Information and Admission Requirements for F-1 Students and Those With Other Statuses
Possible Immigration Changes in 2025 – JCCC Guidelines
December 2024
With a new presidential administration, we expect to see changes to immigration policy, directly affecting JCCC’s international students.
The following information is a general guidance to help international students navigate the changing landscape. Please note that this is generalized information and is subject to change, based on the new administration. For further advice email iiss@jccc.edu to schedule an appointment with an IISS coordinator.
- A travel ban is likely to take effect after inauguration. We can expect the ban to include citizens of the following countries targeted in the first Trump administration: Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Yemen. New countries such as China and India might be added to the list.
- For international students, faculty, and staff from the mentioned countries, JCCC recommends that traveling individuals return to the United States in advance of the first day of the semester, January 21, 2025. If you think this isn’t possible, contact an advisor to discuss your travel plans and best steps to take.
- For any travel, ensure you have your updated documents and immigration paperwork available and readily accessible. Upon reentry to the U.S., be prepared to provide relevant documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection including JCCC paperwork, such as verification of enrollment, transcripts, or evidence of funding.
- Be aware that applications for employment-based visas or extensions (e.g., H-1B or O-1) may take longer. Aim to process any permitted extensions as early as possible and note that reduced staff and increased background checks at international U.S. consulates may increase visa processing times.
- If you are concerned about your legal status or require information related to DACA and undocumented students, contact our immigration services at iiss@jccc.edu or visit us at COM 306.
- No change related to asylum-status, Optional Practical Training, and green card categories is expected in the short term as these categories can only be changed by Congress.
- It is likely that President-elect Trump will focus the on the mass deportation of individuals with final deportation orders. It is also possible that mass deportations will be challenged by the courts and take longer than indicated.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the US, reside abroad and wish to be a full time student at JCCC, you must obtain an I-20 form from us to be eligible to apply for an F-1 visa to enter the US as an international student.
Below is information on the requirements you must fulfill to be admitted to JCCC as a new, transfer, visiting or change of status F-1 student, what you need to know once you are accepted as an F-1 student and what admission requirements you need to meet if your status is other than F-1.
- Arriving F-1
Here's what you need to do once you're in the U.S. - New F-1
You are living outside the US and want to be a full-time student at JCCC. - Transfer F-1
You are an F-1 student at another US College and want to transfer to JCCC. - Visiting F-1
You are an F-1 student at another US college and just want to take a class or two at JCCC. - Change of status to F-1
You are in the US on a visa and want to change status to become an F-1 student at JCCC. - Minor age F-1
What you need to consider if you are under age 18 and want to come to JCCC as an F-1 student - Current F-1 student
What you need to know once you are an F-1 student at JCCC. - Statuses other than F-1
Information about admission requirements for students whose status is other than F-1