Maintaining Visa Status
Maintaining Visa Status
Enrollment
Students in the US on F-1 and J-1 visas are required to carry a full course of study each semester.
Full-time Enrollment Requirements:
Masters Level: 9 Credit Hours
Doctoral Level: 6 Credit Hours
You are allowed to have a reduced course load only with PRIOR authorization from the Office of International Affairs and only under limited circumstances.
Change of Degree level form—please use this form if you are changing to a higher level of degree
Extension of Program form—if you are unable to complete your degree program in the time indicated on your I20 or DS2019 you must apply for an extension. Please fill out this form and make an appointment with the Coordinator of International Affairs. In order to extend your program you must show Financial Certification for each year you extend.
Change of Status Forms
Address Reporting Requirement
F-1 and J-1 students must inform their DSO or ARO of their change of address within 10 days of their address change.
Changing an address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not change an individual’s address with USCIS and USPS will not forward mail from USCIS. Individuals applying for benefits applications with USCIS must therefore update their address information with both USCIS and USPS, and with their DSO (F and M students) or their RO (J exchange visitors).
The USCIS Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool allows individuals with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address online via their MyUSCIS account. This tool removes the need to update addresses in multiple places or submit a paper form. The tool is accessible to all USCIS account holders, regardless of how they submitted their cases. For more details, visit the USCIS page How to Change Your Address.
General Registration and Document-carry Requirements
Existing federal law requires nonimmigrants, and lawful permanent residents must carry their evidence of registration document at all times. An I-94 printout with your most recent travel history is evidence of registration. Each time you enter the U.S., you will be able to access your I-94 admission record online here . It is also recommended that you carry your Form I-20/DS-2019 and EAD card if you have one.
If flying domestically or traveling in or around borders it is also recommended to carry your passport. Entering some federal buildings and facilities may also require an identification document.