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Staff in the Office of International Programs (OIP) serve as immigration advisors to all international and exchange students in F or J status . Review these tips for maintaining your status and reach out to OIP with any questions.

Maintain U.S. physical presence & keep your local address up-to-date

You must update OIP of your new physical/mailing address within 10 days of each move to maintain status.

F-1s and J-1s are expected to be in the U.S., either studying in person full-time, or following program completion, engaged in F/J employment through post-completion Optional Practical Training (F-1s) or Academic Training (J-1s) in their field of study. Temporary absences or travel are allowed, but should not interfere with your studies and work in the U.S. If you are outside the U.S. for 5 or more consecutive months, your status will end. 

F-2s and J-2s should not remain in the U.S. for significant periods without the primary F-1 or J-1 status holder.

Maintain full-time enrollment

You  must be enrolled full-time during each fall/spring semester during your course of study. For immigration purposes, in most cases, you must complete a minimum of 3 ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ credits (12 semester hours) each semester. Only 1 online course can be counted toward the full-time requirement.

Receive OIP approval before dropping to part-time status or withdrawing

If for some reason you must reduce your enrollment below full-time status or withdraw from your program, you must seek approval from OIP before doing so.

Avoid violating the Student Code of Conduct or U.S. laws

Any violation of the Student Code of Conduct or U.S. law that impacts your ability to be an enrolled, full-time student (e.g., suspension, dismissal, arrest) or continue your post-completion employment will have a negative impact on your F/J status. If you are found or violation or have been arrested, please contact OIP to understand what the impact may be, as well as resources for support.

Attend the school noted on your I-20 (F-1s) or DS-2019 (J-1s)

You  must have a current, valid I-20 or DS-2019 from the school you are attending full-time. If you transfer from another school to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, or from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ to another school, make sure you follow the proper procedures to have your SEVIS record transferred.

Keep your I-20 or DS-2019 valid at all times and understand your completion date

The I-20 or DS-2019 is only valid as long as you are a continuing, full-time student in your degree program, or on your approved post-completion training. If you graduate early, your I-20 or DS-2019 will be shortened to the last day of your final semester of enrollment. You must notify OIP of your early completion to avoid overstaying. If you need more time to complete your program, reach out to OIP at least 60 days before the completion date on your current I-20 or DS-2019 to apply for an extension request.

Always carry immigration documentation and understand documents needed for travel

Technically, all F/J non-immigrants are expected to have evidence of status with them at all times. While in Central Arkansas, if you choose not to carry originals, make sure you always have printed copies of your immigration documents: I-20/DS-2019, passport, visa (if applicable), I-94, and EAD (if on OPT or STEM OPT). If you leave Central Arkansas, make sure to have your original documents with you when traveling.

Before any international travel, review the necessary travel documents below and obtain a travel signature from OIP. Travel endorsements are valid for one year during the program of study. Exception: Travel endorsements during post-completion (STEM) OPT are only valid for 6 months.

• Bring the required travel/immigration documents on your trip (originals and extra copies): 
  • Most recent I-20 or DS-2019 with valid travel signature
  • Current passport valid for at least six months after your return date
  • Valid visa (with multiple entry stamp, "M"); visa not required for Canadian citizens

• It is possible that an immigration officer could ask you for any of the additional, recommended documents below:
  • Proof of full-time enrollment at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ
  • Financial certification, e.g. bank statement and/or scholarship award letter
  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt ( if you no longer have it)
    
    
• After you return to the U.S.,  and check that your information is accurate. If anything is inaccurate, seek guidance from OIP on getting a correction from U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

For more information on travel and re-entry for F-1 students: 

Understand your grace period after program completion

F-1s have a 60-day grace period following the end of the program of study or authorized OPT Post-Completion Training. You may use the grace period to depart the U.S., transfer your SEVIS record to begin a new program of study, or apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training.

J-1s have a 30-day grace period following the end of their program of study or Post-Completion Academic Training.  You may ONLY use the grace period for departure. Any transfer or post-completion Academic Training request must be submitted to OIP BEFORE the program end date noted on the DS-2019.

F-2s/J-2s have the same grace period and should make any final departure at the time as the primary F-1/J-1 status holder.

Work ONLY with proper employment authorization

F-1 and J-1 students have limited options for employment, though on-campus employment is common at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. While school is in session, F-1s and J-1s (with approval from the DS-2019 sponsor) can work on campus up to 20 hours per week according to immigration regulations. During school breaks, you may work more than 20 hours per week on campus. 

Before beginning any employment, review the orientation materials related to on-campus employment, off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, Curricular Practical Training (F-1s), Optional Practical Training (F-1s), Academic Training (J-1s) and talk with OIP.

Volunteering does not require authorization, but please note the difference between volunteering and engaging in an unpaid internship. Volunteering refers to donating time, without any type of compensation, with an organization whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian in nature.

F-2 dependents are not eligible for any work authorization or employment.

J-2 dependent spouse work authorization is available only when approved by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, though not guaranteed. Income from the dependent's employment may be used to support the family's recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 primary status holder or other J-2 dependents.