Embedded Files
Pre-Arrival
As an international student, there are a number of preparations that you will need to make prior to your arrival to the College. Please follow the checklist instructions.
Also, please note that new F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date indicated on their I-20 (in PROGRAM OF STUDY Section).
All International Students – You must complete the online International Student Immigration Check-in & Information Session with the International Student Services Department after your arrival to the U.S.
Already in the U.S.? Transfer SEVIS Record to SFBC:
If you are currently in F-1 status at a high school or another college/university inside the U.S., please be sure to have your SEVIS Record transferred to South Florida Bible College within your grace period (60-days for F-1 students). You will need to provide the DSO at your current school with a copy of your admission letter to SFBC and request that they transfer your record to South Florida Bible College, F-1 School Code: MIA214F01283000.
Diploma and Transcripts: Bring a certified copy of your diploma, final transcript/marksheets, and exam results for International Admissions.
Need a SIM Card and U.S. Phone Number before arrival: There are a few companies which offer specialized no-contract plans that are specifically designed for international students, scholars, and dependents. You can order a SIM Card for your U.S. plan to be delivered to you in your home country.
Pay and Confirm Schedule: Once you’ve received your tuition statement, pay your tuition and fees with the Student Billing Office.
Packing
What to Consider Bringing with You
Clothing:
Warm-weather clothing
Short-sleeve shirts
Light pants/dresses
Shorts
Light shoes
Cold-weather clothing
Light winter coat (winters are very mild in Florida)
Long-sleeve Shirts and Sweaters
Heavier shoes
Clothing that is native to your country or culture
Don’t forget to bring any special clothing items which represent your home and heritage.
Other Items:
Medicines
Make sure to bring any prescriptions you have for your first 3 months in the U.S. as it will take time to get new prescriptions set up through doctors in the U.S.
Generally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows foreign nationals traveling to the United States from a foreign country for vacation, attending university, travel for work, etc., to bring a 90-day supply of medicine. However, please make sure the medications you will bring are allowed inside the U.S.
Special ingredients for home cuisine
Spices
Season mixes
Special cookwear
Packaged food items
Be aware that fruits, vegetables, meat, clippings, and seeds are generally prohibited.
If you plan to bring any medicines, food items, souvenirs or gifts please make sure they aren’t prohibited from importation. Please review the CBP page on Information on Prohibited and Restricted Items.
Additionally, resources for International Visitors can be found here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors
Declaring Items at Customs
Make sure that you declare all items of value (e.g. money, personal electronics, personal belongings, etc.) when you arrive at the U.S. port-of-entry. If you don’t declare the items that you are bringing which are of value, the items can be confiscated or seized. Some students have lost thousands of dollars which they failed to declare with US CBP. Please see the following:
What to Consider Purchasing After Arrival
You should bring some basic toiletries and items with you for your first week or two, but the following items are easily obtained after your travel.
Most items can be purchased after arrival at Wal-Mart, Target, or other stores. Students must have an acceptable method of payment to purchase from U.S. retail stores (e.g. U.S. dollars or international credit card or debit card that has been unlocked for international purchases).
Sleeping
Pillow(s)
Blanket
Bedspread/comforter
Sheets & pillowcases
Mattress pad
Alarm clock
Bathing
Soap
Shampoo
Personal Toiletry Items
Towels
Flip flops
Plastic carrier for shower items
Bathroom tissue
Living
Trash can
Pictures and posters
Cleaning supplies
Storage
Stereo/radio/television
First aid kit
Power strip/surge protector
Umbrella & Raincoat
Small fan
Flashlight
Dining & Cooking
Bottle/can opener
Pots and pans
Spatula and cooking utensils
Plates/bowls/cups
Cutlery/eating utensils
Paper towels
Laundry
Laundry basket
Detergent
Fabric softener
Stain remover
Iron & Ironing board
Sewing kit
Clothes hangers
Studying
Desk lamp
Desk organizer
File folders
Calculator
Memo board
Stapler
Stamps and envelopes
Other Notes:
Enjoy free, on-demand Tesla rides around Deerfield Beach from any home or hotel in the City of Deerfield Beach city riding limits with the new rideshare service—book round trips to local businesses via the Freebee app!
Port-of-Entry Procedures
IMPORTANT NOTE: New F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date indicated on their I-20 (Page 1 in Program of Study Section).
Do not store the following documents in your luggage as you will need them at the U.S. port of entry:
F-1 I-20;
Passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay);
F-1 visa stamp (not necessary for Canadian and Bahamian citizens);
You may also be asked to present the following documents at the port of entry:
proof of funding for 1 year (e.g., sponsorship letter, bank statements); and
proof of student status (e.g., admission letter, tuition receipt).
You should also carry International Student Services Department's contact information:
Address: 2200 SW 10th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Phone: 954-637-2294
In the event that the office is closed, contact the South Florida Bible College Security Department at 941-628-7020 and they will contact an ISSD advisor.
Customs Forms
Crew members will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059B). This will be completed on the flight prior to arriving in the U.S. You can find out more about arrival procedures on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Site and the CBP Page for International Visitors.
Please review the CBP page on Information on Prohibited and Restricted Items.
Port of Entry
After entering the U.S. at the airport, you will pass through a U.S. Immigration Port of Entry inspection. Your passport, visa, I-20, and other documents will be officially reviewed. A digital photograph and a biometric scan of your index finger will be taken. You will likely have to answer a few questions and indicate your reason for entering the U.S. (to be a student); you may have to provide proof of admission. Please be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection official has authority to deny admission.
Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer should stamp your passport with your date of arrival. The official should also note your non-immigrant status (F-1) and D/S (duration of status— how long you are eligible to remain in the US). Please be sure that your passport is marked in this manner. If not, please bring this to the attention of an ISSD advisor when you arrive on-campus for Orientation.
Additional information regarding Port of Entry procedures for students: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT I-94 ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD: Make sure you have a copy of your most recent I-94 Record. You will now go to a website and print the electronic record of your I-94 after arrival at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home. More information can be found at: www.cbp.gov/i94. This form should indicate your arrival date, your visa status, and the length of your stay, usually marked D/S (duration of status) for F-1 students. It will also include an 11-digit Admission/Departure Number; this number is your I-94 number and is the identification number with DHS.
GETTING TO Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach is located approximately 32 kilometers north of Fort Lauderdale; 68 kilometers north of Miami; 305 kilometers south of Orlando;
AIRPORT INFORMATION
We recommend students to plan to fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (Airport code FLL): https://www.broward.org/airport/Pages/default.aspx, which is the closest major airport to South Florida Bible College in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Deerfield Beach can be reached from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport via rideshare, airport shuttle, bus, or train.
HOTELS IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA FOR OVERNIGHT STAY
If you arrive in Fort Lauderdale during the late evening hours, we suggest that you stay overnight in a nearby hotel which provides shuttle service to and from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. Many hotels in Fort Lauderdale have free shuttle service to and from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. Therefore, if you plan on staying in Fort Lauderdale overnight, you may want to consider this free service.
For reservations and further information, please contact the hotel where you intend to stay. Below are two hotels, which are close to the airport and offer free shuttles to and from the airport:
Tru by Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport
44 N. Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33004
754-232-1200
Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport
166 N. Compass Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004
954-802-7543
TRANSPORTATION FROM Fort Lauderdale TO Deerfield Beach
Most international students fly into the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida is approximately 20 miles from the SFBC campus.
Deerfield Beach can be reached from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport via rideshare, airport shuttle, bus, or train. Information can be found below.
AIRPORT SHUTTLES
Ft. Lauderdale Airport Shuttle: https://www.fortlauderdaleairportshuttle.com/ or call 954-688-7738
BUS SERVICES (not as reliable)
Fort Lauderdale is served by the Broward County Transit bus line. Fares vary depending on the date and time that you travel. Schedule and fares are subject to change without notice.
TRAIN SERVICES (recommended)
Tri-Rail: There are free shuttle buses from the FLL terminals to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Station in Dania Beach. The station is just a few miles from the airport and a short ride on the shuttle bus. You will get off at the Deerfield Beach station, as it is the closest Tri-rail station to South Florida Bible College.
For more information, visit Tri-Rail or call 800-874-7245. Tri-Rail operates daily schedules.
Brightline: Students can board the Brightline train from any major South Florida station and get off at the Boca Raton station upon arrival in the U.S.
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