Obtaining Visa

Upon acceptance, student must obtain an F-1 visa from a United States Consulate or Embassy. In addition, students must make travel arrangements to Paris, Texas, United States of America.

Applicants must present their Form SEVIS I-20, Declaration of Finances, and SEVIS fee receipt to a U.S. consulate in order to obtain an F-1/M-1 visa that will enable the student to enter the United States. Applicants must keep a copy of your Declaration of Finances with their immigration documents. Applicants will need the following documents when apply for an F-1 visa:

  • SEVIS I-20
  • SEVIS fee receipt ($200 U.S. currency)
  • Declaration of Finances
  • Evidence of English proficiency
  • Indication of intent to return to home country upon completion of your course of study
  • Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months)
  • Visa Application (Form DS-156)
  • Contact History and Work History (Form DS-158)
  • Photograph
  • Visa Surcharge fee
  • Visa reciprocity fee (if applicable)

After you obtain your F-1 visa, you must arrange for travel to Paris, Texas, United States of America.

Maintaining Your Visa Status

  • As a condition of maintaining F-1/M-1 visa status, International Students must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours each semester that they are registered during the fall and spring semesters.
  • International Students are required to complete a full course of study that leads to the achievement of a specific educational objective.
  • F-1 and M-1 students who register for less than 15 credit hours in a semester must be reported to the Department of Homeland Security. Students who are or will be F-1 or M-1 students should never drop below 15 credit hours without first consulting the International Student Advisor.
  • International students are considered out-of-status and subject to deportation if they fail to maintain the minimum semester hour requirement. There are some exceptions to the minimum semester hour requirement. However, International Students must seek prior approval from a Counselor/Advisor to obtain this exemption.'

Semester credit hours earned by "placement exams" or while concurrently enrolled at another institution of higher education will not apply to the 15-semester-hour credit requirement. In addition, International students are only permitted to apply one course (three semester credit hours) delivered via Internet or a distant learning format to the 15 semester credit hour requirement.

Need Help? 

Paris Junior College Advising/Counseling
2400 Clarksville St. Paris, TX 75460
If you have any questions, you may email Natasha Whitaker at twhitaker@parisjc.edu.