International Students

Have You Been Accepted to JJC?

Here's what you need to know. Please view each section for important information.

• Requesting an I-20

  1. All prospective students must submit financial documentation certifying immediate access to funding for at least one academic year of their studies pursuant to 8 CFR § 214.2
  2. A student and/or sponsor(s) must submit an official original bank letter on bank letterhead certifying the account holder's name, type of account, current balance, and the date the statement or letter was issued.  Information contained in the document should be in English, however, the currency does not need to be converted into U.S. dollars.  The bank account being used for evidence of financial support may be in a sponsor's name and a student may have multiple sponsors.  Financial documents must be no more than 6 months old at the time of submission.  Download a sample bank letter. 
  3. Student must complete and submit an Affidavit of Support.  Types of financial documents that can and cannot be accepted are listed on the Affidavit of Support.  
  4. Additional documentation only for those students transferring to JJC from a U.S. high school or college/university:
     • Copies of all previous I-20s issued to you as an F-1 visa holder
     • All U.S. high school or college transcripts.  Include a copy of all high school/college transcripts from each U.S. institution attended. 
     • International Transfer-In Form
       • Must be completed by the student as well as the student's current Designated School Official (DSO) upon acceptance to JJC. 
  5. Completed documents may be sent to International Student Services at intlstudent@jjc.edu. 

• Change of Status

  If you are already in the U.S.A. on a non-immigrant visa type other than F-1, you will need to change your immigration status to F-1 in order to enroll in classes towards earning a degree from JJC. 

  For further assistance and information regarding the change of status process, please contact the International Student Services office at intlstudent@jjc.edu or (815) 280-2870.

• Additional Steps

  Prepare for Your Visa Interview

  
  Step 1: Schedule your visa interview.*

  • Contact your country’s U.S. Consulate General/Embassy
  • Complete a Form DS-160 online and print confirmation page
  • Pay $185 application fee; refer to the Embassy or Consulate website to apply for details regarding fee payment

  
  Step 2: Pay for your SEVIS number online.

  • Visit https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
  • Print the I-90 SEVIS fee receipt to take with you to your visa interview

  
  Step 3: Take all required documents with you to the interview.

  • Please bring: a passport valid for at least six months into the future; your I-20; a JJC admission letter; passport-sized photos; a DS-160 online application for nonimmigrant visa (travel.state.gov); proof of MRV payment; Visa reciprocity fee (if applicable); evidence of English ability appropriate for level of study; evidence of financial support; evidence of intent to depart the U.S. once you have completed your studies; any other documents listed on the Embassy or Consulate website for a F-1 student visa
  • Be prepared to show your transcripts and diplomas from previous schools

  
  Step 4: Go to your interview.

  • Be honest and prove you have a strong tie to your country
  • Wait for F-1 visa approval before purchasing airline tickets

  
  * Bringing a dependent with you on an F-2 visa? You must provide proof of your relationship to the dependent If your dependent will not apply for their visa at the same time as you, then when they have their appointment they must also provide a copy of your visa, passport, and I-20, along with any other necessary documents as dictated by the Embassy or Consulate.

  
  Step 5: Set up your JJC Email.

  • Visit jjc.edu/password to activate your JJC email
  • Quick tip: Take a photo to remember your password
  • All JJC communication will be sent to your new email address once enrolled

  
  Step 6: Complete online orientation.

  • Visit jjc.edu/nso, then click on “Brand New College Student”
  • Enter your student ID, email and password to view the entire New Student Presentation

  
  Step 7: Pack your bags.

  • Joliet weather can be as high as 38°C in August and as low as -18°C in January
  • Make sure you have all important documents, such as your I-20 and visa/passport, packed in your carry-on luggage

  
  Step 8: Purchase health insurance and airplane tickets.

  Notify JJC with your expected arrival date.

  • Purchase airline tickets to O’Hare International Airport or Midway in Chicago, with an arrival date no more than 30 days prior to the Program Start date listed on your I-20
  • Notify International Student Services of your itinerary
  • Airport pick-up may be possible but not guaranteed; rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available at an additional cost

  
  Step 9: Arrive in the U.S.

  Complete your immigration check in with JJC.

  • Arrange for placement testing
  • Attend the mandatory New International Student Orientation
  • Register for classes
  • Pay tuition
  • Purchase your textbooks

   

  Contact Information:

  International Student Services
  Joliet Junior College
  1215 Houbolt Road
  Joliet, IL 60431

  Phone: +1 (815) 280-2870
  E-mail: intlstudent@jjc.edu
  Skype: jjcinternational
  Facebook: facebook.com/internationaljjc
  Instagram: jjc_international

• Cost of Attendance

  The international student tuition rate is $460 per credit hour.  F-1 visa students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester, meaning the approximate total cost in tuition per academic year (Fall and Spring semester) is $11,040.  

  When requesting an I-20, international students are required to show evidence of available liquid funds for additional expenses per academic year, such as housing, food, books, clothing, etc. The current total amount (tuition + books, fees, & living expenses) a student must show proof of in order to obtain an I-20 is currently $26,112.

• Housing Information

  Housing in Joliet, IL, U.S.A

  Looking for a place to live while you earn your degree? JJC recommends the following apartment complexes.

  Note: These are only recommendations. Do your own research and secure a safe place to reside where you feel comfortable.

  
  The Woodlands

  1615 Arbor Lane, Crest Hill, IL 60403
  Web: woodlandsofcresthill.com
  Phone: (815) 741-0000

  • $692 to $1,091 per month
  • Six to 14-month lease
  • Accessible to JJC by public transportation
  • No credit check required

  
  The Birches

  2355 White Birch Lane, Joliet, IL 60435
  Web: thebirches-apts.com
  Phone: (815) 808-3417

  • $740-$1,430 per month
  • 12-month lease, but can do less (3-9 months) for an extra charge
  • Accessible to JJC by public transportation

  
  Utilities

  You may have to pay a monthly utility fee in addition to rent. This may include cable and internet.

  Don’t want to pay for internet? Public computer access is available through area libraries, JJC computer labs and there may even be a community center with free WiFi at your apartment complex.

• Health Insurance

  International Student Health Insurance Options

  Our list below includes only a few suggestions. Feel free to do your own research and choose a plan that will work best for you.

  • International Student Insurance:  internationalstudentinsurance.com
  • ISO Insurance: isoa.org
  • iNext International Insurance: inext.com/plans/travel-to-usa
  • GeoBlue International Health Insurance for Higher Education: geobluestudents.com
  • ISP International Student Protection: intlstudentprotection.com

  
  Important

  You must choose a plan that provides coverage in Illinois. If you plan to travel to other states, consider a plan that provides coverage nationally.

• Important Deadlines & Information for all Prospective Students

  Please note the deadline dates below for complete applications and all supporting documentation: 

  Fall Semester Deadlines: 

  • New Student: June 1
  • Transferring F-1 Student: July 1

  
  Spring Semester Deadlines: 

  • New Student: November 1
  • Transferring F-1 Student: December 1

  
  This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.

  Joliet Junior College provides access to third party links and information as a courtesy to our students. The College claims no responsibility for the content, reliability and/or activities of this linked, third-party website(s).