Maintaining Your F/J Status

As an international F-1/J-1 student, you are fully responsible for following the regulations that govern your immigration status under U.S. law. Your International Student Advisor and the International Center will help you understand these rules, but ultimately you are responsible for your own status.

1. Maintain full-time enrollment during required semesters. Only one online course per semester counts towards the full-time enrollment requirement. Contact the International Center if you feel you need to drop below full-time enrollment. Please view our full-time enrollment policy here.
   
   
2. Maintain satisfactory academic progress by attending all classes and remaining on track to graduate in a timely manner. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress may result in academic dismissal.
   
   
3. Accept only part-time employment on-campus while school is in session. On-campus work is limited to no more than 20 hours/week during the semester and 25 hours/week during vacation periods. Employment is not guaranteed. Your visa was issued under the condition that you would pursue your studies in the U.S., not work.
   
   
4. Do not accept off-campus employment without permission from the International Center. Only students with appropriate work authorization may work off-campus.
   
   
5. Report changes of address to Rowan University via the Self-Service Banner within 10 days of moving. Click here for instructions.
   
   
6. Keep your passport valid and renew it with your country’s embassy in the U.S. within 6 months of expiration.
   
   
7. Keep your I-20/DS-2019 valid and memorize the expiration date. Contact the International Center at least 30 days before your program end date to take action. The International Center is unable to assist you if you do not take timely action.
   
   
8. Do not travel outside of the U.S. during the semester without prior authorization from the International Center and your professors. You must request a travel signature via Terra Dotta prior to traveling. Speak with the International Center if you have concerns about travel.
   
   
9. Maintain health insurance. Health insurance is mandatory for all students.
   1. For F-1 students: Insurance is required during Fall and Spring semesters. You are automatically enrolled in Rowan’s student insurance plan every year. You have the option of keeping this plan or applying to waive this plan by purchasing insurance through ISI or ISO. Review your options here.
   2. For J-1 exchange students: health insurance is a requirement throughout the entirety of your program and must be purchased through ISI or ISO. Learn more about this policy here.
      
      
10. Check your Rowan email account for communications relevant to your legal status. You must check for communications regularly to assure you do not miss anything important. The International Center cannot assist you if you miss important deadlines that negatively impact your status that were communicated via email.
    
    
11. Contact the International Center with any questions about the above information

Note: The above information is not exhaustive and is subject to change.

You are responsible for your own status in the U.S. The International Center is available to assist you with all issues related to your student visa status, but it is your responsibility to follow the above rules and maintain your own status the entire time you are in the U.S.

Violation of the above regulations and requirements will result in the loss of your status and may result in further action by the U.S. government.