International students who have F-1 and J-1 visa status must follow certain rules in order to maintain their lawful non-immigrant status. Failure to maintain lawful student status may lead to serious immigration-related problems, ranging from loss of the opportunity to engage in Optional Practical Training / Academic Training, to deportation and/or ineligibility to re-enter the U.S. upon return from traveling abroad. 

What are some of the requirements for maintaining lawful student status?

The requirements for maintaining lawful student status include the following responsibilities:

• Legal Name - reporting any change(s) to your legal name immediately to the ISO
  
  

• Valid Passport - not allowing your passport to expire
  
  

• Valid SEVIS I-20 (F-1) / SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1) Forms - not allowing your SEVIS documents to expire
  
  

• Full Course Load - making sure that you are enrolled as a full-time student each quarter (12 credit hours for undergraduate students / 8 credit hours for graduate students)
  
  

• Change of Address - reporting immediately any change of your U.S. address via Campus Connection
  
  

• Employment - refraining from working without legal authorization
  
  

• Transfer of Schools - following proper procedures to transfer schools
  
  

• Program Extensions - following proper procedures for program extensions
  
  

• Change of Program - following proper procedures for change of program

Where can I find more information?

For more information on maintenance of student status, you may also read the following handouts:

• Rules for Maintaining Lawful F-1 Status in the U.S
  
  

• Rules for Maintaining Lawful J-1 Status in the U.S

Remember, maintenance of your lawful non-immigrant status is your responsibility alone! If you have any questions regarding maintenance of your lawful student status, we invite you to visit our office and/or call the ISO at 312-362-8376. 



Updated 08.2005