Maintaining Status

International Services Office

As an international student in F-1 or J-1 status, you must meet certain obligations to maintain legal immigration status. Maintaining status is necessary to receive the benefits of visa status in the future. Failure to maintain your non-immigrant status can result in serious problems with immigration and could lead to deportation from the U.S.

To maintain your F-1 or J-1 visa status, you must:

• Maintain full-time student status making progress toward degree requirements.
• Update the ISO of any change of residential address, telephone number or email address within 10 days of change. To do this, follow the instructions on our webpage “Updating Biographic Information.” 
• Keep form I-20 or DS-2019 current at all times. Notify the ISO of any updates or changes needed on your I-20 or DS-2019 (e.g. name change, funding change, etc.).
• Keep your passport valid at all times. Notify the ISO if you receive a new passport or visa stamp.
• Maintain health insurance coverage.
• Notify the ISO and Office of Graduate Studies of any upcoming international travel plans.
• Obtain travel signature on form I-20 or DS-2019 (for you and dependents) before you depart the U.S.
• Carry your immigration documents at all times.
• Do not work outside Scripps Research. 

 

Travel Information

For information about travel both inside and outside the U.S., please visit our webpage on Travel Procedures.