Maintaining Status

There are many factors that may affect a student's immigration status while studying at Western Michigan University. Please read all sections below for a comprehensive overview.

• Maintaining status
• Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
• Underenrollment
• Reinstatement
• Bringing dependents
• Change of status to F-1
• I-20/DS-2019 extensions
• Transfer out
• After graduation
• Important terms

Maintaining status—it's the student's responsibility

United States immigration law places responsibility upon the individual student to know and follow all relevant immigration regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations may have severe consequences on a student's ability to study, seek employment or remain in the U.S.

Contact International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) immediately if there are any changes in personal or academic situations, or items that need to be updated on the I-20/DS-2019, such as:

• Change of name or citizenship.
• Change of school, major or degree level.
• Withdrawal or termination due to academic or medical reasons.
• Departure for research or study abroad.
• Withdrawal for a personal leave of absence.
• Transfer to another institution in the U.S.
• Changes in registration, such as wanting to take an online class or enroll at another university.
• Received an on-campus job offer.
• Change of address.

Steps all F-1/J-1 Students must follow to maintain status

1. Confirm immigration documents are valid and have not expired. A student will need:
   • A passport valid at least six months beyond the arrival date in the U.S.
   • An electronic arrival/departure record (I-94) stating “F-1 D/S” or “J-1 D/S.”
   • An unexpired I-20/DS-2019.
   • A valid visa (for re-entry to the U.S. only).
2. Register for a full academic course load every semester.
   
   Undergraduate students must complete at least 12 credits every semester to be considered full time; graduate students must complete at least six credits. These credits must be counted toward the degree.  Falling below the minimum number of credits required to be considered a full-time student without prior authorization is considered a violation of status. All students are required to make normal, full-time progress toward degree completion and to complete a degree within specified time periods. Extensions other than for medical or other unavoidable academic reasons are not permitted. If a student needs to register on a part-time basis, they must obtain approval from I3S before registration is finalized.
3. Do not accept an off-campus employment position without written authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
   
   Most off-campus employment opportunities require government authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
4. A student must update their physical address.
   
   F-1/J-1 Students must maintain on file in their WMU record a valid, local U.S. address and an international address. F-1/J-1 Students should comply with this requirement by informing I3S of any address change within 10 days of the change, instead of sending an AR-11 or AR-11SR directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Please note that updating the address through the Go WMU portal will not be sufficient. The change of address given to I3S will not be communicated to Department of Homeland Security service centers or district offices. Therefore, if the student is an applicant for any immigration benefits, the student must also send written notice of the address change to the relevant Department of Homeland Security office processing the case. Failure to comply with the address change notification requirements may affect the ability to remain in the U.S. and the ability to re-enter the U.S. after travel abroad. Noncompliance may also be criminally punishable as a misdemeanor, with a fine not to exceed $200 and/or imprisonment of no more than 30 days.
   
   The Change of Address Notification form is accessible on the Forms page.
5. Apply for an extension of the I-20/DS-2019 before the document expires if the student needs more time to complete the program.
   
   Apply for an extension of the I-20/DS-2019 at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the document. An extension request submitted after the I-20/DS-2019 has expired cannot be processed. Failure to complete the program of study on time or to obtain a timely program extension constitutes a reportable violation of immigration status. The I-20/DS-2019 Extension Request form is accessible on the Forms page.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

The Students and Exchange Visitor Information System, commonly known as SEVIS, is an Internet-based system that allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to collect, maintain and use accurate and current information on nonimmigrant students, their dependents, and the approved schools and designated U.S. sponsors that host nonimmigrant students.

SEVIS fee

The U.S. Congress requires the Department of Homeland Security to cover the costs of the SEVIS program through the SEVIS fee, which covers the operating costs of SEVIS and additional SEVIS liaison officers, who are a resource for students and schools. Unless exempted, F-1/J-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors receiving an initial SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 are required to pay the SEVIS fee—$350 for F-1 Students and $220 for J-1 Exchange Visitors. Dependents are not required to pay the fee. The SEVIS fee must be paid prior to visa issuance or change of status. Pay the fee no later than three days prior to the visa appointment to ensure the payment is processed before the appointment.

Students are also required to pay the fee in the following situations:

• When applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1.
• When applying for a change of category within the J program, for example, student to researcher or short-term scholar to researcher.
• If the student is absent from the U.S. for an extended period and will need a new visa or a new “initial” I-20 or DS-2019.
• If the student falls out of status for more than five months in the U.S. and applies for reinstatement.

To pay the fee electronically using a credit card, submit the Electronic I-901 form.

If the student needs a new visa, we recommend that the student make a visa appointment first, and then pay the SEVIS fee shortly thereafter to ensure that the dossier will be complete in advance of the visa interview.

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the U.S., however, be sure to pay the fee at least three days prior to ensure it is processed before arrival at the port of entry. Payment of the fee will be verified at the port of entry. We recommend that the student pay the fee as early as possible and that the student travels with proof of payment, such as a receipt or online payment confirmation, to the port of entry.

In general, consulates, services centers and ports of entry should be able to verify SEVIS fee payment if it has been paid at least three days in advance of the visa interview (or for Canadians, immigration inspection at a port of entry); however, it is always advisable to travel with proof of payment to ensure the student does not experience a delay. 

A third-party, such as a sponsoring agency, a school or a hosting academic department, can pay the SEVIS fee for the student. Family members or friends may also pay the fee for the student. If the student uses a third-party to pay the fee, be sure to secure the receipt or proof of payment prior to traveling.

The SEVIS fee, once paid, is available for 12 months. If the student does not obtain a visa within 12 months, they will have to begin the process again and pay an additional SEVIS fee.

Underenrollment

International students in F-1/J-1 status are required by law to register for and complete a full course load every semester, or to receive I3S approval for underenrollment. Failure to comply with this regulation may have extremely severe consequences, including removal from the U.S. The student must meet with an advisor in I3S to receive prior approval before they finalize their plans to register for less than a full course load or to withdraw from a class.

Definition of full-time student

As an undergraduate, the student must register for and complete at least 12 credits per semester. As a graduate, the student must register for and complete at least six credit hours per semester. Summer semesters are considered vacation time and students are not required to register for any credits.

Important notes

• Courses taken as “audit” do not count toward the full-time enrollment requirement for immigration purposes.
• Online courses: No more than the equivalent of one class or three credits per semester will count toward a student's full course of study for immigration status if the class is taken online. F-1 students in their final session must have at least one in-person class to maintain F-1 status.  F-1 students in their final session cannot take their sole remaining course in online format. 

Underenrollment is permitted only in limited circumstances and requires the prior approval of I3S under the following conditions:

1. Academic difficulties—A student may be authorized for a reduced course load on the “academic difficulties” basis for a single semester during any one course of study at a particular program level. A reduced course load approved based on academic difficulty is equal to at least six credit hours for undergraduates and at least three credit hours for graduate students. All students must resume a full course of study during the next mandatory semester.
2. Master’s and doctoral students on thesis or dissertation track (may use more than once)—If the student has completed all coursework for a master’s or doctoral program and has only thesis or dissertation to complete, University policy allows them to register for less than full time.
3. Medical conditions—Students unable to enroll full time due to a serious illness or medical condition must apply for underenrollment. 
4. Completion of course of study—A student must apply for underenrollment in his/her final semester if full-time enrollment is not necessary to complete the course of study. Please note: F-1 students in their final session must have at least one in-person class to maintain F-1 status.  F-1 students in their final session cannot take their sole remaining course in online format.

Note: Maintaining legal status in the U.S. is the student's individual responsibility.

The Reduced Course Load Request form is accessible on the Forms page.

Reinstatement

The U.S. government requires international students to comply with specific rules pertaining to their stay in the country. The ability to study, work and travel in and out of the U.S. depends on maintaining lawful student status through compliance with these rules. Failure to comply—whether intentional or not—leads to a loss of status, generally referred to as being “out of status.” Loss of status results in the immediate termination of eligibility for such immigration benefits as employment, extension of stay, school or academic program transfer, or travel re-certification. Once out of status, students must seek reinstatement to lawful status to regain eligibility for immigration benefits.

Important notes

• A student must enroll full time while reinstatement is pending.
• Applying for a reinstatement does not guarantee that it will be granted. Thus, do the very best to put together an application that will satisfy U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• Remember: Reinstatement is not the only option available. A student may choose to obtain a new I-20, apply for a new F-1 visa, and return to the U.S. to resume their study. Please consult with an I3S immigration advisor.
• If a student leaves the U.S. while the reinstatement application is pending, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will consider the reinstatement application abandoned. If the student decides to withdraw the application, please see an I3S immigration advisor for the withdrawal procedure.

For comprehensive information about the reinstatement procedures, please see an I3S immigration advisor.

The F-1 Reinstatement form is accessible on the Forms page.

Bringing a dependent

If a student wishes to bring a family member for the duration of their studies, they will have to enter the U.S. as an F-2/J-2 Dependent. Additional financial evidence per spouse/child will be required if the student plans to bring their dependents to the U.S. Federal law requires that J-2 spouses and children have adequate health insurance coverage. F-1 Students are also expected to obtain comprehensive health insurance for dependents.

The Dependent Request form is accessible on the Forms page.

Change of status to F-1

• To change status while in the U.S. to an F-1 Student from another nonimmigration status, the student will need to be admitted to a full-time academic program and obtain a Form I-20 from the admitting institution. Also, the student should continue to maintain valid non-immigrant status and must not leave the U.S. while the change of status application is pending at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

• If traveling outside the U.S., a student can accomplish the change of status upon re-entry if they obtain an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate. Upon obtaining the F-1 visa, the student can enter the U.S. as an F-1 Student.

• Applying for a change of status to F-1 does not automatically make the student eligible to enroll in classes or for on-campus employment. Depending on the status from which the student changed, they may or may not enroll in classes or be employed on campus prior to USCIS approval of the change of status application.

• It is the student's responsibility to make sure that there will be no gap in the authorized period of stay between the current status end date and the start of F-1 status.

• If the student is an F-2 status holder, they are not eligible to begin study until after the F-1 status has been granted.
• B-1/B-2 status holders may not attend classes under any circumstances until after F-1 status has been granted.

Due to the complexity of J status regulations, Immigration Services recommends that students speak with an I3S immigration advisor before they begin the change of status application process. If they are subject to the “two-year home country physical presence requirement,” they cannot change to F-1 status in the U.S. unless they have received a recommendation for a waiver of the requirement from the Department of State or have obtained a waiver approval from USCIS.

It may take up to several months to get a response from USCIS. Check the USCIS website for a case status update.

If the student has not received an answer prior to the program start date listed on the I-20, please see an I3S immigration advisor.

The Change of Status form is accessible on the Forms page.

I-20/DS-2019 extensions

The time frame given to a student for completion of the degree is indicated on the I-20/DS-2019. It is possible that a student may need more time to complete the degree. In this case, a student must request the extension prior to the ending date on the I-20/DS-2019. A new I-20/DS-2019 will be issued noting the extra semesters needed to complete the degree.

Application checklist

• Complete the request form

• I-20(s)/DS-2019(s)
• Passport
• An electronic arrival/departure record (I-94) stating “F-1 D/S” or “J-1 D/S”
• New financial documents

The I-20/DS-2019 Extension Request form is accessible on the Forms page.

Transfer out

If a student plans to transfer from WMU to another U.S. school, they must:

• Obtain the appropriate form from I3S to notify WMU (the “current school”) of the intent to transfer and to indicate the school to which they intend to transfer (the “transfer school”).
• Upon receipt of the completed form, I3S will update the student's record in the Students and Exchange Visitor Information System as a “transfer out” and indicate the name of the transfer school and a transfer release date. Although the student may be applying to multiple new schools, we can indicate only one transfer school in SEVIS.
• If the student has been authorized for post-completion Optional Practical Training, they must be able to resume classes within five months of transferring out of the school that recommended OPT or the date the OPT authorization ends, whichever is earlier.
• The transfer school will not be able to issue a new SEVIS Form I-20/DS-2019 until the transfer release date.
• If the student decides to cancel the transfer, they must notify us before the transfer release date. Once the transfer release date has been reached, WMU will no longer have access to the SEVIS record. Before leaving WMU, be sure to take care of any financial obligations to the University, cancel health insurance, and notify the department or academic advisor of departure.

The Transfer-Out SEVIS Record Request form is accessible on the Forms page.

After graduation—what comes next?

Grace periods

• F-1 Students that have maintained their immigration status are eligible for a 60-day grace period during which they may remain in the U.S.
• J-1 Students that have maintained their immigration status are eligible for a 30-day grace period during which they may remain in the U.S.
• Travel and re-entry to the U.S. as an F-1/J-1 Student is not permitted during the grace period.

If a student wishes to work after completing their studies, F-1 Students can apply for Optional Practical Training up to 90 days before the degree completion date and no later than 60 days after completion of study. A student may not work on campus after completing their studies unless the position meets the requirements of OPT or J-1 Academic Training.

Important terms

We understand that immigration regulations can often appear very complicated, involving unfamiliar terms or concepts. To help you understand the essential rules and regulations that govern a student's status, we offer the following list of immigration terms and their definitions:

• Department of Homeland Security: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is responsible for most areas of national security, including all areas related to foreign visitors in the U.S. Under its jurisdiction are three bureaus that handle the work previously done by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Foreign students come into contact with DHS at the ports of entry to the U.S., through the Students and Exchange Visitor Information System database, and when applying for nonimmigrant benefits.
• F-1: Most international students at WMU are under this immigration classification, which means they have been admitted to the U.S. for the purpose of full-time study, have demonstrated financial resources for the entire academic program, and have a permanent residence abroad which they have no intention of abandoning.
• F-2: This immigration classification is for the dependent spouse and unmarried minor children (under the age of 21) of an F-1 Student. F-2 Dependents are not permitted to work in the U.S. under any circumstances. F-2 Dependents are also prohibited from full-time study at the post-secondary level.
• I-20: This U.S. Department of Homeland Security document is issued by I3S for individuals abroad to obtain an F-1 visa or to apply for or maintain F-1 status if they are already in the U.S. The Form I-20 contains a unique identification number. The I-20 serves as a primary record of a student’s immigration-related actions, such as program extensions and transfers. A student should keep all I-20s ever issued to compile a comprehensive history of F-1 status.
• I-94: An I-94 is the arrival/departure record, in either paper or electronic format, issued by a Customs and Border Protection officer to foreign visitors entering the U.S.
• J-1: There are many J-1 categories, one of which is student. J-1 is reserved for individuals who participate in an academic exchange between WMU and a university abroad or who are funded by an international organization, the U.S. or a foreign government, or a private agency in support of international education. Some J-1 Students are subject to a two-year foreign residence requirement following completion of the academic program as a condition of the funding they received or based on the skills that are in demand in the home country.
• J-2: This immigration classification is for the dependent spouse and unmarried minor children (under the age of 21) of a J-1 Exchange Visitor. J-2 Dependents may apply for work permission through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. J-2 Dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization so long as the employment is not for the purpose of supporting the J-1.
• Reinstatement: F-1 Students who fail to maintain status may apply for reinstatement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. An application can be filed with a current Form I-20 from the school the student is attending or wishes to attend. It is strongly recommended that a student writes a letter of explanation to accompany the request and discusses it with an I3S immigration advisor prior to filing. A J-1 Student may apply for reinstatement through the U.S. Department of State if recommended by the alternate/responsible officer in I3S.
• Status: Upon entry to the U.S., all individuals are classified based on the documents and reasons they present at the port of entry. Most international students at WMU are in F-1 or J-1 status. Individuals who do not comply with the regulations governing a given classification are out of status and therefore ineligible for certain benefits, such as employment.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: A branch of the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is primarily responsible for handling immigration benefits, such as applications for work permits, green cards and citizenship.

• Visa: A permit issued by a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the U.S. to a nonimmigrant to apply for entry to the U.S. The visa is placed in the passport that has been issued by the home country government to travel to the U.S. The visa is only a permit to apply for entry to the U.S.; it has nothing to do with how long the person is allowed to remain in the U.S. A student cannot apply for a U.S. visa while in the U.S.