Current Students

While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some issues that our office is continually monitoring.

A travel ban has been implemented affecting citizens of 19 countries: Afghanistan, Burma/Myanmar, Burundi, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen. The language in the proclamation exempts individuals who already had visas issued prior to June 9.

From a regulatory perspective, no major changes have taken place that directly affect non-immigrants in F-1 and J-1visa holders. At this time, it is not clear what, if any, changes will take place via executive orders, legislation, or changes to agency guidance, policies, and regulations in the future. What has changed is the level of strictness in interpretation and overall enforcement of existing immigration regulations and laws.

It is not clear how the proposed rule will impact F-1 and J-1 visa holders until the rule-making process is complete and the final rule is published. Public comment has ended and is currently under review.  If the rule were to be published in its current form, the largest change is that rather than being admitted for duration of status (D/S), F-1 and J-1 non-immigrants would be admitted to the US for a fixed period not to exceed the end date of their I-20/DS-2019 and grace period, or four years, whichever is shorter. To stay beyond that period, for example, to attend the fifth year of a program, extend a four-year program if additional time is needed to graduate, work on OPT after graduation, or transfer to a graduate school, the individual would need to depart the US and apply for a visa renewal or submit an extension of status application to USCIS. 

NAFSA’s summary of the impacts.

Staff at Jax State’s International House and Programs are available to review F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor travel plans and check immigration documents before any travel.

However, all international faculty, staff, and students must weigh the risks of international travel and make their own decisions. Every visa application has an element of risk of denial at the consular officer’s discretion, and every entry into the US is at the discretion of border officials. Visa renewal and re-entry to the United States are not guaranteed.

Make sure your I-20 has not expired. Signatures on your 1-20 are valid for one year.
If you would like an updated signature on your I-20, please drop off your I-20 at our office Monday- Friday 8:30-4:30 PM. One of the International Programs team members will email you when your I-20 is ready to be picked.

The best way to reduce risk during international travel is to make sure all documents are in order:

For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors:

• a printed and signed copy of your I-20/DS-2019 including a valid travel signature
• a valid F-1/J-1 visa
• a passport valid for at least 6 months into the future

Optional Practical Training (OPT) students should also have:

• their valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• job confirmation letter

For current students, also have:

• a copy of your transcript
• proof of financial support

If you have an American driver’s license with the golden star (or REAL ID) that has not expired, we recommend you only show that as your proof of identity. The reason is to not show unwanted attention to yourself, of course if they ask you for more identity, then that is when you would show your passport and I-20.

We advise you to have your I-20 and passport with you at all times. We also advise you to please be vigilant about what you post on social media and other places since we have heard of reports of students’ phones and social media being searched by ICE.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism 

The only documents required for domestic travel are a valid ID accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA has a comprehensive list here.  We recommend keeping all international travel documents (I-20/DS2019, passport and visa) with you when traveling domestically in case of being questioned by immigration officials or if an emergency requires you to travel abroad.

We also advise you to please be vigilant about what you post on social media and other places since we have heard of reports of students’ phones and social media being searched by ICE.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism 

If you or another JSU student encounter an emergency through ICE, please contact International Programs, Jacksonville State University Police, and Legal University Counsel immediately.

Our contacts are listed below:

International Programs: igalinat@jsu.edu 

Jacksonville State University Police: msbarton@jsu.edu 

Jacksonville State University Counsel : legal@jsu.edu 

Resources for latest news on F-1 student terminations please see these links:

NAFSA Page on Executive and Regulatory Actions Under the Second Trump Administration

We recommend that at minimum, all non-immigrants should always keep a copy of their passport and visa (not necessarily the originals) and I-94 on them in case they are asked to provide evidence of their immigration status by law enforcement or immigration officials. You can look up your most recent I-94 here.

One of the most common reasons visas are revoked is due to an arrest or being charged with a crime in the criminal justice system. Generally speaking, the embassy or consulate that issued the visa will email you to notify you of the revocation at the email address you used during your visa application process. But there is no guarantee that you will be notified. A revoked visa does not necessarily mean that your lawful status in the United States has ended or that you have become deportable. Rather, it simply means that the ability to use the visa to enter the United States has ended. Regardless, the best advice in this situation would be to seek counsel from a qualified immigration attorney who can review the specific details of your case.

Try to avoid an arrest or being charged with a crime in the criminal justice system.  Be aware of the rules and regulations applicable to your immigration status and follow them.

For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, the third page of your I-20 or the second page of your DS-2019 has a summary of the most important rules that you should be aware of. Be sure to read your emails and newsletters from our office and consult with the International House and Programs’ staff on any questions you may have.

If we become aware of any changes our office will email F-1 and J-1 visa holders. The information on this page will also be updated.

International students are required to always maintain their legal status. In order to maintain your status, you must

• Keep your I-20 or DS-2019 valid. Do not let it expire.
• Keep your passport valid.
• Inform your immigration advisor of any changes in your program, or degree or local address.
• Maintain full-time enrollment.
• Do not work without proper authorization.
• When in doubt, email questions to intlprog@jsu.edu or enichols@jsu.edu.

Full Time Enrollment Regulations:

International students must be registered full-time throughout the entire semester. You may not drop below the full-time hours' requirement. Below you will find the academic credit hours that you need to be considered registered full-time as an international student under F1 and J1 visas:

Undergraduate

• International students must always maintain at least 12 semester credit hours.
• International students must have at least 9 semester credit hours of traditional or hybrid classes (non- online courses) out of total of 12 credit hours.

Graduate-Masters

• International students must always maintain at least 9 graduate semester credit hours (5000 level and above).
• International students must have at least 6 semester credit hours of traditional or hybrid classes (non-online courses) out of total of 9 credit hours.

Exceptions to Full-Time Rules

• International students may be enrolled in part time hours on their graduating semester. If you have only one course left to graduate, it has to be traditional or hybrid class (i.e., it cannot be online course)
• If the summer semester is not your first summer at Jacksonville State University, you may be enrolled in any number of academic credit hours and any type of course, traditional/hybrid or online.
• If you are a government sponsored student (e.g., a Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) sponsored student), you will have to check with your embassy/government before enrolling in any number of online or hybrid courses.

Initial Reporting to Campus

International students must report to the International House and Programs Office with their travel documents such as passport, visa page, I-20, copy of I-94 and their admission letter by the program start date on I-20.

You can report online using your International Student Portal after your arrival in the U.S.

Reporting Address in U.S.

International students must update their residential and mailing address in their MyJaxState account and their international student portal and make sure to report any changes within 10 days of the change. If you live on campus, make sure to list the building name and room number in addition to the street address.

Insurance Enrollment

ALL International Students are required to enroll in health insurance coverage as approved by JSU. The cost of the insurance must be paid prior to class registration. Insurance coverage must be from January 01- August 01 and August 01 to January 01. For coverage and detailed information regarding the acceptable insurance coverage, please visit:

https://www.isoa.org/Jacksonville_State_University

OPT Reporting

F-1 students are required to report employer information in a timely manner. Any changes in employer information should also be reported immediately.

Regular OPT Reporting. Use your International Student Portal to report your OPT.  F-1 students will be issued another I-20 once their employment information is received. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they get the updated I-20.

STEM OPT Reporting. Use your International Student Portal to report your OPT. F-1 students will be issued another I-20 once their employment information is received. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they get the updated I-20.

Major or Degree Changes

Any changes in a student's program of study or degree must be reported so that an update on your I-20/DS-2019 can be made. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that their I-20/DS-2019 reflects the correct major and degree that they are pursuing at JSU. 

If you are planning to transfer out to another institution in the United States, you must make sure to request that your SEVIS ID number be released to that institution. It is important that you maintain the same SEVIS ID number while you are pursuing your degree in the United States.

If you are currently registered and attending classes at JSU:

You must be registered for the full course of study as required by your program and be maintaining proper status as required by Homeland Security regulations.

Students transferring in the middle of the semester or after registering for classes must complete the university withdrawal process. 

• In order to be withdrawn, students must have paid all fees, tuition, etc. with the university.
• Students who do not withdraw, or follow the correct timeline to withdraw can receive failing grades on their transcripts.

If you are transferring in “initial” status and have not enrolled in classes at JSU:

You must report to JSU in person or by phone, fax or email, or online.

The transfer-in form must be turned in before the start date listed on JSU’s I-20.

The start date of the new university/college cannot be more than 30 days from the date of the student’s arrival in the US. The acceptance letter must indicate the start date.

Steps to transfer-out

I. Collect the documents listed below:

1. Copy of your I20s.
2. Copy of your I94 record.
3. Acceptance letter from the university/college you are intending to transfer to. 
4. Transfer-In form from the university/college you are intending to transfer to. 
   • This form will not be completed unless the student has paid all of their tuition and fees, and any other charges that have been applied to their account.
   • This form will be submitted by the International House & Programs Office to the new school via fax/email.

II. Log into your international student portal- (use your MyJaxState credentials to login)

1. Go to Control Center 
2. Click on the Transfer- Out request

III. Follow the instructions in your portal, complete the request and submit your request.

If the university/college you are intending to transfer to requires you to complete your transfer-in form before the issuance of the acceptance letter, complete your transfer-out request in your portal without the acceptance letter and email us at intlprog@jsu.edu. Once you receive the acceptance letter, log back into your portal, upload your letter and submit your transfer form. 

Any international student who needs to leave the US to return home for any reason, but cannot enroll in the next semester or finish the current semester will need to have their SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 record terminated for Authorized Early Withdrawal.  This termination is not because of a violation, it is to notify the US government the student has permission to leave the US early to return home. Until the termination is authorized in the government database by an international advisor in the International House & Programs Office, the student must maintain proper F-1/J-1 status (attending class, staying registered, etc…) Once the international advisor approves the termination, the student must leave the US within 15 days from the date of termination.

If a student wants to return home in the summer, the student does not need to be terminated for Authorized Early Withdrawal as long as they have been in their current F-1/J-1 status for one academic year before the summer term.

Failure to follow the above rules will result in the student being terminated for a violation of status which can affect their ability to return to the US.

Procedures

It is recommended the student complete all the steps below on the same day to avoid any complications.

• All tuition, fees, and related charges must be paid on the student’s account before they start the Authorized Early Withdrawal process.
• The student must submit a typed or written letter, or email explaining why he/she wants to leave.  Whatever the letter states, the Immigration Advisor will submit it to the US government.
  • The letter must be signed and dated.  An email does not need to be signed.
  • Whatever the student writes, he/she may need to provide proof if asked at the US border upon his/her return.
  • Provide a copy of an airline ticket that shows the student is returning home.  The date of departure from the US must be less than 15 days from the date of termination.
  • Once the copy of the airline ticket and letter is presented to the Immigration Advisor, the Immigration Advisor will complete the online request to withdraw.
  • The student will need to follow the withdrawal instructions found on the Office of Registrar's website.
  • Once the SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 record is terminated the student has 15 days to leave the US.

Students: F-1 students are required to be familiar with the information on their I-20 and make sure that the I-20 is valid for the duration of your program. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires that you finish your program of study by the end date on your I-20. The end date on the I-20 is established by the office of the international house and programs to reflect the average length of time it should take a student to complete the degree requirements. If during your studies it becomes necessary to extend your I-20, you must request an I-20 extension before the end date on your I-20.

Eligibility Requirement:

• You must have maintained your immigration status to become eligible for an extension.
• You must have compelling academic or medical reasons for not being able to complete the program within the time allotted on your I20.
• You must also provide a copy of a recent financial document showing the required balance to complete your studies.

Delays in program completion caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extension. Failure to follow the degree plan is not an acceptable reason for program extension. 

Steps

I. Collect the documents listed below:

1. A copy of a recent financial document showing the required balance to complete your studies.

• One semester extension: $16,920 USD
• One-year extension: $33,840 USD
• Scholarship Letter (if applicable)

2. A copy of a doctor's note: If you are requesting an I-20 Extension due to a medical condition/illness.

II. Log into your international student portal (use your MyJaxState credentials to login)

1. Go to Control Center
2. Click on I-20 Extension 

III. Follow the instructions in your portal, complete the form, upload required documents, and submit your request.

Once the student form is completed, an automated email with the link will be sent to the academic advisor to complete the Recommendation Form.

International Students will have a Spring and Fall semester insurance hold that will need to be cleared by the International House & Programs office.

Please go to MyJaxState, within the Student section, click on the International student portal, request an Insurance hold removal. ( Follow Instructions)

You must provide your insurance confirmation LETTER (not the receipt or card)

Pay the international insurance by visiting: https://www.isoa.org/jacksonville_state_university

Registration holds do not prevent students from accessing their transcripts.

Questions? Please email intlprograms@jsu.edu with your name and student id number.

In order to get or renew an Alabama driver’s license, you will need to complete the following steps:

Steps

I. Collect the documents listed below:

1. Letter of enrollment from your immigration advisor*
2. Valid passport
3. Visa
4. Most recent I-94
5. Most recent I-20
6. Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not qualify for a Social Security number**.
   • Please note that the Social Security Administration office is located in Anniston.
   • The address is: 801 Quintard Avenue, Anniston, Alabama

II. Log into your international student portal (use your MyJaxState credentials to login)

1. Go to Control Center 
2. Click on 'Letter of enrollment for Driver's License'

III. Follow the instructions in your portal, complete the form and submit your request.

*Enrollment verification letter for Driver's License purposes can be issued if you are enrolled in the proper number of hours for a given term as required by U.S immigration regulations.

• If you are not enrolled or under-enrolled, your request will not be processed. Please abstain from submitting a request, until you meet enrollment requirements. 

New Drivers License Letter Policy

Students can only request a drivers license letter one time every 90 days. We recommend students go to the DMV to get their drivers license as soon as they get the Drivers License Letter.

International House and Programs in partnership with different departments on campus seek to provide a platform for international students to get involved on campus and in the community. Some of the Activities International Students are involved in are:

Welcome Party - New International Students are welcomed with fun activities, music, and food.

Coffee Hour - Hosted by International House & Programs, invites the campus community to the International house to have coffee and conversation with international students.

International Education Week - A cultural awareness week hosted by the International House & Programs. There are many fun educational activities, such as study abroad sessions, cultural workshops, international music social, and more.

Taster's Fair - A cultural food festival where international students cook and serve traditional food from their country. A talent show is organized as part of the event.

Pumpkin Carving - Students are invited to participate in a pumpkin carving activity to experience American culture.

You will need to seek assistance from a tax preparer. this is for information purposes only.

Please note that the Office of International House & Programs nor the Office of the Controller are NOT trained to provide tax advice.

All international students and scholars (and associated dependents where applicable) must file the appropriate Federal and Alabama State income tax forms each year in compliance with Federal and State Income tax laws.

Before reading any further, please visit the following link to learn more about Federal and Alabama State income tax: https://www.jsu.edu/controller/international.html

Please note that the Office of International House & Programs nor the Office of the Controller are trained to provide tax advice. You will need to seek assistance from a tax preparer.

Understanding your tax obligations – ITIN

International House and Programs nor the Controller’s Office are qualified to advise on the process of filing taxes.

Who Needs to Apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

• If you were the recipient of a taxable scholarship (nonqualified scholarship)
  • Received a form 1042-S from the Controller’s Office
  • Some athletic scholarships
  • International House Scholarship
• AND you do not have a Social Security Number

DO NOT apply for an ITIN if you have a Social Security Number

How to Apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

1. Complete Form W-7
2. You must be able to establish your identity and foreign status
   1. Original Documents (e.g. passport, visa, etc.)
   2. Certified Copy from the Original Issuing Agency
      1. You may be able to request a certified copy of documents at an embassy or consulate.
      2. You can also have your documents verified at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). You will have to go in person for this service and a fee may also be involved for their services.

• IRS TACs operate by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 844-545-5640. To view all services provided at any office and get directions, visit IRS.gov Contact Your Local Office.

3. Attach the W-7 to your tax return (1040-NR) and mail.
4. Send the following documents to the IRS
   1. W-7 application form
   2. Documents establishing your identity and foreign status
   3. Tax return 

The address is

ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342

When to Apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

• The IRS states that taxpayers should apply for the ITIN before the due date of the return. 

For more help, please visit these websites:

• ITIN
• ITIN FAQs
• Form W-7
• Instructions for the W-7
• TAC Centers

Understanding your tax obligations

International House and Programs nor the Controller’s Office are qualified to advise on the process of filing taxes.

• All international students (F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2) are required to submit the IRS FORM 8843.
• You must submit Form 8843, even if you have not earned any income in the taxable year (i.e. 2023).

How to submit the Form 8843

1. Complete the top of the form with your name as it appears on your passport.
   1. First Name and Initial
   2. Last Name
2. Type your SSN or ITIN.
   1. If you do not have an ITIN nor a SSN, please write, “ITIN Applied for” and make sure to make that application. (See Applying for ITIN for further information)
3. Home Address (meaning address NOT in the US)
4. US Address – where you are physically present in the US
5. Complete Part I, General Information.
6. Skip Part II.
7. Complete Part III, Students.
8. Skip Part IV and V.
9. Print form after completion.
10. Sign form.
11. Date form.
12. Mail form to the appropriate address. Please verify address before sending.
    1. Department of the Treasury
       1. Internal Revenue Service Center
       2. Austin, TX 73301-0215 

For more help, please visit these websites:

• Sprintax Blog https://blog.sprintax.com/tax-form-8843-filing-instructions/ (JSU does not endorse one tax software program over another)
• The IRS 8843 Form page https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8843

Understanding your tax obligations – Earned Income

International House and Programs nor the Controller’s Office are qualified to advise on the process of filing taxes.

Who Needs to File Tax Form 1040-NR

• If you earned income in the taxable year (e.g. from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023), then you must file your taxes using the 1040-NR.
  • On-Campus Job
  • CPT Job (paid)
  • Pre-Completion OPT Job
• If you were the recipient of a taxable scholarship (see also Taxable Scholarships)
  • Some athletic scholarships
  • International House Scholarship
• Don’t forget!! You must also file AL STATE taxes too.
• We recommend using one of the online software programs listed below.
  • Glacier Tax Prep
  • Sprintax
  • IRS forms can be downloaded and completed manually.
    • While this option is free, you will need to be familiar with how to correctly complete and file the form.
  • DO NOT use Turbo Tax.

*You can submit the 8843 at the same time you file the 1040-NR*

For more help, please visit these websites:

• Sprintax Blog Post (JSU does not endorse one tax software program over another)
• The IRS 1040-NR Form page https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-nr

Understanding your tax obligations – Taxable Scholarships

International House and Programs nor the Controller’s Office are qualified to advise on the process of filing taxes.

Who Needs to File Tax Form 1040-NR

• If you were the recipient of a taxable scholarship (nonqualified scholarship)
  • Received a form 1042-S from the Controller’s Office
  • Some athletic scholarships
  • International House Scholarship
• Don’t forget!! You must also file AL STATE taxes too.

If you do not have a Social Security Number

• You must apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) using Form W-7

If you have a Social Security Number

• File the 1040-NR using the Social Security Number

We recommend using one of the online software programs listed below.

• Glacier Tax Prep
• Sprintax
• IRS forms can be downloaded and completed manually.
  • While this option is free, you will need to be familiar with how to correctly complete and file the form.
• DO NOT use Turbo Tax.

For more help, please visit these websites:

• ITIN
• Form W-7

• Form 8233

• Form W-8BEN