Maintaining Legal Status
Basic F-1 rules (please refer to Immigration Overview for more details):
- Always enroll full time.
- Never work off-campus without permission from International Student Services (ISS).
- Keep passport valid.
- Notify ISS of your current U.S. address.
- Have the ISS endorse your I-20 before you travel.
- Seek a program extension if you are unable to complete your program by the end date on the I-20 in item #5.
- Make normal progress toward degree completion.
It is very important that you seek approval from one of the International Student Advisors in ISS before dropping below a full-time courseload or taking a term off from your studies.
You have been admitted to the U.S. without a definite ending date for your stay. You are here for "duration of status", shown on your I-94 card as "D/S". This is defined as the time during which you are pursuing a full course of study or engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies plus your grace period.
Upon completing your program or the end of practical training, you are allowed 60 days to depart the U.S. or make other arrangements for continued stay. If you officially withdraw from school before completing your program, without transferring to another school, then you have a 15 days grace period to depart the U.S. If you just walk away from school without doing any official paperwork, then you have no grace period for departure.
Basic J-1 rules (please refer to Immigration Overview for more details):
- Always enroll full time.
- Never work off campus without written permission from your sponsor*.
- Keep your passport valid.
- Have form DS-2019 endorsed by sponsor* before you travel.
- Pay attention to end of studies date on the DS-2019 (item 3).
- Make normal progress toward degree completion.
- Maintain adequate health insurance coverage.
- Upon completing your program or authorized academic training, you are allowed a 30 day grace period to depart the U.S.
*J-1 students who are sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University should seek assistance in International Student Services. J-1 students with other sponsors may seek information in ISS, but your sponsor will provide any needed permissions or signatures according to its policies.
Violation of F-1 or J-1 rules
If you violate the rules for F-1 or J-1 status, we recommend you apply for reinstatement to restore your status. Until reinstated, you cannot work in any category allowed by your status. An International Student Advisor will guide you in the process.