Current F-1 and J-1 Student Resources

Find guidance on F-1 and J-1 visa regulations and U.S. employment authorization to support your academic and career goals.

This page answers common questions. You can also contact us by email or join phone advising during drop-in hours if you need additional support.

Information

Learn about:

  • Passports
  • F-1 and J-1 student visas
  • Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
  • Immigration documents - Forms I-20 and DS-2019
  • I-94 arrival records
  • Status vs. Visa

Visa and Immigration Resources

Learn about:

  • Health Insurance Requirement and U.S. Health Care
  • Reporting U.S. address and emergency contact information
  • The full-time requirement and exceptions (Reduced Course Load)
  • Online, in-person/face-to-face and hybrid classes
  • Taking classes at another school (Concurrent enrollment)
  • Academic standing and status in the U.S.
  • SEVIS termination, loss of status and regain status

Maintaining Status Resources

Learn about:

  • On-campus employment
  • Unpaid internships and volunteering
  • Off-campus employment
    • F-1 students: Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Economic Hardship
    • J-1 students: Academic Training, Economic Hardship

U.S. Employment Authorization Resources

Learn about:

  • Travel alerts
  • Travel within the United States
  • Travel outside the United States
  • Travel to Mexico, Canada and adjacent islands
  • Emergency travel 

Travel Resources

Learn about:

  • Preparing to return home
  • The F-1 and J-1 grace period
  • Academic and immigration considerations

Completing the Program Resources

Get your questions answered online or in person.

Advising for J-1 and F-1 Students