INTERNATIONAL
STUDENT SERVICES

Stay In Legal Status

Passport

• Maintain a valid passport. Be aware of the expiration date in your passport. United States law requires that your passport have at least 6 months left before its expiration date at all times. (Although your U.S. visa may expire while you are in the U.S.)

I-20/DS-2019 Form

• Attend the school that you are authorized to attend, as indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
• Follow the required procedures to transfer from one educational level to another (e.g., Masters to Doctorate).
• Follow the required procedures to transfer from one school to another.
• Know the date of program completion shown on your I-20 (item 5) or DS-2019 (item 3). If you need additional time to complete your degree requirements, apply to extend your visa documentation at least 30 days in advance.

Full-time Status

• Maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Exceptions to full-time enrollment should be discussed with your academic advisor and your foreign student advisor.

Employment

• Never work without the necessary Case or USCIS authorization. If you are working on campus while school is in session, do not work more than 20 hours per week. This 20 hours per week includes hours worked for an Assistantship or Fellowship. (Students in J-1 status must have the permission of their sponsoring agencies for all employment.)

Health

• If you are a J-1 student, health insurance is mandatory for you and your J-2 dependents. If you are an F-1 student, health insurance is highly recommended. If you have questions or concerns about maintaining your non-immigrant status in the United States, please stop by International Student Services. Only you can make certain that you stay in status, but we'll do our best to help you!