How do I change my major as an international student?
Learn how to change your major as an international student while keeping your SEVIS record accurate and maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status.
Do I need health insurance as an international student?
Learn why health insurance is required for J-1 students, often required for F-1 students, and how to choose the right coverage for your needs.
Can I work or conduct research during my grace period?
Learn whether you can work or conduct research during your F-1 or J-1 grace period and what activities are allowed after your program ends.
What documents do I need to re-enter the U.S.?
Learn which documents F-1 and J-1 students need to re-enter the U.S., including passports, visas, travel signatures, and supporting records.
Can I travel during the school year?
Learn when F-1 and J-1 students can travel during the school year, required documents, and how to avoid problems with re-entry or immigration status.
What happens if I’m questioned at the airport?
Know what to expect if CBP delays or refuses your entry, including secondary inspection, Form I-515A, and the steps to protect your status.
Can I travel to the U.S. without my Form I-20 or DS-2019?
Don't travel without your original Form I-20 or DS-2019. Find out what to do if it's lost, delayed, or damaged before returning to the U.S.
What is a travel signature and why do I need one?
Learn what a travel signature is, why F-1 and J-1 students need one, how long it's valid, and how it affects re-entry to the U.S.
What should I do if I’m delayed or refused entry by CBP?
Learn what to do if CBP delays or refuses your entry, what happens in secondary inspection, and how to respond to a Form I-515A or denial.
What can I do during my grace period?
Learn what you can do during your F-1 or J-1 grace period, including travel, preparing to leave, and eligible post-program options like OPT or transfers.
What happens if I don’t leave the U.S. within my grace period?
Learn what happens if you overstay your F-1 or J-1 grace period, how it affects your immigration status, and when to seek legal guidance.
What is non-immigrant intent?
Learn what nonimmigrant intent means for F-1 and J-1 visas, how to demonstrate strong ties to your home country, and avoid an INA 214(b) denial.
What is J-1 Academic Training (AT)?
Learn what J-1 Academic Training (AT) is, who qualifies, time limits, and how to get work authorization through your program sponsor.
Can I extend my J-1 program?
Learn how to extend your J-1 program, eligibility requirements, funding and documentation needed, deadlines, and how to avoid falling out of status.
How do I transfer to a new school or change my academic level?
Transfer schools or change your academic level without risking your F-1 or J-1 status by following the correct SEVIS transfer process.
Can I travel to Canada or Mexico during my grace period and return to complete my departure?
Know how travel to Canada or Mexico affects your F-1 or J-1 grace period and why leaving the U.S. ends your ability to return in that status.
Can I change from J-1 to H-1B status?
Find out how to change from J-1 to H-1B status, how the 212(e) rule affects eligibility, and what employers must do to sponsor you.
Reduced course load (RCL) in J-1 status
Find out when J-1 students can qualify for a reduced course load, which situations are allowed, and why prior RO/ARO approval is required.
Can I take online classes as an international student?
Learn how many online classes international students can take and how online courses count toward F-1 full-time enrollment requirements.
What is SEVIS?
Learn what SEVIS is, how it tracks F-1 and J-1 students, and why keeping your SEVIS record active is essential to maintaining legal status.