While you are here at Ohio State, you are responsible for maintaining your status with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within DHS is a program called SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS requires all colleges and universities in the United States to electronically report information about F-1 and J-1 students and visiting scholars. Because universities are required to report on the status of all F-1 and J-1 students, failure to maintain your status could jeopardize your ability to remain in the U.S.

There are several important things you must do to maintain status.

1. You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
   
2. Before your first quarter of study at Ohio State you must report to International Affairs for new international student Check-in and Orientation.
   
3. Keep your passport valid at least six months into the future.
   
4. Maintain full-time student status and normal progress towards your degree
   
• 12 credit hours for an undergraduate,
• 10 credit hours for a graduate student
• 9 credit hours for a Graduate Assistant (GA)
• 15 credit hours for a fellowship student
   
5. You are allowed one "vacation quarter" per year, immediately after enrolling full-time for three consecutive quarters. You must report your vacation quarter request to an Immigration Coordinator.
   
6. In rare circumstances, enrolling part-time or withdrawing for a quarter is permitted. In order to apply, you must first obtain a Credit Hour Reduction Form from International Affairs. 
   
7. You may not work off-campus without seeing an Immigration Coordinator to apply for employment authorization.
   
8. If you are an F-1 student you may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. During quarter breaks and your annual vacation quarter you may work more than 20 hours on campus. You may not work off-campus without authorization from The Office of International Affairs.
   
   If you are a J-1 student you may work on-campus only with special permission. You may not work off-campus without authorization from The Office of International Affairs.
   
   Please visit the Employment Section for more information.
   
9. You must notify the Office of the University Registrar within 10 days of an address change (may not use P.O. Box as address).
   
10. You should review specific Travel Requirements prior to any travel outside the U.S.
     
11. You are required to report a change of educational level to an Immigration Coordinator prior to the quarter in which the change occurs. Updated financial documentation and a formal letter from your program will need to be provided. An updated Form I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued to reflect the level of study.
    
12. You are required to obtain a program extension one quarter prior to the end date reflected on Page 1 of your Form I-20/ DS-2019. Failing to extend your immigration record will cause you to lose your F-1 or J-1 status.

Please read the emails you receive from International Affairs and check the International Affairs website frequently, as updated information will be provided as it becomes available.