General Information

General Information: Visas: Immigration Rules

  1. You must be enrolled as a full-time student: 12 credits as undergraduate and 9 credits as a graduate student (T.A's and R.A.'s - 6 hours). Courses taken as audit or listener do not count. Pass/Fail courses should be approaved by OISS.
  2. Your passport and I-20/DS-2019 must be valid at all times.
  3. As long as your I-20/DS-2019 is current there is no problem if your visa expires while in the U.S. Visas need only be valid when student enters the U.S. Once student leaves the U.S. a new visa will be required and can only be obtained at the U.S. consulate outside the U.S.
  4. Come to the Office for International Students & Scholars (OISS) with your passport and I-20/DS-2019 at least one week BEFORE your departure of the U.S., and AFTER you re-enter the country.
  5. You cannot work on-campus more than 20 hours per week while school is in session.
  6. Submit an online notice within 10 days of your change of address to OISS.
  7. Report to OISS any change in your passport, visa, and status.
  8. If you receive any type of public assistance you have violated your student status.
  9. If you have violated your student status while in U.S., your visa is invalid and you can only return to the U.S. with a new visa issued only in your home country.
  10. If you have been in U.S. illegally for 180 days you cannot return to the U.S. for at least 3 years. If illegal for one year or more, the bar for reentry is 10 years. Be sure to read the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996!
  11. Health insurance is mandatory!!! Waivers must be submitted before the end of free drop /add every semester.
  12. Do not become a Public Charge.
  13. You will not be able to register for classes unless you submit the immunization form to Health Services before the end of your first semester.
  14. You will not be able to register for classes unless you pay your bill
  15. You must get permission from OISS to drop below full-time status. You can only do this one semester during your program unless it is your last semester. You must complete the the Request for Reduced Enrollment form

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be glad to help you.

Please call if you need to schedule an appointment.

It is your responsibility to maintain legal status!!!

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