US Visa Status Tips for International College Students

    Thursday, October 24, 2019



    US higher education is known around the world for its top quality. For this reason, US universities attract a huge international student crowd. Obtaining a student visa is often one of the most stressful steps in the journey of becoming an international student in the US. If you have already completed this step, it will feel as if you have overcome a huge barrier. BUT WAIT—do not forget that you still must maintain the visa. This article provides tips on how to ensure that your studies are not interrupted.

    What do I need to do to maintain my US Student Visa?
    1. Keep a full-time credit load.
    2. Do not violate U.S. laws or university code of conduct.
    3. Understand international travel requirements.
    4. Keep passport valid and U.S. address current.
    5. Be aware of the grace period after graduation.
    1) Keep a full-time credit load.
    Students with an F-1 student visa or a J-1 exchange visitor visa should take a full course load each year that they plan to study in the US. Each university has minimum full-time enrollment requirements. These requirements determine the minimum course load for international students. 

    For a reference, F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students usually take 12 credits each quarter while graduate students take at least 10 credits. Note that some institutions allow only F-1 students, and not J-1 students, to take one online class each quarter. 

    Sometimes F-1 students may drop below a full course load, due to illness or academic difficulties. Experts suggest that students always notify their international student services office. Other universities allow students to drop below a full course load if they are a part-time commuter attending school 75 miles from the U.S. border.

    If you do not obtain authorization from the international student services office, dropping below a full course load will jeopardize your F-1 status and cause trouble with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

    2) Do not violate U.S. laws or university code of conduct.
    You must adhere to local laws and university rules. Note that all international students are held accountable to the institution’s code of conduct, state laws, and federal laws. If an international student has several violations, they may be disqualified from the university. Disqualification from the university would result in a termination of their visa status.

    3) Understand international travel requirements.
    First, always let friends and family know about your travel plans. This includes when one travels within the country. 

    Second, when traveling students should always have copies of their immigration documents including the I-20 and their passport. The Form I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Students should have scans or photos of these documents in their mobile phones.

    Are you planning to leave the country? If you are on the F-1 visa, you will need a travel signature on the I-20. If you are on the J-1 visa, you will need a Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.

    REMEMBER: Always have your travel authorizations signed!

    4) Keep passport valid and U.S. address current.
    While studying in the U.S., international students must remember to keep their passport valid and their contact information current. Regardless of an international student’s country of origin, they should always have their passport valid for a minimum of six months.

    As soon as a student changes their residence, students must notify their school of the change in address. 

    J-1 visa students must report to their sponsor or sponsor designee within 10 calendar days of any changes in telephone number, email address, and current US address. 

    F-1 students must complete a Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, that notifies U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS) of any address change within 10 days.

    5) Be aware of the grace period after graduation.
    Once international students complete their studies, they have several days for which they can remain in the U.S. J-1 students can stay for 30 days while F-1 students can stay for 60 days. 

    Students can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows them to obtain a 12-month work period.