on your behalf.

We recommend that you apply for I-20 extension at least two months before the expiration date.  You MUST complete this process BEFORE your I-20 expires, you will NOT be eligible for an extension and you will be out of status.

NOTE: If your I-20 ends this semester and you will transfer out for next semester, you do not need to extend your I-20 first. Example: If I-20 ends in Spring (May) and you will transfer out for Fall semester you do not need to extend I-20. Graduating students have a 60 day grace period (after expiration) to transfer their I-20.

To request a transfer of your SEVIS record, complete the Transfer Out Request Form and attach a copy of your acceptance letter.  NOTE: 

• If your I-20 ends this semester and you will transfer out for next semester, you do not need to extend your I-20 first. Example: If I-20 ends in Spring (May) and you will transfer out for Fall semester you do not need to extend I-20.
• When we transfer out your SEVIS record (I-20), The new school will receive it electronically. You should contact them for your new I-20.
   

Important Rules

• Your transfer must be completed within the 60 day grace period - counted from the last day you attended classes at Cerritos College.  If you miss the grace period, Cerritos College will be unable to transfer your SEVIS record in active status!
• U.S. Immigration regulations require that you must attend the next available session at your new school (Classes must begin within 5 months from your last day of classes at Cerritos).
• If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. before classes begin at your new school, you will need to use the new school's I-20 to re-enter the U.S.
• If you are currently on OPT from Cerritos College, your OPT will end when we transfer your SEVIS record.
   

Transfer Eligibility Forms

If the school you are applying to has a form that we need to fill out, submit it to the OISS by email (intadmissions@cerritos.edu). Allow 5 business days for processing. 

If you plan to take a temporary leave of absence or withdraw indefinitely from Cerritos College (withdraw from all courses), we recommend that you schedule an appointment with your F-1 advisor to discuss your options.  You may also complete the Withdrawal form and submit to intadmissions@cerritos.edu. 

• If you leave the U.S. without informing an F-1 advisor, your I-20 may be TERMINATED negatively which may cause immigration issues in the future.
• If you do not enroll or withdraw from all courses and remain in the U.S., your I-20 will be TERMINATED which may have serious consequences.

Whether you are facing personal difficulties/emergencies or simply returning home to pursue your studies or an internship, we are here to support you.

Generally, you cannot take a semester off if you are in the U.S. Remaining in the U.S. after your I-20 has been terminated is a violation of status.

Passport

Your passport must be valid at all times while you are in the U.S. When you travel, you must have at least 6 months left on your passport to return to the U.S. Contact your embassy in the U.S. to renew your passport.

Visa

Your F-1 visa must be valid for you to enter the U.S. However, you can stay in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa as long as you have a valid passport, I-20 and are maintaining status as an F-1 student. 

I-94

The I-94 form is a record of your admission to the U.S.  You can download your I-94 online.  Make sure that the "class of admission" on your I-94 says F-1.

If you are unable to locate your I-94 online, or if any information is incorrect on your I-94, contact the OISS.  

All F-1 students must provide their current U.S. address, phone number, and an emergency contact within 10 days of arriving in the U.S.  Current F-1 students should report any changes within 10 days. You can update this information quickly by completing the F-1 Student Information Update form.

Carry the following documents with you in your carry-on:

• Original I-20 with valid travel signature
  • read "Travel Signature on your Form I-20" below for details
• Passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of return to the U.S.
• Valid F-1 visa stamp in the passport
   

If on approved OPT, also bring:

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
• Job offer letter or proof of employment
   

Also recommended:

• Proof of enrollment in current or next academic term (such as a print out of your unofficial transcript
• Recent proof of financial support, no more than 6 months old
• I-901 fee receipt 

Check the second page of your I-20.  Your travel signature should be no more than 1 year old on the date you reenter the U.S.  If your travel signature is more than 1 year old, you must request a new one from the OISS.

Bring your I-20 to the OISS in the Santa Barbara building. Allow 5-7 business days for processing.

An Electronic DSO signature is valid. The updated I-20 will be emailed to your personal email. Print it in color, and sign the form with blue pen on page 1. Carry with you in your carry-on when you travel.

OPT Approved: 

Students on active OPT must renew their travel signature every 6 months. If you are not in the local area, you may request a new I-20 by submitting a completed I-20 request form 

Carry ALL documents on your person (carry-on luggage), NOT in your checked-luggage. If you do not have all the required documents at the port of entry, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has the ability to deny you entry to the USA. CBP officers always have discretion to determine admissibility. 

You may be issued a form I-515A, which allows you to temporarily enter the U.S. for 30 days.  If you receive a Form I-515A at the port of entry, contact the OISS IMMEDIATELY to schedule an appointment with an F-1 Advisor who will help you review and respond to the I-515A. You must respond to the I-515A by the date granted or you will be considered in violation and out of status.

​The visa document issued at the U.S. embassy and secured in your passport, is only necessary if you are planning to travel and must be valid at the time of reentry to the U.S.

If the visa stamp in your passport has expired, you will need to renew your visa before returning to the U.S. 

If you are in the U.S. and are maintaining valid F-1 status, it is not necessary to travel ONLY to renew your visa. The visa cannot be renewed while in the U.S., but if it expires, you may remain in the U.S. without consequence.

On-campus employment must take place on the premises of the I-20 issuing institution (on the Cerritos College campus), such as a student services office or an academic department.  This may also include commercial firms that provide direct student services on-campus, such as the on campus Subway and the Bookstore. This DOES NOT include a construction firm that is building on campus.  All students must file a tax return annually during tax season (January 1- April 15) for the previous calendar year.

On-campus employment Requirements

• Must be a current F-1 student, pursuing a full course of study
  • can begin employment immediately after program starts
• Cannot exceed 19 hours per week while school is in session
• Does not have to be related to course of study
• Must maintain 2.5 GPA minimum

Visit the Student Employment Information page to submit a general application and sign up for on-campus job fairs.
 
 OFF CAMPUS Employment is only allowed with CPT, OPT, or an employment authorization document issued by USCIS. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment benefit for F-1 students that meet certain eligibility requirements and is specifically intended to allow students to gain experience in their chosen field of study before completing the program.

Review CPT eligibility and application guidelines carefully before beginning a CPT request.

Eligibility Requirements

• Student is currently in valid F-1 status and has been enrolled 1 full academic year (fall and spring semester)
• Must have a 2.5 GPA minimum 
• Student must enroll in a course that requires an internship or fieldwork component.
• Internship may only be approved for the same term of enrollment
• Must enroll in a full course of study or be approved for a Reduced Course Load

General Guidelines

• Each student is responsible for finding their own internship opportunity
• Internship must be in student's field of study
• Internship may begin no earlier than first day of classes and must end by last day of classes for the term
• May not begin working until CPT has been approved and CPT I-20 has been issued by OISS
• May work no more than 20 hour per week
• Must maintain valid F-1 status
• CPT approval required for all internships, paid OR unpaid
• CPT is subject to final review and approval by the OISS 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization that allows an international student in F-1 status authorization to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in employment directly related to their major field of study, upon completion of their program.

Apply for OPT

The OPT application process can be complicated. Schedule an F-1 advising appointment during your LAST semester at Cerritos College to discuss. OPT Workshop Registration. If you missed the last workshop you can watch the recording.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have completed one year of full time enrollment at OCC in F-1 status
• You must be in good academic standing and completing an AA/AS or a Certificate of Achievement during the current term in which you apply for OPT
• You can apply as early as 90 days before the end date of your final semester, but no later than 30 days after the end of your final semester
• Pursuing another program of study during OPT is not permitted. If you choose to transfer, your OPT will be canceled on the date your SEVIS record is transferred 
  
  

General Guidelines

• There is USCIS filing fee of $410
• Each student is responsible for finding their own employment
• Students must report employer/employment dates & locations in the SEVP OPT Student Portal
• Employment must be in student's field of study
• Employment may not begin until you receive your EAD card and the start date listed on your EAD card arrives
• Employment must end by the end date listed on your EAD card
• You cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment days (cumulative during the entire duration of your OPT period)
• Must work more than 20 hours/week
• Must maintain valid F-1 status
• Don't forget to file your tax returns before April 15th for the previous calendar year

When can I start working?​

You may search for a job, and be interviewing while your OPT is pending.  You may not begin working until you have received your Employment Authorization Card (EAD) and the start date arrives. You may only work during the dates authorized on the card! You may not begin working before the start date or continue working beyond the end date printed on your EAD card. The EAD card is valid for a maximum of one year.

Can I extend the EAD if I graduated with a STEM major?

At the Associate Degree level there is no STEM extension possible.

If you transfer and complete a bachelor's degree you may be able to do OPT again, and then you will be eligible for the STEM extension if your major is on the list of SEVIS STEM approved majors.

Days of unemployment rule

Students on OPT are allowed no more than 90 days of unemployment during the entire OPT period. The days are counted from the start date on your EAD card.  Jobs do not need to be paid. An internship or volunteer job or two or more part time jobs are allowed. Self-employment is allowed but you need to keep good records of the time you spend working on developing your business, working "gigs" etc... Make sure you report your employer info to the SEVP student portal. if you do not, they will assume you are not working and these days will count as days of unemployment.  There is an Unemployment Date Counter in the student portal.

How many hours can I work?

If you are on OPT, you must work Full time in a job directly related to your field of study. Full time employment for OPT is a minimum of 20 hours per week.  You can work more if you like.  If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment (during the entire duration of your OPT), your F-1 status will no longer be valid and you must depart the U.S. You can work more hours if you like. 

Do I need to keep the medical insurance?

Yes. Maintain medical insurance coverage with Cerritos College. If your US employer provides full medical insurance coverage, insurance purchase through Cerritos may be waived. You will still be required to purchase the supplemental Evacuation/Repatriation coverage through the Cerritos provider. Complete the insurance waiver request form and upload the proof of your insurance policy through your employer showing your name and the dates of coverage.  At the time of application you should purchase the next semesters' term of international student insurance through Cerritos. After you receive your EAD card, then you can purchase the OPT insurance for the months left remaining on your EAD card, that you will be in the USA. 

What is the SEVP Portal?

You will receive an email from USCIS to set up your SEVP portal. This email will come to your personal email address around the time that you receive your EAD card.  The link is valid only for 30 days. You must report all employment to USCIS through the SEVP portal. 

You can access your student SEVP portal and make updates as needed after you set it up for the first time using the email link.  You should update any changes to your employer, job, your address, email address or phone number within 10 days of the change.

Again, if you accumulate over 90 days of unemployment (during the entire duration of your OPT), your F-1 status will no longer be valid and you must depart the U.S.  If you do not report your employment to the portal, USCIS will assume you are not working! If you miss the 30 day time period for the set up link contact an F-1 advisor to reset your link.  If you miss the 10 day reporting deadline put in the information you can, and submit the proper dates to your F-1 advisor so they can edit it for you in Cerritos College's SEVIS account.

Can I take classes while on OPT?

No. While on OPT, full time enrollment is prohibited. Do not start a new academic program while on OPT.   If you wish to begin a new academic program, you must request to transfer your SEVIS record to another school or contact your F1 advisor to get a  new I-20 to attend OCC again. As soon as we transfer your SEVIS record out or make a new I-20 for you, your OPT will be canceled.

If the course is required by your employer, you may enroll in no more than one course, incidental to your OPT.  Discuss with an international student adviser before enrolling in any course.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is an identification number meant only for tax purposes, to track income and determine benefits. International students holding an F-1 visa are not eligible for an SSN unless approved for employment.  The SSN is not a work authorization. Just because you have a SSN does not mean you are eligible to work in the United States.

For employment eligibility and approval requirements, please read above​ (On-campus employment, CPT, OPT).

Once you are approved for employment, here is how to obtain an SSN:

Employed On-Campus:

1. Your Cerritos College employer should complete a job offer letter. You should also complete an employment agreement. Submit both to intadmissions@cerritos.edu. Allow 2-3 business days for the OISS to review your offer and issue an SSN support letter.  We will send this support letter to your personal email address
2. Schedule an SSN Appointment at your nearest SSN administration Office
3. Bring the following documents with you to your SSN appointment:
   • Job offer letter from your employer
   • OISS SSN support letter
   • Valid I-20
   • Valid Passport
   • I-94

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

1. Once approved, you will receive a new I-20 with CPT approval
2. Schedule an SSN Appointment at your nearest SSN administration Office
3. Bring the following documents to your SSN appointment:
   • Valid I-20 with CPT approval
   • Valid Passport
   • I-94

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Apply for OPT and receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You may apply for the SSN on the same form as OPT.

As an international student you must follow all the laws of the USA, including tax laws.

This means filing a tax return during tax season (Jan 1- April 15) for any earnings during the previous calendar year.  As non-residents, F-1 students should typically submit a 1040NR or 1040EZNR form. 

Please be aware many common software/online tax services are for residents only and will give incorrect results for non-residents. Please seek the advice of a professional tax prepare if you have questions abut your non-resident taxes.

Here are some helpful resources:

Tax Season Survival Guide for F-1 Students Article 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.  Assists people with both federal and state tax returns, if they have an income of $60,000 or less. 

IRS Tax Form 8843 Online Wizard

IRS Info for Non-residents

​To apply for a driver license, an F-1 student must have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee, must be enrolled full time, and must have a 'continued attendance' I-20. 

You may obtain a 'continued attendance' I-20 after the ADD/DROP deadline of your first semester. All immigration documents must be valid for at least 60 days.  If valid for less than 60 days, the student is not eligible to apply for a driver license.

For more information about obtaining a driver license, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

1. Current Passport valid for at least 6 months
2. I-94 Arrival/Departure record
3. Current 'continued attendance' I-20
4. Social Security Number (SSN) – only if you have one. Most international students are NOT eligible for an SSN.  An SSN is NOT required for a drivers license. If you are asked for one, ask to speak to a DMV supervisor.
5. OPTIONAL: Driver license from your home country – may exempt you from the driving skills test

1. Gather all required documents
2. Visit your local DMV – make an appointment for shorter wait times
3. Fill-out a Driver License application at the DMV – if you do not have an SSN, mark 'not eligible for SSN' on the application form
4. Pay the application fee
5. Complete the vision and written driving test
6. In most cases, you will have to return for a behind-the-wheel skills test – an appointment typically required
7. Allow two weeks for processing.  If you do not receive your driver license within 30 days, contact the DMV office. Do not contact the DMV before 30 days

• Do not drive a car or motorcycle without a license
• No texting and driving
• Do not drive if you have consumed alcohol.  Being pulled over while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance will result in a DUI, your license may be revoked, and you may be jailed and/or have to pay expensive fines and legal fees
• You MUST have auto insurance
• You may only drive in CA for 10 days with an international driver license. If you plan to drive, you must obtain a CA driver license
• Once you pass the written driving test, you will be given a permit. You CANNOT drive alone with a permit. You must be accompanied by a licensed CA driver over the age of 25.
• You can drive alone, only once you have your driver license

• Kelly Blue Book - Whether you buy a car from a private party or from a dealer, it is always a good idea to find out if you are getting a fair price. 
• How to obtain a driver license
• Sample Driver License Tests
• Schedule a DMV appointment

If you expect that you will drive an automobile at any point during your time in the U.S., it's recommended that you obtain a CA driver licence. 

The state of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP), also known as an International Driver License or International License, as a valid driver license.