Steps to Maintaining Your Immigration Status
As a UNO international student, you must maintain your F-1 or J-1 visa nonimmigrant status and your dependent’s status (F-2 or J-2) in the U.S.
The guide below shares details on several important rules and regulations. You can also find detailed information on maintaining your status through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Study in the States website.
Maintain Health Insurance
- UNO requires all enrolled international students on an F-1 or J-1 visa to be enrolled in the UNO Health Insurance Policy.
- J1 visa exchange students studying as visiting non-degree students must consult with the Education Abroad Office for insurance guidance.
More information about health insurance will be emailed to all students.
Meet Enrollment Requirements
International students must make academic progress and be physically present* in classes.
Enroll in a minimum of 12 UNO credit hours per semester (excluding summer). Undergraduate students starting UNO for the first time in the summer must enroll in at least six credit hours.
Enroll in a minimum of nine UNO graduate credit hours per semester (excluding summer). Graduate students starting UNO for the first time in the summer must enroll in at least three credit hours.
Attend a minimum of 18 in-person class hours each week for the entire week session. This is considered full-time for immigration purposes.
*UNO undergraduate and graduate students can only take one (1) totally online class for full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. At UNO, there are partially online classes and totally online classes. Only one (1) totally online class can count toward your full-time course load. If you have only one class remaining in your final semester, it cannot be totally online.
Some government-sponsored students have additional restrictions about online classes and should follow their program sponsor’s guidelines for enrollment.
Keep Your SEVIS record and Form I-20/DS-2019 Updated
Remember to report the following changes to keep your SEVIS record and Form I-20 and DS-2019 updated with the most current information. Changes you must report include:
- Address (update your address in MavLINK within 10 days of a move)
- Academic Program, Major or Education Level
- Funding or Financial Sponsor
- Legal Name
- Visa Status
You must also report:
- Withdrawal from UNO
- Transfer to another school
- If you leave a program early
- Any internships, OPT, or STEM OPT
Report changes to International Student Advising.
Contact International Advising Before Any Employment Opportunity
Contact International Student Advising before beginning any work on-campus or off-campus to ensure you meet all requirements and regulations for work in the U.S.
Learn More About Employment
Follow All Laws and UNO Policies
While studying at UNO, you must follow all U.S. federal, state and city laws.
For example, an arrest for possession of marijuana (you or others with you) or driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) could cause you to lose your immigration status, have your visa revoked, or lead to other negative consequences.
Additionally, violating university policies and the UNO Code of Conduct can jeopardize your immigration status.
Main U.S. laws to be aware of include:
- You cannot possess marijuana or other illegal drugs.
- The legal age to buy or drink alcohol is 21.
- Driving offenses (reckless driving and speeding), including not purchasing car insurance, can have severe consequences.
- Leaving a young child alone at home, in a public place, or in a car is illegal.
- It is important for you to fully understand sexual misconduct and legal issues of consent.
- Domestic disputes which harm another person can lead to arrests.
Bring All Required Documents for Re-Entry to the U.S.
Do not leave the U.S. without the necessary documentation to come back. You will need to have the following documents with you to re-enter the U.S.:
- Unexpired passport and visa.
- Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with current information with a new travel signature for re-entry.
- Transcripts showing your enrollment for the previous and upcoming sessions.
- Bank statement or letter showing funds to study in the U.S.
You will need to carry these documents with you. Do not pack them in your checked baggage.
If you are outside the U.S. for more than five months on an F-1 visa, you must get a new visa, pay the SEVIS fee, and get a new Form I-20 from UNO for re-entry to the U.S.
Learn More About:
Follow Rules for Leaving the U.S. After Your Final Term or Program End Date
When you finish your program at UNO, follow the grace period allowed for your visa type as you plan to leave the U.S.
- F-1 visa holders: 60-day grace period.
- J-1 visa holders: 30-day grace period.
Failing to Maintain Your Status or Violating Status
Failing to comply with immigration regulations is a serious matter and will result in losing your student status. Incarceration and deportation are also possible. If this happens, you will be required to:
- Return home; or
- Apply for reinstatement.
If you lose your status, email International Student Advising immediately to schedule a time to review your options.