F-1/J-1 Student Overview

F-1 and J-1 students must maintain their immigration status while remaining in the U.S. Many of the benefits for which students apply, require an academic advisor or departmental recommendation. These recommendations help IES understand a student's academic progress and plans.

International Student Orientation

Each semester IES organizes a orientation for all new international students. This three-four day orientation includes both mandatory and optional sessions. Departments are encouraged to visit our orientation website to view our mandatory events. Please encourage your students to attend.

Work Options

Students on F-1 and J-1 visas have various on and off campus work options. Some work options require forms signed by the academic advisor or program coordinator. Our section on Work Options provides an overview of the various work options for students and needed forms.

Program Extensions

Often a student will need additional time, beyond what IES first indicated on the student's immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019), to complete his/her degree objectives. As long as:

  1. The Graduate School has not terminated the student's admission
  2. The academic advisor supports the student's continued enrollment
  3. The student provides proof of adequate funding
IES can grant a program extension. This extension can be done without the student leaving the U.S. For F1 students, the process must be completed before the I-20/DS-2019 expires.

The student will have to fill out a Program Extension Form, which will need to be signed by the academic advisor

Part Time Authorizations

An F-1 and J-1 student must pursue a full course of study and make normal progress towards the completion of his/her program. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations state that international students may be authorized to drop below a full course of study for the following reason:

  • Illness or medical condition;
  • Initial difficulty with the English language (first semester only);
  • Initial difficulty with reading requirements (first semester only);
  • Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods (first semester only);
  • Improper course level placement;
  • Completing a course of study

To obtain authorization, the student must submit, to IES, a completed Part Time Authorization Form, signed by his/her academic advisor. IES must receive the form before the add/drop deadline (two weeks into the semester).

Exit Plans

IES is required to report to USCIS the plans of each student exiting the University. Students are required to fill out the Exit Plan Form and have it signed by the academic advisor or graduate coordinator, to determine whether s/he will be able to complete all degree requirements. This form is used to convey to USCIS the student's plans after exiting the University. This exit form must be completed regardless if the student has completed the academic objective.