International Program

While studying in the United States, you, as an international student holding F-1 visa, are allowed to travel internationally outside the U.S. and domestically within the U.S. It is important for you to acknowledge and comply to the U.S. immigration regulations, especially for traveling outside the country, in order to maintain your student status.

This section provides basic information on immigration regulations for international students who seek to reenter to the U.S. after traveling internationally. This information applies for international students who hold F-1 visas.

Please note that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry (airport) has the authority to decide whether or not you are admissible to the U.S. This decision is based upon facts and circumstances presented at the time you apply to enter. Jupiter Christian School (JCS) cannot guarantee that you will be admitted or readmitted to the United States.

Use the following information to prepare yourself before seeking admission to the U.S.

A. What documents do you need to re-enter the U.S.?
If you have been out of the U.S. for less than 5 months, you will be asked to present the following documents to the CBP officer at the port of entry.

1. Passport valid for at least 6 months into the future: A current passport valid for at least six months after the date of your re-entry. If your country is listed on this list, your passport will be valid until the date of expiration.

2. Valid F-1 visa: You should know the expiration date and the number of allowed entries on your visa. Most visas have “M” (multiple) written under entries. This means that there is no limit on the number of entries for which you can use your visa. If your visa is expired or you have already used the number of entries you are allowed, you will need to renew your F-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy Office in your home country in order to re-enter the U.S. See the How to renew F-1 visa section for more details.

3. SEVIS Form I-20, endorsed for travel by DSO: Your I-20 needs to be authorized for travel by the signature on the back page by a Designated School Official. You must plan ahead to get your I-20 signed before leaving the U.S. Each signature authorizes travel for one year following the signature date. To receive a signature, please complete “Travel Authorization Signature” request form and turn your current I-20 to the Director of International Programs, It may take up to 5 business days for to process your request, especially toward the end of semester, school break, and holiday.

B. Travel to a Third Country
When traveling to a third country (a country other than the U.S. or your home country), you are responsible for knowing whether or not you need an entry visa for that country.

C. Travel Domestically within the U.S.
In general, special permission is not required for F-1 students to travel within the U.S. from state to state, even to Alaska and Hawaii. We recommend that you carry your Washington ID card, passport and I-20 with you whenever you travel outside the State of Florida.

References: FAQ for F-Nonimmigrants: Entry and Exit By Student and Exchange Visitor Program, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.3.N Travel and Reentry Section, 3- F-1 Students Section, NAFSA Advisor’s Manual.

Although we will do our best to assist students with maintaining your F-1 student status, ultimately, students are responsible for maintaining their own F-1 student status. Below are summary of basic rules and what actions students need to take to maintain F-1 student status:

• When seeking admission into the U.S. using a newly issued JCS I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number, JCS’s name also must be printed on the F-1 student visa.
• Students must report a DSO to have their SEVIS record registered in SEVIS at the beginning of each enrolled academic semester.
• Maintain full time status during each academic semester. Full time is 12 credits for undergraduate students and 8 credits for graduate students.
• Report change of mailing & permanent address in Banner within 10 days. If residential address is different from mailing address, the residential address must be reported to a DSO within 10 days. If international (foreign) address has changed, students must report to DSO within 10 days.
• Make normal academic progress in order to complete the course of study. In case of Academic Dismissal, SEVIS record will be terminated.
• Never let your I-20 expire!
• Never let your passport expire!
• Do not engage in volunteering, internship or paid work off-campus
• Obey Federal, State and Local Laws.
• Abide by JCS Student Code of Conduct.
• After completion of programs, students are allowed to remain in the U.S. for 60 days (grace period). Do not over-stay in the U.S.
• In case of withdrawing from JCS, notify DAO immediately.

Please contact the Athletic Director if you need assistance.