Maintaining Legal Status
Start here to learn how to avoid going out of status while studying in the United States.
Featured Resources
Your eligible family members can join you in the U.S. on F-2 visas, tied to your F-1 status. Learn what you need to know in this overview of F-2 Dependent Visas for spouses and children.
A straightforward guide to transferring your J-1 exchange visitor program from one designated sponsor to another.
When you complete your academic program you have a short window to act on several possible next steps. Here are the options, with links to the details.
Your first U.S. entry as a student has two parts: preparing the right documents, and clearing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Entry. Here's what to know.
You can travel abroad during your studies and return in F-1 or J-1 status if your documents are in order. Learn what to check before you go in this overview on travel outside the United States, and re-entry.
You can work while studying in the U.S., but the rules differ by visa type and most work requires authorization first. Here's the landscape, with links to detailed answers. Learn more in this overview of working in the U.S. as an international student.
An overview of maintaining legal status while studying in the United States. Learn what is required.
FAQs
Find out what J-1 scholars can study, when incidental coursework is allowed, and why degree programs require a different visa status.
Know which changes J-1 exchange visitors must report to their sponsor, the 10-day reporting deadline, and how to avoid SEVIS status problems.
Find out when J-1 visa holders can work in the U.S., which jobs require prior approval, and what employment could jeopardize your status.
Understand the J-1 health insurance requirements, minimum coverage amounts, dependent rules, and how to maintain compliance throughout your program.
Learn how J-1 cross-cultural exchange works, what sponsors must provide, and how participating helps you maintain a successful exchange program.
Find your official F-1 or J-1 program completion date, understand which immigration document controls your status, and avoid status problems.
Find out how long F-1 and J-1 students can stay in the U.S. after completing their program, what the grace period allows, and key deadlines.
Compare reinstatement and re-entry with a new I-20 or DS-2019, including timelines, eligibility, and how each option affects your F-1 status.
Find out what happens if you fall out of F-1 or J-1 status, your options to regain status, and why acting quickly is critical.
Stay informed about recent U.S. immigration policy changes, how they may affect your status, and where to find the latest updates and guidance.
Find out what to do if your U.S. visa is revoked, how it may affect your immigration status, and the immediate steps to protect your options.
Understand how an arrest or criminal charge can affect your visa, immigration status, SEVIS record, and future travel or work authorization.
Learn how J-1 students can withdraw or take a leave of absence, work with their sponsor, and protect their SEVIS status and immigration record.
Learn the most common reasons a SEVIS record is terminated, how termination affects your status, and steps to avoid losing legal status.
Learn how to extend your F-1 program, when to apply, required documents, and how to maintain your immigration status during an extension.
Learn which documents F-1 students should carry, when to use originals versus copies, and how to stay prepared while traveling or in the U.S.
Learn which documents J-1 students should carry, when to use originals versus copies, and how to stay prepared while traveling or in the U.S.
Learn when you can change your J-1 program sponsor, transfer your SEVIS record, and what approvals and deadlines apply to your situation.
Learn when F-1 students qualify for a reduced course load, how to get DSO approval, and how to avoid violating your immigration status.
Learn how F-1 students can withdraw or take a leave of absence, protect SEVIS status, and avoid immigration problems by coordinating with a DSO.
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.
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.
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.
Learn which documents F-1 and J-1 students need to re-enter the U.S., including passports, visas, travel signatures, and supporting records.
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.
Know what to expect if CBP delays or refuses your entry, including secondary inspection, Form I-515A, and the steps to protect your status.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Helpful Guides
Your eligible family members can join you in the U.S. on F-2 visas, tied to your F-1 status. Learn what you need to know in this overview of F-2 Dependent Visas for spouses and children.
A straightforward guide to transferring your J-1 exchange visitor program from one designated sponsor to another.
Keeping J-1 status means meeting reporting obligations to your sponsor and handling program changes the right way. Learn about the landscape for scholars in this overview for maintaining J-1 Status and program changes.
Before and just after you arrive, your sponsor must give you certain orientation and arrival information and confirm that you meet a few requirements. Learn what to expect in this overview for pre-arrival, orientation, English, and health insurance while in the United States.
When you complete your academic program you have a short window to act on several possible next steps. Here are the options, with links to the details.
Most students never face these issues, but if you do, acting quickly and getting the right help makes all the difference. Here's an overview of common legal problems for international students in the United States.
When your program ends normally, you get a short grace period in the U.S. to wrap up and prepare to leave. Learn more about how it works in this overview of grace periods and departures for international students.
Your first U.S. entry as a student has two parts: preparing the right documents, and clearing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Entry. Here's what to know.
You can travel abroad during your studies and return in F-1 or J-1 status if your documents are in order. Learn what to check before you go in this overview on travel outside the United States, and re-entry.
You can work while studying in the U.S., but the rules differ by visa type and most work requires authorization first. Here's the landscape, with links to detailed answers. Learn more in this overview of working in the U.S. as an international student.
An overview of maintaining legal status while studying in the United States. Learn what is required.
You can academically transfer to a new SEVP-certified school, but you must also transfer your SEVIS record in order to maintain your lawful status. You must meet all requirements and follow the steps.
You can academically transfer to a new SEVP-certified school, but you must also transfer your SEVIS record in order to maintain your lawful status. You must meet all requirements and follow the steps.
Key considerations for switching from J-1 to F-1 status, including the two-year home-residency requirement and the change-of-status process.