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While you are 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 United States.
Important regulations to maintain status
Immigration check-in, orientation and documents
- You may enter the United States no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
- Before your first semester of study at Ohio State, you must report to the Office of International Affairs for new international student Check-in and Orientation.
- Keep your passport valid at least six months into the future.
- Carry your immigration registration documents (originals or copies) with you at all times. Generally, this is Form I-94 for international students or Form I-551 (green card) for lawful permanent residents. Additionally, international students should carry Form I-20 or DS-2019 as these are the primary documents that show you have been admitted to school in the United States. Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT should carry their Employment Authorization Document card.
- You must notify the Office of the University Registrar (Buckeye Link) within 10 days of an address change (and you may not use a P.O. Box as an address).
Full-time enrollment, program extensions
- Maintain full-time student status and normal progress toward your degree. (Please note that only three credit hours of distance/online courses will count toward full-time enrollment)
- 12 credit hours for an undergraduate,
- 8 credit hours for a graduate student, with or without a Graduate Assistant (GA) position
- 12 credit hours for a fellowship student
- 3 credit hours for a post-candidacy doctoral graduate student (must be in person/hybrid)
- 4 credit hours for a Graduate Assistant (GA) in summer term
- 6 credit hours for a fellowship student in summer term
- In rare circumstances, enrolling parttime or withdrawing for a semester is permitted. To apply, you must first obtain a Reduced Course Load Form from the Office of International Affairs.
- You are required to report a change of educational level (i.e. moving from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree) to an immigration specialist before the semester in which the change occurs. Updated financial documentation and a formal letter from your program must be provided. An updated Form I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued to reflect the level of study.
- You are required to obtain a program extension one semester before 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.
- J-1 students must maintain their “original program objective” throughout their time in the United States in J-1 status. J-1 students may not change their field of study (major or graduate degree program) while on the same J-1 SEVIS record as this constitutes a change in objective. Progression from one degree level to another (e.g., master’s to PhD) in the same field of study is permitted, but you must update your immigration documents with the Office of International Affairs.
Vacation term and travel requirements
- You are allowed one period of "vacation" per year during summer term. You are not required to enroll full time during summer, unless it is your first or final term. It is no longer necessary to report a vacation request to the Office of International Affairs. For more information, visit the vacation term section of our website.
- International students who travel outside of the United States must have a current travel signature on their I-20/DS-2019 signed within the last 12 months (six months while on OPT/STEM OPT). It is not necessary to request a travel signature every time you travel abroad as long as your documents have been signed within the 12-month period. You must also carry a valid passport and valid visa when traveling.
- In addition to carrying all your immigration documents when traveling domestically, you must carry a REAL ID card (a driver’s license or identification card that meets federal standards for security) beginning May 7, 2025. A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in lieu of a REAL ID.
Employment
- You may not work off-campus without seeing an immigration specialist to apply for employment authorization.
- If you are an F-1 student, you may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. During official school breaks (with the exception of autumn break) and your annual vacation semester, you may work up to 38 hours per week on campus. You may not work off campus without authorization from the Office of International Affairs.
- If you are a J-1 student, you must submit the J-1 On-Campus Employment Form before beginning work on campus. You may not work off campus without authorization from the Office of International Affairs. Please visit the employment section for more information.
Health insurance
- J-1 students are required to maintain health insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents throughout their J-1 program. The insurance must meet the standards specified by the U.S. State Department:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to their home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
- Ohio State’s student health plan meets these requirements. If you are a J-1 student sponsored by your government and are waiving the Ohio State insurance for a plan assigned by your government, be aware you must still meet the above standards and maintain insurance for your J-2 dependents.