Like many nations, the United States has laws governing nationals residing temporarily within its borders. You may be confused by the many forms, numbers and deadlines, but if you understand and meet the following requirements, you will be able to maintain your legal status in the United States.
Ten things to remember:
1. Keep your passport valid for 6 months at all times.
2. If it is expired, have the ISSS office sign your travel signature on your I-20 (F-1 visa holders) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa holders) before leaving for travel outside the United States. Travel signatures are valid for six months and must be valid on the day you plan to re-enter the US.
3. Do not work without written authorization from the USCIS or the ISSS office, as required.
4. Report a change of address within 10 days of your move to the ISSS office so we can update your information in SEVIS system. Also, update your address on the web using USF Connect so all USF offices have your current information (instructions).
5. Register and complete each semester as a full-time student (12 units for undergraduate students; 10 units for LLM students; 12 units for JD students; 6 units for graduate and doctoral non-Law students).
6. Visit the ISSS office before dropping below full-time.
7. Maintain good academic standing (2.0 grade point average for undergraduate students and 3.0 grade point average for graduate students).
8. Contact the ISSS office (or J-1 sponsor) if you need to transfer to another institution or change your status.
9. If authorized to work, submit required tax forms and pay any taxes due.
10. Apply to the ISSS office for an extension of your program at least 45 days before your document (I-20 or DS-2019) expires.
