Maintaining Status
Benefits of J-1 Status
As a J-1 Student in good standing you may:
- Obtain authorized employment
- Request dependents to join you
- Travel outside the US
- Participate in professional internships in your field of study through Academic Training
- Extend your stay, if needed to complete your degree or complete an internship.
- Transfer to another school
- Change immigration status
Eligibility for Benefits
To maintain your J-1 status you must:
Maintain Key Documents
Ensure all of your documents are accurate and valid. See document page for details.
Obey Dept. of Homeland Security Regulations
Follow all rules and regulations related to your status, such as those involving employment and enrollment (see below).
Report Changes to ISSS
Keep International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) up-to-date on all changes related to your status including address, phone, degree program, financial support, etc. Most changes must be reported within 10 days.
Maintain Full-Time Enrollment
See below for detailed enrollment guidelines.
For information in Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, or Spanish please see Dept. of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Enrollment Guidelines
International students must successfully complete a full-time class load every term. Full-time is a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduate students. Only one online or distance education course (1-4 credits) may count toward your full-time enrollment per term.
The following grades are acceptable for maintaining your status: A, B, C, D, and P (Pass).
The follow grades are NOT acceptable for maintaining your status: F (Fail), AU (Audit), I (Incomplete), W (Withdraw), X (No basis for grade), NP (No Pass).
Failure to complete the full-time credit requirements may jeopardize your immigration status! Contact ISSS with any questions concerning enrollment requirements.
Click here for information about add/drop deadlines, class changes, and withdrawals.
Co-Enrollment
International students may be simultaneously enrolled at two USCIS approved institutions. J-1 students must enroll full-time at PSU but may be approved to take an additional class at another university or college. Before co-enrolling it is advisable that you speak with an international advisor.
Change of Level
If you have completed a degree and are accepted into another degree program at PSU, you must obtain a new DS-2019 form from ISSS before your current DS-2019 expires or before you change academic levels. When requesting a new DS-2019 you must bring new financial statements demonstrating your ability to pay all living expenses and tuition for one year. Failure to obtain your new DS-2019 in a timely manner may jeopardize your immigration status.
Reduced Courseload
Full-time enrollment (12 credits for undergraduates; 9 credits for graduates) is mandatory for J-1 students. If you are having difficulty successfully completing a full-time class schedule, talk with an ISSS advisor immediately! Under-enrollment may be authorized in the following exceptional circumstances.
Academic Reasons
One term of under-enrollment may be authorized by an ISSS advisor for compelling academic reasons. You must receive authorization before the 4th week of the term, and you must resume full-time enrollment the following term.
Medical Reasons
ISSS advisors may authorize up to 12 months of under-enrollment for medical reasons documented by a medical doctor, osteopath, or psychologist. Alternative medical providers and social workers are not authorized to provide documentation. Medical issues related to J-2 dependents are not valid for course reduction for the J-1 student. If you are experiencing serious medical or psychological issues, speak with your ISSS advisor.
Final Term of Study
You may be under-enrolled during your final term of study. You must notify ISSS before the 4th week of your final term using the Reduced Courseload Form.
Graduate Thesis/Dissertation/Project
After completing all necessary coursework for your graduate degree program, you may be enrolled in 1 or more credits per term while completing your thesis, dissertation, comprehensive exams or graduate project. You must submit a Reduced Courseload Form signed by your academic advisor to ISSS by the second week of each term.
Extension of Stay
If you will not complete your degree program within your program end date, you are required to apply for a program extension before the completion date on your DS-2019 form. To receive a program extension you must demonstrate that you are enrolled full-time, show financial documentation, and have legitimate academic or medical reasons for the delay. If approved, ISSS will provide a new DS-2019 form and notify the US Customs and Immigration Service of the change. Please contact a J-1 advisor for information on the extension process.
If you are unable to demonstrate valid academic or medical reasons for the delay, you will be considered in violation of your immigration status and must apply for reinstatement of your J-1 visa. ISSS can assist you with this process.