INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

For families interested in the International Student Program, the following steps should be taken to register:

1. Apply to Heights Christian Schools 
After completing the online application and paying the non-refundable application fee, copies of the following items must be provided to the school:

• Student Passport
• Birth Certificate (Translated & Certified) Must include student name, birth date, and birth place. Name on Birth Certificate must match name on Passport.
• Immunization Record (Translated & Certified) Student vaccines must be current.
• School Transcript (Most recent year; Translated & Certified)
• Host Identification (Person the student will live with) Driver’s License, passport or permanent resident card
• Host Proof of Residency (Place the student will live at) Utility bill showing name and address of Host
• I-20 from previous school (if applicable)

2. Issue I-20
After the above items are submitted, the school will input the student information into SEVIS (the government system), and will then print out and sign the I-20. Please allow 2 days for the school to process the I-20. The school can either mail the I-20 to you, or parents can arrange to have the I-20 picked up in the school office.

3. Apply for Student Visa
The student will use the I-20 to apply for a Student Visa through the U.S. Embassy.

4. Enter the Country
The student can enter the country up to 30 DAYS before their scheduled program start date. When entering the country, the student will show their passport, student visa, and signed I-20 at the port of entry. At the port of entry, an official will stamp the I-20. The official will also issue and stamp an I-94 Departure Record for the student to keep while in the country.

5. Report to School and Register
The student must report to the office on the first day of school, and submit the following items at that time:

• I-20 Copy (Stamped at Port of Entry)
• Student Visa Copy (Stamped at Port of Entry)
• Emergency Card (School Form)
• Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)
• Tuition Payment (Non-Refundable)

After the student reports to the school office with the above items, the office will make copies of the items, and then “activate” the I-20. The student is now officially enrolled.

6. Maintain Status
To maintain status the student must continue to attend class, and notify the school within 10 DAYS of any of the following:

• Change of address or phone number
• Plans to withdraw, transfer or change Visa status
• Plans to travel outside the U.S.

7. Program End Date / Close Record
When the student reaches their program end date (and does not re-enroll or transfer), the student I-20 record will automatically close after 60 days. The student has a 60 DAY grace period in which to leave the country after their program end date.