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Posted or edited: 01.09.07 ... PJC Information Services
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Paris Junior College, established in 1924 and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is a state supported two-year college with an enrollment of over 4000 students and has welcomed international students for over fifty years.

Both university transfer programs and programs for immediate occupational employment are offered. Paris is a city of approximately 25,000 located about 110 miles northeast of Dallas, Texas. The college also has a campus in Greenville and in Sulphur Springs.

Paris Junior College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. International students are tracked by SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and are required to comply with their established guidelines and those of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. International students seeking admission to PJC must complete all admission requirements in order to obtain a SEVIS I-20 form to present to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country to request a student visa.

Requirements for Admission

International students seeking admission to the college must submit the following:

» A completed application for admission.

» A certified English translation of grades and credits for the final four years of secondary school and any foreign university transcripts. All educational documents must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation agency. Adequate proof of competency in the English language by meeting one of the requirements listed below:

- Submit a minimum score of 500 on the paper test or 173 on the computer test of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
- Submit an official transcript from an accredited American high school showing two years of attendance and the date of graduation.
- Submit an official transcript from the English version of the General Educational Development Examination (GED) showing a passing grade for all tests.
- Submit a passing score for all three sections of an approved Texas Higher Education Assessment test.
- Submit an official transcript from an accredited college or university in the United States listing the successful completion of college freshman English.
- Submit any other documentation, other than those previously listed, which may show proof of English proficiency. This documentation will be reviewed for consideration.

International student applicants from some English speaking (official language) countries may be exempt from these requirements.

» Certified proof of financial support.

» Submit a $500 admission deposit only if you are applying from abroad. Students transferring from another institution within the U.S. are not required to submit this deposit.

» Insurance against sickness and accident is required of all international students.

Living Accommodations

Paris Junior College offers air-conditioned residence hall rooms for both men and women based upon space availability. Prospective students may contact the Housing Office for more information by e-mailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

SEVIS I-901 Form

Students must complete a I-901 and pay a $100 SEVIS fee. Directions for completing this procedure are included in the International Student Application packet.

School Transfer

To request permission to transfer to Paris Junior College from another college or university, students must notify their International Student Advisor at their current college or university of their intent to transfer. The current college or university must release a student’s SEVIS records before Paris Junior College can issue the student a form I-20. Transfer students who have been admitted and depart the United States for a temporary absence will use their PJC I-20 to reenter the country.

Currently Enrolled Students

The Counseling/Advising Center can supply students with information regarding visa compliance matters, and it is the international student’s responsibility to comply with all regulations as they pertain to F-1 or M-1 status. If you have a question concerning your F-1 or M-1 status, you may contact us at 903-782-0426 or room 101, Alford Center.

International students should ensure the safety of all documents that pertain to their F-1 or M-1 status. These documents include: Passport, Visa page, I-94, I-20, I-901 receipt and Identification page of your passport (page that contains your picture).

Maintaining Status

» You are required to attend the college or university that issued your I-20.

» You are required to have a valid passport.

» You are required to report to DSO within 15 days of the beginning of each semester.

» You are required to maintain full-time status each semester (12 or more semester hours) you are authorized to attend.

» You are required to ensure that your I-20 is valid at all times.

» You are required to make normal progress towards completing the course of study.

» You are required to report any changes of address to your DSO within 10 days.

» You are NOT allowed to work off-campus. However, with approval you may work on-campus.

» You are required to abide by all USCIS regulations at all times.

Transfer To Another School

The term “transfer” applies to an F-1/M-1 student who completes a program of study at one school and then begins a new program of study at another school or who starts a program of study at one school and completes the program of study at another school. An International student(s) who has maintained F-1/M-1 status may transfer to another service approved school.

An F-1 student is eligible for transfer if:

» The student has continuously maintained F-1 status every semester.

» The student has been making normal progress toward completing a program of study.

The student must be eligible for an I-20 at the transfer-in school.

M-1 students are eligible if:

» The student is within their first six months of study.

» The student intends to pursue a full course of study at the transfer-in school.

» The student is financially able to attend the transfer-in school.

» The student is required to have continuously maintained M-1 status.

REMINDER: If your transfer is not processed in this office within the first 15 days of your program start date, you are considered out of status and may have to file for reinstatement.

Prospective students may obtain an application for admission by sending a request to:

International Student Admission
Counseling/Advising Center
Paris Junior College
2400 Clarksville Street
Paris, TX 75460
903.782.0426
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

International Student Advising is provided by the Counseling/Advising Center, Room 101, Alford Center, Paris Junior College, Paris, Texas, 903.782.90426. An adviser is available at the Greenville Center (903.454.9333) on Tuesdays and at the Sulphur Springs Center (903.885.1232) on Thursdays. Please call for an appointment.