International Students with F1 and J1 Visa Status - Handbook

Enrollment
F1 and J1 visa holders must be enrolled full time for the spring and fall semesters of each academic year. Dropping classes to part-time enrollment violates immigration status and can lead to deportation. Students may enroll part time in the last semester of their program under particular guidelines. Notifications must be included in their individual immigration files prior to enrollment. The major department chairperson or academic advisors are to notify the IPSO Office.

Withdrawal from school
Students are barred from automatically withdrawing from school during a term. Students must meet with the director of International Programs and Services to discuss their reasons for withdrawal. IPSO will then notify the appropriate department to process the withdrawal.

Work authorization
Students can work on campus only as student workers for 20 hours maximum during the spring and fall semesters. Students can work full time during the summer semester, official holidays, spring and fall breaks, and when the University is officially closed. Students must be authorized by the International Programs and Service Office before working on campus. Departments hiring students have instructions on the authorization process. Students are not allowed to work off campus without authorization from the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Immigration issues
Students must maintain their immigration status by enrolling full time in the appropriate semesters, may not be placed on academic suspension, must maintain mandatory insurance coverage, must maintain a valid passport, must maintain a valid immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019), must retain an I-94 card, and employment must conform to Immigration and Naturalization Service guidelines.

Contact the International Admissions Office for information regarding changing of academic programs, change of visa status, optional practical training, curricular practical training, and maintaining your visa status.

For more information:

• International Admissions Office , CAB 209, 494-8643