Immigration status refers to the immigration classification you are given by the U.S. government when you enter the United States. This status is listed on your I-94 record.
It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations that apply to nonimmigrant students and their dependents. If you are not sure whether an action is legal, contact an international student adviser before taking that action. It is in your best interest to follow the regulations. If you violate immigration regulations, you will not be able to work on or off campus, engage in practical/academic training or transfer to a different institution until your status has been reinstated. You may first be required to leave the United States.
How to Maintain Your Status
Keep your documents up to date
- I-20/DS-2019: Do not let this document expire. If you need an extension of the completion date on your I-20/DS-2019, please contact your International Student Advisor before it expires. If your I-20/DS-2019 expires before you graduate, you will be out of legal status. If you change educational levels or programs of study, or would like to transfer to a new school, you must contact RW International Center to update your I-20/DS-2019. It is important to keep every I-20/DS-2019 issued to you for your records.
- Passport: Do not let your passport expire. It should always be valid for at least six months into the future. You can renew your passport at your country’s embassy/consulate in the United States or while on a trip home.
- I-94: You will need to access your I-94 record online and print it to apply for benefits within the U.S. (e.g., driver’s license, Social Security number, etc.). If you have difficult printing your I-94 record, contact your international student adviser.
- Visa: It is OK for your visa to expire while you are in the United States; however, you may need to renew the visa if you travel abroad or plan to re-enter the United States. Pay attention to the number of entries into the U.S. you are allowed on your visa. If you transfer between schools in the U.S., it is acceptable for your visa to have another school’s name on it.
- Address: You must update RW International Center of any physical address changes (post office boxes are not acceptable for reporting purposes). We will then report your new address through SEVIS. You must update your local address within 10 days of moving. You should also maintain a permanent address outside the U.S. to which you intend to return.
Maintain full-time enrollment:
You must pursue a full course of study by enrolling in enough credit hours.
- Undergraduate students are required to maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours for each fall/spring semester.
- Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum of 9 credit hours for each fall/spring semester.
Obtain Work Authorization:
Work authorization for on-campus and off-campus employment is required based on your visa status. To learn more about employment in the US, CLICK HERE!