Here is a quick checklist that should help you to maintain proper F (student) or J (exchange visitor) immigration status. These guidelines are based on applicable regulations of the Department of Homeland Security and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Detailed workshops with immigration information will be held Monday Aug 18th 1:30 pm in DeBaun Auditorium.
- Be enrolled full-time in every regular (fall or spring) semester. Full time is 12 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students.Please see the Certification of Fulltime Enrollment Form for eligible exemptions.
- Only one distance learning (WebCampus), or 3 credits, can be counted towards the number of credits required for full-time status each regular semester. You may take additional distance learning courses if you have already met the full-time requirement.
- Do not engage in any employment without authorization from the ISSS Director or Immigration. Students who are properly maintaining F or J immigration status are authorized to work on campus up to 20 hours a week during regular semesters and full time during vacation periods. Any other type of employment requires PRIOR authorization from the ISSS Director or Immigration.
- Inform the ISSS office of any changes of address, legal name, major, degree level, or other substantive change in your program within 3 days of the change. This requirement also applies to F-1 students engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 students engaged in academic training.
- Make sure that your I-20 or DS-2019 form does not expire. If your form is nearing expiration and you will be continuing your studies beyond the expiration date, you are required to obtain an extension in advance of the expiration date.
- Make sure that your passport does not expire. If it is nearing expiration, contact your consulate or embassy well in advance (4-6 months) of the expiration date to check on renewal procedures and deadlines.
- Students interested in post-completion OPT (F) or academic training (J) must submit their requests to Immigration (for F students) or ISSS (for J students) PRIOR to completion of their academic program regardless of the actual expiration date shown on their I-20 or DS-2019. Contact ISSS for procedures and requirements.
- Students in F status who do not apply for OPT prior to completing their program have a 60-day grace period to obtain a new I-20 for another degree program, apply for a change to another immigration status if they are eligible, or depart the U.S. Students who withdraw from Stevens before completing their program have a 15-day grace period if they obtain approval from the ISSS Director PRIOR to withdrawal. Otherwise, they would have no grace period.
- Students in J status who do not apply for academic training prior to completing their program have a 30-day grace period to depart the country.
- You must obtain a travel signature prior to leaving the U.S. for vacations. Travel signatures are valid for six months. Please request signature in the ISSS office at-least 1 week prior to departure.
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