Current International and Exchange Students

The Office of International Programs (OIP) provides advice on F-1 and J-1 visa regulations and U.S. employment authorization to assist international students in achieving their personal, professional, and academic goals.

This page is designed to answer the most commonly asked questions we receive from international students. Students are also encouraged to seek advice via email or phone advising during our drop-in hours whenever necessary.

Learn about:

  • Passports
  • F-1 and J-1 student visas
  • Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
  • Immigration documents - Forms I-20 and DS-2019
  • I-94 arrival records
  • Status v.s. Visa

Learn about:

  • Health Insurance Requirement & U.S. Health Care
  • Reporting U.S. address and emergency contact information
  • The full-time requirement and exceptions (Reduced Course Load)
  • Online, in-person/face-to-face, and hybrid classes
  • Taking classes at another school (Concurrent enrollment)
  • Academic standing and status in the U.S.
  • SEVIS termination, loss of status, and regain status

Learn about:

  • On-campus employment
  • Unpaid internships and volunteering
  • Off-campus employment
    • F-1 international students: Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), STEM OPT Extension, Economic Hardship
    • J-1 exchange students: Academic Training, Economic Hardship

Learn about:

  • Travel alerts
  • Travel within the United States  
  • Travel outside the United States
  • Travel to Mexico, Canada, and adjacent Islands 
  • Emergency travel 

Learn about:

  • OIP advising hours and contact information

Learn about:

  • Preparing to return home
  • The F-1 and J-1 grace period
  • Academic and immigration considerations