International Graduate Student Services
Maintaining your F-1/J-1 Student Status

Responsibilities for International Students During Graduate Study

• Attend the school and degree program indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
• Carry a full course of study (9 credit hours for graduate students, or 12 hours if you are on assistantship). Exceptions* must be pre-approved by an International Student Advisor at the Graduate School. Note that only one on-line/distance education course (3 credit hours) per semester may count toward full-time enrollment.
• Keep your I-20 or DS-2019 form valid at all times. Request a new form if there is any major change in your degree level, major field of study, or program end date.
• Follow the required procedures (with the help of an International Student Advisor) when:
• applying for extension of stay;
• transferring to or from another school;
• applying for off-campus work authorization (practical training, Co-op).
• Limit employment, both on and off-campus, to a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session.
• Refrain from off-campus employment without USCIS or school authorization.
• Report all address changes within 10 days to the Graduate School

* Exceptions to full-time enrollment: Any exceptions to full time enrollment must be pre-approved by an International Student Advisor at the Graduate School. The most common exception is if you are in your final semester, and need less than full time hours to complete your Plan of Study, and you are NOT on assistantship. If this is your situation, you must complete a Request for Reduced Enrollment Form (link), have your advisor sign it stating that you will finish degree requirements by the end of the semester, and submit it to us BEFORE the beginning of your final semester. If approved, you will be allowed to enroll for either Defending Student Status (DSS), or 3 credit hours, or the number of hours required to complete your Plan of Study (if more than 3 hours).

Responsibilities Upon Completion of Study

After completion of a course of study, international students have a grace period during which time they may prepare to leave the U.S., apply for a change of visa status, or transfer to another academic program. The grace period for F-1 students is 60 days. The grace period for J-1 students is 30 days. Students who withdraw from the university, with approval of an international student advisor, may remain in the U.S. for up to 15 days following the withdrawal in order to prepare for departure.

Additional Information

For more information about SEVIS regulations and requirements, browse the following sites:

SEVIS - Student & Exchange Visitor Information System
Introduction and guidelines for students

USCIS - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security
Provides first hand information about immigration services and benefits. You may learn about regulations and policies, read their newsletter and download immigration forms.