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 Office of University Immigration Services (UIS) assists and advises students on maintaining their status, but the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considers it the sole responsibility of the student to maintain the terms of their F-1/J-1 status. UIS will help you navigate the government regulations to avoid pitfalls. These guidelines will help you.

1. Reporting:

DHS requires student visa-holders to check in with their school within 15 days of the start of the semester. Failure to report could result in possible loss of legal status, and possible termination of the SEVIS record. The UIS urges all international students to complete document check-in in their Accepted Student Portal before the start of their academic program. The UIS will then report to the DHS on behalf of all out international students.

2.  Contact Information:

International students must report any changes to their address, name, or contact information within 10 days of the change. Students should report these changes to the UIS by submitting the Personal Information Update Online Form. UIS will report via SEVIS, and this satisfies the government requirement.

3.  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 courseload per semester is:

• Undergraduates- at least 12 credits of which at least 9 credits must be on-ground
• Graduates- at least 9 credits of which at least 6 credits must be on-ground
• Remote internships will count as remote credits. For an internship to count as on-ground credits, it must be on-site and within a reasonable commute of about 100 miles from campus.

Summer terms are optional unless the summer is the student’s final term, for which then semester rules apply.  A student who does not register for and maintain the minimum credit hours during any required term is considered out of status. A student who is out of status is not eligible for CPT, OPT, or an extension.

No more than one three-credit online course per semester can count towards a student’s full-time course load.

J-1 students’ enrollment may vary depending on the parameters of their program.

• J-1 exchange students attending the University of New Haven based on a reciprocal exchange agreement with their home university, enroll in a full-time courseload. Their credits can be transferred back to their home university according to the memorandum of understanding between the universities.
• J-1 students funded by their government or by the Fulbright Institution enroll full-time in their academic programs.
• J-1 Fulbright Language Training Assistants (FLTAs) enroll part-time while also working as assistants to the Modern Languages department.
• J-1 Student Trainees (Sports Management) work and learn exclusively for their program sponsors according to their contracted Training Internship Plan.
• J-1 scholars participate in research and/or teaching as determined by the academic department in which they are situated.

4.  Enroll Full-time

All students must meet visa standards for FT enrollment as listed above. Enroll during the registration period before the semester begins. Any changes must be done by the Registrar’s add-drop deadline. Failure to enroll full-time violates student visa status. The Center for Student Success will assist undergraduates in their course registration. Graduate students should seek guidance from their academic advisor or program coordinator. The exception to this rule is the last semester if fewer credits remain to complete all required coursework. The student should request authorization from the UIS to be less than full-time in their last semester, but please do a degree audit with your academic adviser to be sure you are taking all remaining requirements. There can only be one final semester.

5. Authorization from the UIS

If a student cannot handle a full load of courses due to extenuating medical circumstances, they must seek official accommodation from Accessibility Resources Center (ARC) and then request authorization in SEVIS from the UIS. If during the first semester a student has academic difficulty due to cultural adjustments, the student must seek the approval from the academic advisor and then request authorization in SEVIS from the UIS. Students should submit the form to request Less Than Full-Time Enrollment. 

6.  I-20/DS-2019 Program End Date

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 request the UIS shorten or extend their program end date on their I-20/DS-2019. This must be completed at least two weeks before the I-20/DS-2019 program end date. 

Shorten Program Request Form

Extension Request Form

7.  Changes to I-20/DS-2019 Information

International students must report any changes to their major, program level, or funding source within 10 days of the change by submitting the I-20/DS-2019 Update Request Form. UIS will then update the student’s SEVIS record thus satisfying the DHS requirement. 

8. SEVIS Transfers

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 UIS in advance. The student must submit a letter of acceptance from the transfer-to school, and if still enrolled at the University of New Haven, complete the Registrar’s withdrawal process. SEVIS transfers are also necessary for graduated or OPT/STEM students who wish to enroll in a new institution for a new degree, but they don’t need to submit a withdrawal to the Registrar because they have already graduated. SEVIS transfers are restricted for newly arrived students on initial I-20s.  UIS Transfer Out Form.

9. 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 who enroll in an internship course may be authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), but they must have CPT authorization on page two of their I-20 before they can legally start to work.
• Students who complete their coursework can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) but must have the EAD before they can start working.
• 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’s visa status. Engaging in unauthorized off-campus work is grounds for termination of an F-1/J-1 student’s visa status. 

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 with the Social Security Administration. It may take a few weeks to obtain a Social Security number and card. 

More detailed information on all of these topics can be accessed from the UIS main menu on the myCharger landing page as can all the UIS request forms. 

Additional Resources are on the DHS website: 

Department of Homeland Security, Study in the States: Maintaining Status

If you have any questions about these guidelines or your immigration status, the UIS staff is available to help you. Please submit the General Inquiry Form with your question.

Disclaimer: The UIS is able to provide you with general guidance. However, any advice provided to you by our office does not constitute legal advice. Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, the USCIS may change its interpretation of immigration policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. This office will do its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that each case is fact-specific and we advise that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.