Indeed, the California bar exam doesn't require to be a permanent resident, have a work permit or the citizenship to be admitted at the bar. CA Bar accepts applicants with foreign licenses.You do not need a JD or LLM. U.S. bar exam foreign eligibility and requirements for non-U. S. law graduates, lawyers and U.S. LL.M. students. I'm preparing to take the California State Bar Exam in July 2025 and am seeking online study materials. Foreign-educated applicants including those with an LL.M. degree from a U.S. law school should plan on taking the exam in Albany or Buffalo. M. program may apply to the J.D. program after completing their first semester. Foreign-educated applicants including those with an LL.M. degree from a U.S. law school should plan on taking the exam in Albany or Buffalo. Credit card payments must be made online, and checks must be made out to "Utah State Bar.