International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246 USA
(269) 387-5865

Maintaining International Student Status/Enrollment

Review and agree to the maintaining immigration status information below as part of the International Student Orientation process. 

The information below is a brief overview only.  Because of the complexity of immigration regulations, please always consult with an immigration advisor in International Admissions and Services in advance.  While instructors, friends or others may know some immigration regulations, their knowledge may not always be accurate or current.  Always consult with International Admissions and Services.

 

I must maintain a valid passport at all times (which is valid at least 6 months into the future at all times). (required)
I must maintain a valid, electronic Arrival/Departure Record (I-94) at all times. www.cbp.gov/i94 (required)
I must maintain a valid, unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 at all times. This includes correct educational level, major, current funding, and correct personal data. (required)
I must enroll in and attend classes on a full-time basis. “W” or “X” grades do not count towards the full-time course load. (required)
I must complete a full course of study during normal enrollment periods. Full-time course load is defined as 12 credits per semester for undergraduates, 6 credits per semester for graduate students. (required)
I must attend the college/university listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. (required)
I must be enrolled full-time by the beginning of each semester. WMU International Admissions and Services is required to report under-enrollment to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within 30 days of the semester start date. Any student who is not enrolled will be reported and will be considered in violation of status. (required)
No more than the equivalent of one class or three credits per semester will count toward my full course of study for immigration status if the class is taken online or through distance education. F-1 students in their final session cannot take their sole remaining course in online format. Special COVID-19 exceptions may apply for Fall 2020. (required)
If I will not be enrolled full-time, I must receive prior approval from an immigration advisor at WMU International Admissions and Services. Only WMU International Admissions and Services advisors are registered with DHS to grant such authorization, not your academic advisor or graduate college. DHS offers limited circumstances in which I can be authorized to enroll less than full time. My academic advisor and I must complete the Reduced Course Load Request Form and submit it to WMU International Admissions and Services in-person for final approval prior to dropping below a full course load or when in situations where unable to enroll full time. (required)
I must report any change of address or residence to WMU International Admissions and Services within 10 days of the change. In turn, WMU International Admissions and Services will send this information electronically to DHS. (required)
If I change my name, I must report it to WMU International Admissions and Services and provide legal documentation that reflects the name change within 10 days of the change. I must do the same for my dependents if their name changes. (required)
I must apply for an extension of my program of study prior to the expiration date on my I-20 or DS-2019. Requests for extensions should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the I-20 or DS-2019. (required)
I must obtain a new I-20 or DS-2019 if I change my academic program from one degree level to another (e.g., from Bachelor’s to Master’s level), or one major/field of study to another (e.g., from Chemical Engineering to Physics). I must also obtain a new I-20 or DS-2019 if my source of funding changes (e.g. from Scholarship to Parents). (required)
I should always consult with an WMU International Admissions and Services advisor prior to traveling outside the U.S. for verification of my status and travel endorsement on your I-20 or DS-2019. (required)
If I wish to bring dependents in F-2 or J-2 status, I may request a dependent I-20 or DS-2019 from WMU International Admissions and Services. (required)
I am NOT allowed to work in the United States without authorization. F-1 students, who are maintaining their F-1 status, are allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours per week (regardless of the number of on-campus jobs) when school is in session. During school breaks and vacations, I may work more than 20 hours per week on campus. J-1 students are only allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours per week with their J-1 program sponsor’s authorization in advance. Students may be allowed to work off-campus with appropriate authorization from WMU International Admissions and Services or DHS. A WMU International Admissions and Services advisor can provide me with more information about these employment regulations. (required)
If I intend to transfer to another educational institution, I must notify WMU International Admissions and Services in advance of this transfer by submitting a completed Transfer-Out Request form along with official proof of admission from the new school. (required)
If I need to withdraw from classes, or need to leave the university, I must report this to WMU International Admissions and Services immediately. If I report to WMU International Admissions and Services prior to my withdrawal, I will have 15 days to leave the United States. If I do not report to WMU International Admissions and Services, my status ends immediately. (required)
The normal grace period to remain in the U.S. following degree/program completion is 60 days for F-1 students and 30 days for J-1 students. During this period, I am not allowed to work. (required)
I should always carefully read any correspondence from WMU International Admissions and Services and contact them if I have questions or concerns. By clicking submit, I am agreeing that I have read and understand the information above about maintaining lawful immigration status. (required)
I understand that it is my responsibility to maintain my immigration status. (required)
Enter your full, legal name as is appears on your immigration documents.
Your nine-digit WMU Identification Number.