Current Student & Scholar Frequently Asked Questions

Maintaining Your Visa Status

How many credits am I required to take?

All international students must be enrolled full-time except under specific circumstances (see below). To be enrolled full-time, students must be enrolled in a certain amount of credits per semester.

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) students and Exchange Students
- Federal regulations require undergraduate students to take at least 12 credits to be considered full-time. Of those 12 credits, at least 9 credits must be from in-person classes.
Graduate (Master’s, PhD, COGS) students:
- Federal regulations require graduate students to take at least 9 credits to be considered full-time. Of those 9 credits, at least 6 credits must be from in-person classes.

Can I drop below full-time enrollment?

All F-1 and J-1 students MUST remain enrolled full-time to comply with federal regulations. However, there are certain exceptions such as illness, medical conditions, academic difficulties during the first semester, or if you are in your final semester of study. Please view the Reduced Course Load (RCL) request in the Terra Dotta Control Panel for more information. If you are granted RCL, you can communicate with your Academic Advisor or Program Coordinator for next steps.

Can I study part-time?

International students cannot study part-time except under certain circumstances. These circumstances are listed on the reduced course load form.

How many online courses can I take?

For undergraduate and graduate students, only one online course will count towards your full-time enrollment. You can take more online courses if you would like, but please be aware that you MUST meet the minimum requirement of in-person credits to comply with federal regulations.

For example, an undergraduate student can complete 9 credits in-person and 6 credits online (totaling 15 credits) each semester. However, the student CANNOT take 6 credits in-person and 6 credits online; undergraduates must complete a minimum of 9 in-person credits each semester.

I need to drop a course. What do I need to do?

International students must be enrolled as full-time students to be compliant. The only exceptions to this rule are if you are an undergraduate or graduate student in your first or last semester, a graduate student completing thesis work, or if you have a documented medical condition that prevents you from taking a full course load. Reduced course loads are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee that your request will be granted. The reduced course load form can be found here and must be submitted prior to dropping the course(s) for that given semester. Please read ALL information that is listed on the form extremely carefully. Reduced course load forms only apply to one semester at a time and must be re-submitted if there is a compelling reason to continue a reduced course load into more than one semester. Reduced course load forms due to a medical condition can only be re-submitted for a maximum of 12 months.

What do I do if I want to travel outside of the U.S.?

You will need a travel signature on your DS-2019 or I-20 for international travel. You do NOT need it to leave the U.S.; you only need it to reenter the country. Please log into your Terra Dotta profile and submit a Travel Signature Request via the Control Panel to receive the travel signature.

Note: Travel signatures are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance (or 6 months for OPT students).

Student Life

How do I get a Social Security Number?

You are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) only after you have a job offer. Graduate and undergraduate students who have scholarships and/or teaching and research fellowships are also eligible to apply, as well as graduate students who work on campus because they have a fellowship that only covers their tuition.

For students with on-campus employment: In order to get a SSN, first you must get a Social Security Verification Letter from our office. See this page of our website for details. Please log into Terra Dotta, navigate to the Control Center, and find the request option called “Social Security Verification Request.” Fill out the required information, and where it says “Approver,” please put the supervisor of your job. After you click “submit,” your supervisor will receive an email with instructions on how to approve your request. We cannot issue your letter without this approval. If it takes longer than a few weeks for the supervisor to approve the request, please follow up with them via email. After we receive approval, one of our advisors will issue you a Social Security Verification Letter and provide more information on how to get your SSN.
For students on OPT: If you do not already have a social security number, you can apply for one during the OPT application process. When filling out the Form I-765, it will ask if you want the Social Security Administration to issue you an SSN. Select “yes” and fill out the required information, and you will receive one in the mail alongside your EAD.

How do I apply for a driver’s license?

First, you need to receive a Social Security Ineligibility Letter. You can get this letter from the Social Security Administration Office. Just bring your I-20, passport, and visa, and they will be able to provide you with this letter.

The closest Social Security Offices are:
- 830 Delsea Dr., Glassboro, NJ 08028; (866) 883-5305
- 6 Executive Campus, Suite 200, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002; (866) 931-2879
- 532 Fellowship Rd., Suite E, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054; (866) 837-5002

After you get the ineligibility letter from the Social Security Office or if you already have a Social Security card, you will need to go to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Before going to the (MVC), make sure to review the information related to 6 Points of ID and F-2 international student dependents about applying for a license. You must present the social security card or social security ineligibility letter and proof of address in addition to your primary and secondary documents. All documents when added together should equal or exceed 6 points.

We recommend that you bring your passport (primary document - 4 points) and school ID with enrollment verification (3 points). You can get your enrollment verification from the Registrar’s Office. Alternatively, you can bring your passport (primary 4 points) and health insurance card (1 point) and U.S. bank statement on letterhead (1 point).
Generally, in the state of NJ, the rule is that if you can provide proof of the validity of your foreign driver’s license, you obtain your NJ driver’s license without taking any tests. Rules may be different if you are under the age of 21. You can confirm this with the NJ MVC. An auto driver’s license costs $24.00 in the state of NJ. If you bring all the proper paperwork to the MVC, your license will be printed and issued the same day. If you do not have a foreign driver’s license, you will need to take the driver’s test to obtain a New Jersey driver's license.

How do I request my official transcripts?

Transcripts are processed by the Office of the Registrar. Instructions on how to request a transcript can be found here.

F-1 Student Work Authorization

Can I work on-campus?

Regulations allow F-1 students to work on-campus OR at campus-affiliates locations (such as Barnes and Noble or Gourmet Dining). Per government regulations and university policies, you cannot work more than 20 hours per week. You will need a Social Security Number (see above) to get paid. Please see this page on our website for more information.

International students do not need special authorization to work on-campus, unless the work is considered an internship that will count towards your degree. In that case, you will need to apply for CPT (see below).

What is the difference between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

CPT is a form of work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of study. CPT employment is an integral part of a major’s curriculum and allows you to participate in an internship, practicum, or cooperative education program. To be eligible for CPT, your program MUST require an internship or offer an internship course. You must also have completed at least one full academic year of study in the United States. CPT is only available for current students. Please contact your academic advisor or program coordinator to see if this is an available option for your program. See this link for more information.
OPT is a form of work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of study. OPT employment is optional for any student who meets eligibility requirements and is not required for the course of study. OPT is not employer-specific and can be done before or after graduation. Click here for information on Pre-Completion OPT, and click here for information on Post-Completion OPT.

How do I apply for CPT?

CPT requests are submitted in Terra Dotta. You must fill out the required questions in the CPT request and upload an employment offer letter. The start date of employment in this letter must begin in the future. Under the approval section, students must enter their academic advisor or program advisor’s information in this section. After you submit the request, your Academic Advisor or Program Advisor must approve it before we can issue your CPT I-20.

What is the difference between Pre-Completion and Post-Completion OPT?

Pre-Completion OPT can be done during your studies if you have been enrolled at Rowan University for one academic year. During the academic year, you can only work part time (20 hours or less); during summer or winter break, you can work as many hours as you like. Part-time Pre-Completion OPT accrues at a rate of 50%. For example, 6 months of part-time pre-completion OPT counts as 3 months of the total of 12 months of OPT you are allowed. Note: All periods of pre-completion OPT are deducted from the available post-completion OPT.

Post-Completion OPT can be done after completing your degree. This allows up to 12 months of work permission. Authorized students on post-completion OPT must work at least 20 hours a week with a maximum of 60 days of unemployment allowed. Employment must be related to your course of study.

How can I apply for Pre-Completion OPT?

Pre-Completion OPT applications must be submitted through Terra Dotta. You can apply for Pre-Completion OPT if you have been enrolled as a full-time F-1 student in the U.S. for at least one academic year. You may apply up to 90 days before the completion of your first full academic year, as long as your OPT employment will not begin until after you have completed the full academic year. If you have been enrolled full-time at Rowan University for one full academic year, you may apply up to 120 days before your requested OPT employment start date. It is your responsibility to plan accordingly to allow enough time for the International Center to review your documents before you submit your application to USCIS. You will need to complete the I-765 form found online in the USCIS portal but STOP before signing it. Save as a draft and upload it to your Terra Dotta request. We will review the I-765 and provide any recommended changes needed before issuing you an OPT I-20. You will then submit the OPT I-20 along with the completed I-765 to USCIS.

How do I apply for Post-Completion OPT?

Post-Completion OPT requests must be submitted through Terra Dotta. You can start applying for Post-Completion OPT 90 days before your program date up until 60 after your program end date. The OPT application must be received and accepted for processing by USCIS no later than 60 days after your program end date. It is your responsibility to plan accordingly to allow enough time for the International Center to review your documents before you submit your application to USCIS. You will need to provide us with your requested start date (this can be anytime within 60 days of the end of your program end date). You will need to complete the I-765 form found online in the USCIS portal but STOP before signing it. Save as a draft and upload it to your Terra Dotta request. We will review the I-765 and provide any recommended changes needed before issuing you an OPT I-20. You will then submit the OPT I-20 along with the completed I-765 to USCIS before 60 days after your program end date.

What is STEM Extension OPT?

STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension allows F-1 students to work up to an additional 24 months (2 years) after completing Post-Completion OPT. STEM OPT only applies to certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. The full list of currently approved majors can be found on the USCIS website.

Read more on our STEM Extension OPT webpage.

How do I apply for STEM Extension OPT?

Please log in to Terra Dotta to view step-by-step instructions for the application process and to submit your STEM Extension OPT request.

J-1 Students and Scholars

Am I able to live on-campus?

If you are a student on a J-1 visa, you are eligible to live on-campus. If you are a J-visa holder scholar and you are not taking any classes, you will not be able to live on-campus.

For off-campus housing options, we recommend that you visit Residential Learning and University Housing's Off-Campus Housing webpage to start your search.

I am moving next week. Should I notify my Program Advisor?

Yes! You are required to notify the International Center no later than 10 days after moving. You should contact the International Center as soon as you know you are moving and have your new address.

Do my J-2 dependents (spouse and/or children) need health insurance as well?

Yes. As a State regulation, everyone needs valid health insurance to cover them for the length of their stay.

Note: Health insurance needs to meet or exceed the minimum required level of coverage. This is a requirement of the U.S. Department of State.

Can I extend my DS-2019?

It depends on many factors. We recommend making an appointment to visit the International Center as soon as you are planning on an extension.

Click here to make an appointment.

I applied for and received my J-Visa, but I’m waiting for documents from my home university. Can I arrive after my start date?

You should notify both your hosting professor and the International Center immediately. As long as your hosting professor agrees to the new date and you communicate with the International Center within 20 days of the start date on your DS-2019, we will be able to change your dates.

Can a Research Scholar be compensated?

Yes. If a Rowan Department, Lab, Center or Foundation wishes to pay a Research Scholar, they may do so with no benefits.

I am an uncompensated International Exchange Visitor on a J-Visa. Can I apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?

We only recommend our compensated International Exchange Visitors to apply for a Social Security number.

Note: You can apply for a driver’s license and open a bank account without a SSN.

Can I change my visit to another location with moderately different responsibilities for a few weeks?

No. The International Exchange Visitor shall participate in the program by following the description of responsibilities at the location(s) listed on his or her Form DS-2019.

As a Short Term Scholar, can I extend my stay for more than 6 months?

No. Extensions are not allowed beyond 6 months.

I am a scholar on a J-Visa at Rowan University. I need to travel outside of the U.S. What do I need to do before traveling?

Please make sure to acquire your travel signature on your DS-2019 before leaving the U.S. for you and your dependents. We recommend that all our scholars ask for approval from their hosting professor/department before arranging the trip. Scholars are not allowed to be absent for more than 30 days from their program.

My English is not that good, but I think I can still be a successful exchange visitor at your university.

Specifically, the Department of State wants to ensure that exchange visitors have “sufficient English proficiency to perform their jobs, navigate daily life in the United States, read and comprehend program materials, understand fully their responsibilities, rights, and protections, and know how to obtain assistance.” All exchange visitors at Rowan are required to have their hosting professor complete an English Proficiency Verification form on their behalf to ensure that this level of English proficiency is met.