Skip to main content
International Student and Scholar Services
gears with the words compliance, regulations, standards, policies, rules and requirements written on the gears that are all meshed together
overrideTextColor= overrideCardAlternateTextColor= overrideDisableBackgroundImage= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overrideCardShowButton= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=

How to Maintain Your Lawful F-1 or J-1 Status:

  • Report your first arrival at BYU by submitting a New Student Check-in eForm found at https://ist.byu.edu which will activate your SEVIS record. It's mandatory!
  • Update your U.S address in MyBYU within 10 days whenever you move.
  • Keep your I-20 / DS-2019 up-to-date:
    • Do not let your immigration documents expire. Apply for an extension before the end date if you need more time to complete your degree.
    • Inform us if you are finishing earlier than the end date on your I-20 or DS-2019. We need to change the date, and you need to be informed of deadlines associated with the new completion date.
    • Be sure you have a travel signature on your most recent I-20 or DS-2019 that will be less than 12 months old on the date you return from a trip abroad. The signature should be less than six months old if you are returning on a work authorization.
    • Request a transfer of your SEVIS record to another school if you are going to continue your studies elsewhere.
    • STUDENTS: Request a change of education level I-20 or DS-2019 if you will change to a higher education level.
    • Inform us if you are leaving BYU by submitting a Departure Notice eForm.
    • Submit a Change of Status eForm when you change to another nonimmigrant status or if you become a permanent resident (“green card” holder).
  • Immigration Documents and Travel:

    • Documentation of Lawful Status: Under U.S. immigration law, you must carry proof of your immigration registration at all times while in the U.S. (https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration). For most international students, this requirement is already satisfied through the issuance of an Form I-94 when admitted into the country. 

      The law is not clear whether you should carry original documents or copies of those original documents. However, it is generally advisable to carry, at a minimum, copies of the following key lawful status documents including paper or electronic versions on phones or tablets. If you choose to carry your original documents, we strongly recommend that you take necessary precautions to keep those original documents secure.
       
      Recommended Documents to Carry:

      • Your most recent Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
      • Your Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitors)
      • The biographical page of your passport
      • Your U.S. visa page (if applicable) 

      When traveling domestically or interacting with immigration authorities, these documents help demonstrate that you are legally present in the United States and have complied with the registration requirement. For longer trips within the U.S. or any international travel, you should carry the original documents, including your valid passport, I-94 record, and I-20 or DS-2019.

    • Passport: Keep your passport valid at least six months into the future. You should apply for a new one if it will expire within six months to ensure receiving your new one to meet the time requirements for future validity.
    • Be sure to have the correct documents with you when you travel. It is very important that your travel documents are up-to-date to avoid any problems at your departure airport when you’re returning to the U.S. and at a U.S. port of entry when you arrive. It is also important to access your electronic I-94 arrival record every time you enter the US. to check that your admission was recorded correctly as F or J until “D/S” (duration of status).
  • Leave the U.S. BEFORE your grace period expires: Once you have completed your studies and any authorized post-graduation employment under F-1 or J-1 status, you have an additional grace period that allows you to remain in the U.S. to prepare for departure. Learn more about your grace period and other information relevant to your final term.
    • F-1 status: 60 days
    • J-1 status: 30 days
  • Comply with your U.S. Tax-filing Requirements: IRS Form 8843 is required for F and J students and their dependents even if you had no U.S. income. ISSO provides you free access to Sprintax, a nonresident tax preparation system to complete the 8843 if you had no US income and a nonresident federal tax return in addition to the 8843 if you do have income to report.
  • Abide by all local, state, and federal laws: Any violation of the law could impact your immigration status.
  • Remember to pay attention to our office emails. We will try and keep our emails to a minimum and pertantent and informative, but it is critical that you pay attention to each one we send and respond appropriately when requested.

  • STUDENTS—Maintain full-time student status and make normal progress to complete your studies:

    • You must register for full-time enrollment every fall and winter semester. Normally, spring and summer terms are vacation periods and are optional unless you will graduate during spring or summer term. Then you must register for at least one on-campus class.
    • Online classes: You can count only ONE online class toward your minimum number of credits required for your full-time enrollment. For example, you can take one online 3-credit course toward the 12-credit minimum. If you want to take an additional online class for a 15-credit course load, it is permitted because it's beyond the minimum required for full-time status.

    • Reduced Course Load Exceptions (RCL):

      • Eligible exceptions based on academic or medical reasons require you to receive authorization from us before dropping below full-time, withdrawing from classes, or taking a leave of absence. Follow these instructions to Request a Reduced Course Load.
      • Final Term of a Degree Program. You are allowed to be less than full-time in the final term of your degree program if you do not need a full-time course load to complete degree requirements.
  • STUDENTS—Work only after receiving ISSS authorization:
    • Working without authorization is considered a serious violation of your immigration status. Learn more about employment options.
    • F-1 students in active SEVIS status may accept on-campus employment but must be authorized if the work is off-campus.  F-1 students must apply for CPT if the work is off-campus. Students usually apply for OPT after the completion of their program.

    • J-1 students in active SEVIS status must:

  • F-1 STUDENTS: Be sure you follow OPT reporting requirements in a timely manner. You risk losing your status if you don’t report Post-completion OPT and STEM OPT updated. Our office will send you reminder emails, so be sure to pay attention to them.
Man in a blue suit holding a card that says, "Know your role."

It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY maintain your lawful visa status and update your immigration documents. It is imperative that you understand and follow all related government and school regulations. Our office is here to advise and provide guidance.