Immigration Regulations

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All non-immigrant international students at the University of New Haven must abide by both university policies and federal immigration regulations that govern their stay in the U.S. When students sign the Form I-20 or DS-2019 they are agreeing to follow all the rules and regulations governing their F-1 or J-1 status.

The International Services Office (ISO) assists and advises students on maintaining their status, but the Department of Homeland Security considers it the sole responsibility of the student to not do anything that violates the terms of their F-1/J-1 status. The United States government will not accept ignorance of the law for any violation.

Reporting:

  • The ISO requires that all international students complete ISO check-in at the start of their academic program.  Failure to check-in with the ISO within 15 days of the start of the semester could result in delays with class registration, possible loss of my legal status, and possible termination of the SEVIS record. 
  • International students must report any changes to their address, name, or contact information to the ISO within 10 days of the change. Students should report these changes by submitting the Personal Information Update Online Form.

Academics:

  • International students must register for and complete a full course of study each semester at the school that issued their I-20/DS-2019. The minimum per semester is:
    • Undergraduates- 12 credits
    • Graduates- 9 credits
    • Summer or winter terms are optional.
      A student who does not register for and maintain the minimum credit hours during the fall or spring terms is considered out of status. 
  • No more than one three-credit online course per semester can count towards a student’s full-time course load. 
  • All students must register during the registration period before the semester begins. If students register more than 3 weeks after courses begin, they will lose student status. 
  • If a student cannot complete a full course of study due to extenuating medical or academic circumstances, the student must be authorized to drop below full-time courseload with the approval from the academic advisor and authorization in SEVIS from the International Services Office before falling below full-time enrollment. Students must determine if they are eligible and submit the form for Less Than Full-Time Enrollment.  
  • If an international student plans to graduate early or cannot complete their program by the program end date listed on the I-20/DS-2019, they must see the International Services Office to have their program date shortened or extended on their I-20/DS-2019. This must be completed at least two weeks before the I-20/DS-2019 program end date.  
  • International students must report any changes to their major, program level, or funding source ISO within 10 days of the change. 
  • If an international student wishes to transfer from University of New Haven to another school, they need to have their SEVIS record transferred and must notify the International Services Office that they intend to transfer in advance. The student must submit a letter of acceptance from the transfer-in school. 

Employment:

  • There are strict limitations placed on the F-1/J-1 students’ eligibility to work. Working without authorization is a serious violation of status and can lead to the termination of a student’s SEVIS record. 
  • F-1/J-1 students may work part-time on-campus (less than 20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during school breaks. 
  • F-1 students can only work off-campus if they are eligible and authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) in advance. J-1 students must be eligible and authorized for Academic Training (AT). All other work (whether paid or unpaid) is unauthorized and a violation of F-1/J-1 student status. Engaging in unauthorized off-campus work is grounds for termination of an F-1/J-1 student’s visa. 
  • Students working on-campus or authorized to work off-campus in a paid position must apply for a Social Security Number by filling out an application and requesting a letter from the International Services Office. It may take 2-6 weeks to obtain a Social Security number and card.

If you have any questions about these guidelines or your immigration status, International Services Office staff is available to help you.

Additional Resources: 

 
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