Maintaining Your Immigration Status

Check that the information and program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019 are accurate. If you need additional time to complete your program, submit the I-20/DS-2019 Student Program Extension form at least 20 days before your program end date.

If you add or change your major, submit the I-20/DS-2019 Student Program Update. If you change your degree level, submit the I-20 Change of Level Request. For more information, visit the CGPS Extension Procedures webpage.

F-1 students applying for post-completion OPT will receive an updated I-20 as part of the application process. J-1 students applying for post-graduation Academic Training will receive an updated DS-2019 as part of the application process.

Visa expiration: Your F-1 or J-1 visa may expire while you are in the U.S. without affecting your immigration status, as long as you continue to maintain valid status. Your visa generally must be valid to enter the U.S. If you travel outside the U.S. with an expired visa, you may need to obtain a new visa before returning.

To maintain F-1 or J-1 status, students must enroll full-time during required terms:

• Undergraduate students: 12 credits per semester
• Graduate students: 9 credits per semester
• Graduate Students with a Teaching, Research, or Graduate Assistantship: 6 credits plus enrollment in Graduate Contract
• Students who have completed all coursework must register for sustaining status, when applicable.
• Audited courses do not count toward full-time enrollment.

If you have lost your passport or need to extend your passport, you must contact your country's embassy or consulate. Unlike visas, passports can usually be extended while you are in the U.S. Most countries have consulates in Washington D.C. or New York City. Specific information on this can be found on the website of your country's embassy or consulate.

All nonimmigrant visa holders are required to carry their "evidence of registration" documents with them at all times. Please ensure that you print a copy of your I-94 as evidence and carry it with you. For F and J visa holders, please also carry a copy of your I-20 or DS-2019. Learn more.

A valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 is required for reentry to the U.S. We recommend obtaining your travel signature before leaving the U.S. If you are already abroad, submit your request at least 10 business days before reentry.

For additional travel guidance, visit the CGPS Travel & Visas webpage.

In order to maintain your valid F-1 or J-1 visa status, your "Mailing" address in UDSIS must be up-to-date with your local home U.S. address at all times.

If you move, you must update your mailing address information in UDSIS within 10 days.

To update this address, please follow the instructions below.

1. Log in to UDSIS

2. Click on “Personal Information”

3. Click on “Addresses”

4. In the “Mailing Address” section, note the following:

• Country: “United States”
• Address 1: Put the Street # and Street Name (ex: 471 McFarland Drive)
• Address 2: Apt/Building/Dorm #, if applicable
• City, State, and Postal Code: All required information

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible F-1 and J-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during official academic breaks such as summer and winter term.

• F-1 students: On-campus employment does not require SEVIS approval to begin. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment authorization, including CPT and OPT.
• J-1 students: On-campus employment must be authorized by CGPS and updated in SEVIS as part of the authorization process before employment begins. J-1 students may also be eligible for Academic Training related to their field of study.

Do not begin off-campus employment or practical training without the required authorization. Employment authorization requirements may also apply to unpaid or volunteer activities, so check with CGPS before participating.

If you transfer to another school, your current employment authorization may no longer be valid. Contact CGPS before continuing employment or practical training.

For more information about eligibility, authorization requirements, and application procedures, visit the CGPS Employment webpage.

Eligibility for public benefits varies based on the specific program and your immigration circumstances. Receiving certain public benefits may also have immigration implications.

CGPS can provide general immigration information but cannot provide legal advice or determine whether your individual circumstances may raise public charge concerns. If you have questions about your specific situation, we recommend consulting a qualified immigration attorney.

For additional information, visit the USCIS Public Charge webpage.

After completing your program in valid status, you may have a grace period to prepare to leave the U.S. or take other eligible action:

• F-1 students: have a 60-day grace period after completing their program or authorized post-completion OPT. Employment is generally not permitted during the grace period unless otherwise authorized for employment, such as through OPT.

• J-1 students: have a 30-day grace period after completing their program. Employment and exchange activities are generally not permitted during the grace period unless otherwise authorized, such as through post-graduation Academic Training.

If you no longer have valid immigration status or a valid SEVIS record, a grace period may not apply, and you may be required to leave the U.S. Contact CGPS promptly for guidance.

Unlawful presence generally refers to remaining in the U.S. beyond an authorized period of stay. For F-1 and J-1 students admitted for Duration of Status (D/S), being out of status may not necessarily mean the counting of unlawful presence begins immediately. However, this does not mean you have valid immigration status or authorization to remain in the U.S. A finding of unlawful presence may result in serious immigration consequences, including a 3- or 10-year bar to reentry to the U.S.

As these rules are complex and may change, contact CGPS if you have concerns about your status. For case-specific legal advice, consult a qualified immigration attorney.

Health insurance is mandatory for all students and scholars at UD. If you are a student, you will automatically be enrolled in the UD Health Plan. Coverage may be obtained for dependents at www.universityhealthplans.com. Students may apply for a waiver of the insurance if they are able to show proof of comparable medical insurance. Waiver forms must be completed and submitted with proof of insurance online at University Health Plans website.

Find more information on the CGPS Healthcare & Insurance webpage.