Maintaining J-1 Student Status
Office of International Education

It is the responsibility of an international student to abide by U.S. immigration regulations and to maintain valid non-immigrant student status.

• Engage in a full-time course load (or authorized equivalent) every Fall and Spring semester
  • Undergraduate students: 12 credits
  • Graduate students without assistantship: 12 credits
  • Graduate students with assistantship/fellowship: 9 credits
  • Graduate students who require additional English language instruction: 9 graduate-level credits + 3 credits undergrad ESL
  • Graduate students who have met all academic requirements: 1 research credit & file a Certificate of Full-Time Status every semester you meet the eligibility requirements
  • Last Semester Exception: You are only required to take as many credits as are required to finish your degree program but you must be enrolled in at least 1 credit the semester you will graduate (including the summer)
• Maintain comprehensive health insurance that meets the U.S. government and SUNY minimum requirements for the duration of your academic program
• Make normal progress towards completing your degree (i.e., within timeframe allotted on DS-2019)
• Report a change of address to OIE & Registrar within 10 days of the change
• Obtain J-1 On-campus Work Authorization prior to engaging in on-campus employment
• Obtain off-campus work/ Academic Training authorization from OIE
• Be aware of expiration dates of your immigration documents and renew/extend in a timely manner
  • Keep passport valid at all times during your program
  • Maintain an I-94 card marked D/S for J-1 status
  • Keep your DS-2019 valid by following proper procedures for DS-2019 extensions, change of program/program level, and SEVIS transfers
• Abide by any special requirements, such as Special Registration (NSEERS) requirements
• Abide by J-1 end of program grace period rules
  • 30 days to depart the U.S. following program/Academic Training completion
• Seek advice and prior permission if you plan to:
  • Register for less than full-time/ drop a class
  • Take online courses
  • Take courses at another institution
  • Apply for employment
  • Take a leave of absence or withdraw from the College
  • Transfer (during program or end of program)