5114 - FOREIGN STUDENTS

1. The Board recognizes the positive cultural benefits to the students, staff, and the community in meeting students from other countries and in having nonimmigrant students with citizenship in countries other than the United States as members of the student body of this District.
2. Nonimmigrant Students with J-1 Visas
    
   1. The Board will permit the admission of nonimmigrant students with citizenship in countries other than the United States as foreign exchange students if they are participating in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).   Further, the Board requires that foreign exchange students be selected and sponsored by a sponsoring exchange organization that has been designated by the U.S. Department of State.
   2. These sponsoring exchange organizations, not the District, issue certificates of eligibility for J-1 Visas to nonimmigrant students with citizenship in countries other than the United States who meet the criteria established for participation in the SEVP by Federal law and this policy.
   3. Foreign exchange students (J-1s) may be enrolled on a space available, principal approval basis. A tuition fee is not required.
   4. Students may not graduate from high school or receive a diploma.
3. Nonimmigrant Students with F-1 Visas
    
   1. The Board will participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) as an organization that provides sponsorship to nonimmigrant students with citizenship in countries other than the United States.  As an EVP participant, the District will issue a Form I-20 so the nonimmigrant student can obtain an F-1 Visa entitling him/her to attend school in the District.
   2. Participants in this program will be consistent with Federal law that requires the following:
       
      1. The student possess sufficient English language proficiency prior to participation;
      2. The student’s participation does not exceed an academic year;
      3. Students may not graduate from high school or receive a diploma;
      4. The student pays to the Board the full amount of tuition prior to the commencement of the academic term of attendance;
      5. The student otherwise maintains his/her lawful temporary immigration status.
4. Other Nonimmigrant Students
    
   1. This policy does not apply to nonimmigrant students with citizenship in countries other than the United States who are not participating in an approved student and exchange visitor program at a District school so they can attend a school in the District as participants in the exchange visitor program on a valid F-1 Visa.
   2. All other nonimmigrant students with citizenship in countries other than the United States who seek to enroll in the District’s schools are subject to State law and the District’s policies regarding enrollment, legal settlement, and tuition.

Revised 12/12/23
Revised 8/14/24
Revised 10/15/24

© Neola 2014