Maintaining Valid F-1 or J-1 Student Status

You are required to maintain full-time enrollment every academic term for the duration of your program. This requirement is reflected on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Full-time enrollment means taking a specific number of credits each term, depending on your program. Read more about the academic requirements as an F-1 student.

If you are considering a leave of absence, you should consult with ISO before making your final decision. You may not remain in the U.S. during a leave of absence, so you will need to make plans to depart the U.S. in a timely manner. Read more about the leave of absence process as an F-1 or J-1 student.

Please consult with ISO if you plan to study or conduct research outside the U.S. for an academic semester or longer. If appropriate, arrangements may be made to keep you in lawful student status. Read more about research or study abroad while in F-1 or J-1 student status.

If you are admitted to a new degree program at the University of Rochester, you must get a new I-20 or DS-2019 that reflects your updated program dates, funding, and field of study. This applies whether you are moving to a higher degree level, switching to a lower level, or changing to a different program at the same level. You must submit the New Student Intake Form (NSIF) and receive your new document from ISO before making any official change to your academic program. To qualify for a Change of Education Level, there cannot be a gap of more than five months between your current authorized activity (such as enrollment as an active student or OPT) and the start of your new program. Please apply sufficiently in advance so that the ISO has time to process your COEL before your grace period ends. Read more about the NSIF process.

When transferring your SEVIS record to another SEVP certified school, you should make sure you are admitted to the new school and carefully choose your transfer release date. You must maintain valid F-1 status until the transfer and ensure the gap between programs does not exceed five months. Be aware that any employment ends prior to your release date. If you plan to travel after the release date, you must reenter with the new school’s I-20. Read more about transferring your SEVIS record out to your new school.

If you need additional time to complete your studies, or if you finish earlier than expected, you must update your record by submitting a Program Extension or Program Shorten e-form. Extensions must be based on academic or documented medical reasons, and you must continue making progress toward your degree. Failing to request an extension on time can result in a violation of your immigration status and affect your eligibility for future F-1 or J-1 benefits. Note that your permission for on-campus employment ends on your program completion date.

• Make sure your immigration document has a valid travel signature. This will be on page 2 of your I-20 or on page 1 of your DS-2019. Travel signatures are valid for one year during your academic program.  If you are on AT, post-completion OPT, or STEM OPT, the travel signature is valid for 6 months. Please note that a valid signature is only required for re-entry into the U.S. (not exit). Read more about ISO travel guidance, when planning travel abroad.
• Keep your passport valid for up to 6 months into the future. Passports can be renewed through your home country’s consulate or embassy in the United States. You should ensure your passport is valid for at least six months into the future.

As an F-1 or J-1 student, you must have work authorization before starting any kind of employment in the United States. Each work authorization, such as on campus, off-campus or academic training all have their own requirements. Understanding these rules helps you avoid any immigration violations. Read more about the types of work you may be eligible for, and the processes required to obtain authorization.

All international students, scholars, and employees in the U.S. must file a tax return each year, even if no income was earned. Nonresidents for tax purposes are required to report their U.S. presence. Failing to file can lead to fines and may impact future immigration benefits, including visa renewals or status changes. You can read more to learn about the U.S. tax system, Social Security Number (SSN), and Individual Taxpater Identification Number (ITIN).

All J visa holders (including J-1 students and each J-2 family member) are required to have specific health insurance coverage as determined by the U.S. Department of State.

J-1 degree seeking students may advance in their academic journey by matriculating to a higher level degree program. Matriculation may only occur from a lower degree level to a higher degree level. For example, from Bachelor’s to Master’s or Master’s to PhD. Matriculation may not occur to a lower degree level, for example from PhD to Master’s.

Additionally, matriculation may not occur from the J-1 Non-Degree Student status to any other degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD).

Some J-1 students and their J-2 dependents are subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement. Read more about this requirement, whether it applies to you and what it means.