Maintaining Student Status & Forms

While studying in the U.S. with an F1 or J1 visa your primary purpose is to be enrolled as a fulltime student and maintain your student status at all times. 

Please scroll down for more information on how to maintain your student status while studying at SMU.

F-1 and J-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment during each semester they study in the United States. Undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work during the Fall and Spring semesters.  Graduate students are expected to complete 9 or more credit hours of course work during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students may be permitted to enroll in fewer than the required credit hours under specific circumstances: 

  • Summer vacation [8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(iii)] During the summer, F-1 students are not required to enroll in any classes when the student is eligible and intends to register for the next term (i.e., summer cannot be student’s first semester). Students admitted in the summer must enroll full-time as specified above. 

 

  • Graduate students on a teaching or research assistantship [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(H)] Students who have been awarded a Teaching Assistantship (TA) or Research Assistantship (RA) may be considered full-time even if enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours. Requirement: Verification from their Department that the student is an RA/TA and that the department academic policy allows RA/TAs to be classified as full-time while enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours.  

 

  • Completion of course of study [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C)] Students in their final semester may be considered full-time even if enrolled in fewer credit hours than typically required, provided those courses are sufficient to complete their degree requirements.  For example, if an UG student does not need to take 12 credit hours, or a GR student does not need to take 9 or more credit hours to graduate, the Designated School Official (DSO) may still report the student as maintaining full-time enrollment. 

 

  • Medical problems [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(B)] Students who are compelled to interrupt or reduce their full course of study due to illness or other medical conditions may still be considered in valid F-1 status during the period of illness. Once recovered, the student must resume a full course of study. Requirement: A valid medical excuse must be documented with an official letter from a licensed U.S. medical physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist. The letter must include a brief diagnosis and a recommendation for the student to reduce their course load. In addition, a Medical Reduced Course Load Request must be submitted to the ISSS Office for approval.  

 

  • Valid academic reasons [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii) (A)]. An F-1 student may be considered to be maintaining full-time staus while enrolled in fewer than the required credit hours if authorized by a Designated School Official for specific, approved reasons. 
  • Initial difficulties with the English Language or reading requirements (only during first semester) 
  • Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods (only during first semester) 
  • Improper course level placement. Generally, this refers to a student not having the proper prerequisites or preparation for a particular class. This is not to be used because the student is poorly performing in the class and is trying to avoid a failing grade.  

J-1 Students:

22 CFR 62.23(e) "J-1 students must maintain full curse of study/enrollment. The requirements for full-time enrollment are the same as the requirements of full-time enrollment for F-1 students. 
Online study: Per the Department of State guidance, J-1 students may also enroll in a maximum of one online course towards their full-time status requirement. 

Exceptions to the full course of study requirement

  1. Vacation: during official school breaks and summer vacation
  2. Illness or Medical Condition: students can reduce or interrupt a full course of study due to an illness or. medical condition for which a U.S. license physician recommends a reduction or interruption of full-time enrollment. 
  3. Bona Fide Academic Reason: When a student's academic advisor and department dean recommends a reduced course load due to a 'bona fide academic reason." at SMU,  student son TA/RA may request a reduced course load.
  4. Final Term of Study: A J-1 Student may also register for less than full course of study in their final term, as long as the student needs less than full course of study to complete the academic requirements of their degree 

Enrolling in Online Courses

F-1 International students are permitted to count one online course (up to 3 credit hours) toward their full-time enrollment requirement per semester. This means:

  •   Undergraduate Students must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours of in-person coursework
  •         Graduate Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of in-person coursework. Note, GR Cox Students have different requirements. 

Concurrent Enrollment

International students on an F-1 visa are permitted to enroll concurrently at 夜色王朝and another SEVIS-certified institution under the following conditions and with prior authorization from the International Office (Designated School Official).  

  • Course credit must be transferable to SMU
  • Course must apply to current degree level
  • The majority of courses must be taken at SMU

Enrollment with Approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students approved for part-time CPT (working less than 20 hours per week) are required to register full-time. 

Ph.D. students who are required to work full-time (21 or more hours) to complete thesis and dissertation hours and are enrolled in a course that grants CPT work authorization are not required to enroll in additional courses. Students that meet this criteria must be enrolled in the proper course that grants full-time status.

Forms:
Reduced Course Load for Academic Reasons (students must talk to a Designated School Official at the International Office) 
Reduced Course Load for Medical Reasons (students must talk to a Designated School Official at the International Office)
Reduced Course Load for Last Semester
Concurrent Enrollment

Maintaining Status Through Normal Academic Progress and Program Extensions

To maintain F-1 or J-1 status, students must demonstrate normal academic progress, which includes:

  • Full-time enrollment each semester
  • Progress toward degree completion
  • Good academic standing, including compliance with university policies and the student code of conduct

When More Time Is Needed

Even students making normal academic progress may require additional time to complete their degree. In such cases, they must apply for a Program Extension to update their Form I-20 or DS-2019.

Program Extension Requirements

  • Recommendation from an academic or faculty advisor
  • Updated financial documentation covering the requested extension period
  • Proof of continued academic progress

Note: Extensions are granted for up to one academic year at a time.

Before You Begin the Program Extension Request

  1. Consult with an International Program Specialist/DSO to confirm eligibility
  2. Obtain the full name and email address of your academic or faculty advisor who can verify the need for the extension
  3. Prepare financial evidence for the duration of the requested extension

Forms:

 

U.S. Residence Address

International students are required by law to report an address change within 10 days of moving. Each time a student moves, the residence change must be reported to the International Office so the change can be reported to the government.

To update your address, please follow the instructions below:

  1. Login to my.smu.edu
  2. Under “Student Homepage”, click on “Profile”
  3. Under the “Addresses” tab, click on the edit icon next to “Residence”
  4. Update Address and click “Save”

Foreign Address

If students need to update their address in their home country, they must also report this change within 10 days by e-mailing their new address to isss@smu.edu

Phone Numbers

Phone numbers will also need to be updated within 10 days.

To update your phone number, please follow the instructions below:

  1. Login to my.smu.edu
  2. Under “Student Homepage”, click on “Profile”
  3. Under the “Phone Numbers” tab, edit the phone number
  4. Update Address and click “Save”

Maintaining Accurate Visa Documentation for Degree Changes

All international students must have a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 that accurately reflects their current degree program.

Changing Majors

  • Students who wish to change their major must first consult with their academic advisor.
  • Once the change is approved, the International Office will be notified and will issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 reflecting the updated major.

Changing to a Lower Degree Level

  • Students seeking to change to a lower degree level (e.g., from a Ph.D. to a Master’s program) must submit the Request to Change to a Lower Degree Level form.
  • Academic advisors must complete the form with updated program details.
  • If approved, the International Office will issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a revised program end date.

Program Extensions

  • If additional time is needed to complete the program due to a change in major or degree level, students may also need to submit a Program Extension Request form.
Forms:

On-Campus Employment

F-1/J-1 students are eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during winter and summer vacation. On-campus employment may include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or student positions at the campus library, bookstore, food/dining services, etc. Students are not eligible to work on-campus after the completion of their degree, unless they have work authorization in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card).

To receive work authorization for on-campus employment, students should complete the following: 

For Students in the First Year of Attendance: 
 1. Complete the International Compliance Canvas course with a score of 100%.

For Current Students:
1. Complete the Maintaining Your Status Canvas course with a score of 100%. 

After receiving the job offer from the department supervisor, complete the following:
 1. Send Canvas course quiz results with a score of 100% to your on-campus employment supervisor.
2. Complete the Form I-9 with Human Resources (HR).

Off-Campus Employment

F-1/J-1 students may not engage in off-campus employment (including paid and unpaid internships) before receiving proper employment authorization from the International Office.

Types of Off-Campus Work Authorization available to F-1 Students:

  •  Employment authorization approved by the International Office for students to engage in an internship or employment opportunity directly related to their field of study and integral to their academic program. Please see web page for more information
  • Up to 12-months of employment, authorization approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for students to gain practical experience in your field of study prior to and after completion of degree. 

F-1 Students and Economic Hardship Work Authorization: F-1 students may be eligible to apply to the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for off-campus employment based on severe economic hardship. This program allows students to work in any kind of off-campus part-time employment while school is in session and full- time during school breaks. Students must also maintain a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters.

Eligibility Requirements:

(1) Students must have maintained legal status for at least one academic year (nine consecutive months) 

(2) Students must be in current legal status for at least one academic year (nine consecutive months) 

(3) Students must have made a good faith effort to find employment on-campus.  

(4) Students must demonstrate unforeseen severe economic hardship and explain why other employment options are unavailable or insufficient. 

A Severe Economic Hardship is an ‘event’ that occurred after the student arrives in the United States and that was beyond the student's control. This type of hardship may qualify an F-1 student to apply for off-campus authorization through USCIS. 

Examples of qualifying events include:

  1. Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment not caused by the student
  2. Significant fluctuations in currency value or exchange rates
  3. Unexpected increases in tuition or living expenses
  4. Sudden changes in the financial condition of the student's sponsor or source of support
  5. Medical bills or other substantial and unexpected expenses
  6. Death of the student's financial sponsor 

To apply for Severe Economic Hardship, please collect the following documents: 

    • A letter from requesting work authorization and explaining the unforeseen ‘event’ that has occurred since arriving to the U.S. that requires the student to seek employment authorization whereby other employment options are unavailable or insufficient.  
    • A notarized letter from the student's sponsor, explaining the reasons they cannot fully support you at this time and why the situation was unforeseen, if applicable. In the case of death of a sponsor, a letter from another family member or friend explaining this situation must be supplied.  
    • Any other documentation, which supports the student's case proving that the ‘event’ happened, when it happened, and that it was beyond the student's' control. 
    • Two passport pictures. 
    • Recent I-20 document, valid passport (including name, picture, and expiration date), visa, and I-94 arrival information. 
    • Any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) cards, if applicable. 
    • Payment to USCIS via debt card: 

    Any work without authorization is a serious violation of immigration law.

J-1 STUDENTS OFF-CAMPUS WORK AUTHORIZATION OPTIONS: 

  • Academic Training (AT): Employment authorization that allows J-1 students to gain practical experience directly related to the program of study listed on the DS-2019. The length of time given for AT is dependent on the length of study on the DS-2019, with a maximum time of 18 months. AT is approved by the International Office, provided that the student is eligible and submits all required documentation. For more information, please review the forms below.
  • Economic Hardship: Employment authorization based on severe economic hardship. This benefit would allow any type of off-campus, part-time employment during the semester and full-time during winter and summer vacation. For more information, schedule a visit with an Alternate Responsible Officer/International Program Specialist. 

Forms:
Economic Hardship Work Authorization (book an appointment to get the form)

Understanding Volunteering for International Students

What is Considered Volunteering? 

For international students, volunteering has a specific definition under U.S. immigration and labor laws. It refers to donating time to an organization whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian without receiving compensation of any kind 

To qualify as true volunteering:

  • There must be no expectation of payment or future employment,
  • The role must be one that any individual could perform as a volunteer, regardless of visa or work eligibility. 
  • The services provides must not be the same as those the student was previously paid for or expect to be paid in the future. 

Volunteering at SMU

夜色王朝 does not generally permit students to volunteer on campus unless the arrangement has been formally approved by Human Resources, The Office of Legal Affairs, and the International Office. 

If students are interested in volunteering for a campus project:

Student must ask the supervisor to contact 夜色王朝Human Resources to inquire about the process for hosting a student worker as a volunteer. 

Volunteering During Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Students on OPT may engage in unpaid employment, but must ensure it complies with labor laws and immigration regulations. 

To protect your status, and prepare for future immigration applications, it is recommended that students maintain the following documentation:

  • Employment Agreement or Contract with start and end dates, training format (in-person or remote), and location. 
  • Company time and attendance records detailing student's tasks and responsibilities during the unpaid internship or training,

Students reporting volunteering for OPT employment requirements must visit the OPT section of the website. 

 
Volunteering vs Employment

When Traveling You Must Have:

1. Current I-20/DS-2019 form

Before leaving the U.S. the most current I-20/DS-2019 will need to be endorsed for travel and re-entry by a Designated School Official. Travel Endorsement is located on page two of I-20 (first page on DS-2019) and is valid for one calendar year, or until the completion of your degree, whichever comes first. Travel Endorsement for students on OPT is valid for six months, or until the end date of their OPT, whichever comes first. ISSS will have the endorsement ready within 3 business days, if there are no complications. However, we suggest you submit the request 2 weeks prior to travel in case a new I-20 is needed.

2. Valid Passport

For at least six months into the future at the time of re-entry.

3. Valid U.S. Visa stamp

There are some exceptions for students who are traveling to Canada or Mexico, for less than 30 days. Please see the Automatic Extension of Visa Validity form for more information.

4. EAD card, if on Post/STEM Extension OPT and Employment Letter

If applying for a visa, it is RECOMMENDED to have:

  • Financial Support Documents
    Financial support documents accurately reflect the amount on the I-20 document, and be less than six months old.
  • Status Verification Letter
    Can apply for letter in Letter Requests, processing times are 5 business days.
  • 夜色王朝Transcript
    The transcript can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.

Please be sure to check for any additional requirements and for procedures.

Note: Students on academic probation, who’ve been suspended while outside of the U.S. will not be eligible to return to 夜色王朝and any I-20 will be not be valid.

Forms:

Automatic Extension of Visa Validity

F-1/J-1 Students can bring their spouse or children (under the age of 21) as an F-2/J-2 dependent status for the duration of the student’s study, which includes time spent on Optional Practical Training or Academic Training. The F-2/J-2 dependent will need a dependent I-20/DS-2019 to apply for an F-2/J-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of the U.S or to apply for a change of status. To request to add a dependent, please fill out the following "Adding a Dependent" Form.

 

* Please note: Processing times for such requests are 5-7 business days. This process is only for continuing students at SMU, new students will submit all documentation to their admitting department.

 

Forms: 

 

 

If you plan on enrolling full-time at another institution, you can transfer your SEVIS record to your new school, if you are able to enroll for the next available term or within 5 months, whichever is sooner.

If you're requesting to transfer your SEVIS record to SMU, please work with your admitting department and the DSO at your current institution. 

If you would like to transfer OUT of SMU, you will need to complete the “Transfer Out Request Form” and submit it to ISSS office, along with a copy of your admission letter to your new school.

*Note: SEVIS records can only be transferred out after the completion of the semester or within the 60-day grace period.

Forms:

If you are already in the U.S. and are interested in changing your visa status to F-1/J-1 or F-2/J-2, the ISSS office can guide you through this process. There are two options for obtaining a change of status:

  1. Apply inside the U.S. for a Change of Status
  2. Leave the U.S. and Re-enter with a New Visa Status

Option 1: Apply inside the U.S. for a change of Status

This option requires adjudication from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) government agency. The application process can take up to 9-12 months or even longer. Current processing times can be found by going to the .

Option 2: Leave the U.S. and Re-enter with a new visa status

This option requires you to depart the U.S., apply for an F-1/J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and re-enter with your new visa. If you are a newly accepted student, who has not attended 夜色王朝before, and would like to study at our university for a future semester, you would receive a new I-20 document or DS-2019 document.  You will be asked to submit required documentation to your student portal. However, if you are a current student at 夜色王朝and would like to pursue this option, you will need to submit the following documents:

  1. Change of Status Re-Entry Request Form
  2. Financial Documentation (i.e. bank statement/letter), dated within the last 6 months
  3. Copy of Passport
  4. Letter from Academic Advisor
  5. Copy of Flight Itinerary or Departure Plan

Note: Please note that all students wanting to change status will need to speak to an International Program Specialist/Designated School Office (DSO) before the I-20 document is issued, with the exception of new students traveling to get an F-1/J-1 visa.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY VISA TYPE

F-1 to F-2

  • Copy of previous I-20, listed as an F1
  • Official transcripts
  • Copy of primary visa holder’s documents (passport, visa, I-94, I-20)
  • Primary visa holder’s official transcripts and letter of good academic standing from academic advisor

Note: You will be required to maintain your F1 status until your application is approved.
When approved, all enrollment and employment authorization must cease immediately.

F-2 to F-1

  • Copy of previous I-20, listed as F2
  • Copy of primary visa holder’s documents (passport, visa, I-94, I-20)
  • Primary visa holder’s official transcripts and letter of good academic standing from academic advisor.

Note: As an F2 status holder, you are allowed to enroll on a part-time basis.

Any part-time enrollment must be approved by the academic department prior to enrolling.

 

H-4 to F-1

  • Copy of H4 Approval Notice and/or H4 visa
  • Copy of H1’s immigration documents (approval notice, visa, passport, etc.)
  • Employment letter from H-1 sponsor
  • Official transcripts (only if already enrolled)

Note: You must maintain your immigration status until your application is approved.

You must be enrolled full-time when your application is approved.

 

H-1B to F-1

  • Copy of H-1 immigration documents (approval notice, visa, passport, etc.)
  • Employment letter from H-1 sponsor
  • Official transcripts (only if already enrolled)

Note: You must maintain your immigration status until your application is approved.

You must be enrolled full-time when your application is approved.

 

J-1/J-2 to F-1

  • Official transcripts, if enrolled
  • Copy of waiver if subject to 212(e)
  • If a J-2, please include a copy of J-1 immigration documents

Note: You must maintain your immigration status until your application is approved.

 

E or L to F-1

  • If a dependent, provide a copy of primary visa holder’s documents (passport, visa, I-94, and letter of employment)

CHANGE OF STATUS OR RE-ENTRY

 

CHANGE OF STATUS APPLICATION WITH USCIS

RE-ENTRY WITH NEW I-20/DS-2019

APPROXIMATE COST

Current filing fees can be found at:

Plane ticket

Possible visa application fees

SEVIS fee

PROCESSING TIME

9-12 months

If student needs a new visa stamp, you need to check the U.S. Embassy for visa processing times. If applicant does not need a new visa stamp, then it depends on visa availability.

TAKING CLASSES

 

B-1/B-2 cannot study until COS is approved

 

You must be enrolled in classes. If your departure causes delays, you are responsible for contacting all offices at 夜色王朝regarding a possible withdrawal request. Please note, there will be no refunds.


F-2 dependents can study on a part-time basis

H-4/J-2 can take classes full-tine

EMPLOYMENT

You are not eligible to work until your change of status application is approved to a visa category that permits employment.

 

You can begin on-campus employment upon admissions to the U.S. on your F-1/J-1 student visa.

 

Students who apply for a change of status with USCIS may be eligible to apply for OPT work authorization during their final semester, provided they have completed one full academic year of full-time enrollment. This includes time spent under a previous visa status that permitted enrollment.

 

You must accrue one academic year of full-time enrolment under the program listed on your SEVIS I20 document before you are eligible for CPT or OPT work authorization.

OTHER

J-1 visa holders that are subject to the two-year home residency requirement are not eligible to apply for change their status within the U.S.

 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: May I begin attending classes before my application has been approved?

 

A: Applicants may be permitted to begin attending classes after submitting a change of status application to USCIS—provided the current visa category allows for study—while awaiting approval. For example, individuals who entered the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (WT/WB) are not eligible to enroll in classes. F-2 visa holders may enroll part-time with prior approval from their academic department. It is strongly recommended that all other visa holders consult with an immigration attorney to confirm their eligibility to study while their change of status is pending.

Q: May I begin campus employment such as an assistantship while waiting for the change of status approval?

 

A: No. While your change of status application is pending, you may be eligible to attend classes if your current or requested visa category permits study. However, any form of employment—including assistantships or stipends tied to teaching or research—requires prior work authorization. Therefore, students must wait until their F-1 or J-1 status is officially approved before requesting work authorization through the ISSS office

Q: What happens if my application is denied?

 

A: If a change of status application is denied, the student may be required to depart the United States on short notice, which could disrupt their academic progress and result in an inconvenient or disadvantageous interruption. It is strongly recommended that students consult with an immigration attorney to understand their options and next steps in the event of a denial.

Q: Can I travel while my application for change of status is pending?

 

A: No. Leaving the U.S. while an application for change of status is pending is considered abandonment of the petition. If travel is necessary during this period, students must consult with their International Program Specialist to explore available options and understand the potential impact on their application.

 

Remember: When a change of status is approved within the United States, the visa stamp in the applicant’s passport does not change. U.S. visas can only be issued at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the country. For example, if an individual’s status is changed to F-2 and they later depart the United States, they must obtain an F-2 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad before re-entering.

 

Note: USCIS now grants F-1 status effective on the date of approval. If approval occurs more than 30 days before the academic program start date, students must not engage in any student-related activities, including employment, until they are within the 30-day window prior to the program start date. Applicants must maintain valid status at the time USCIS adjudicates the change of status application. If USCIS requests additional information, applicants must respond promptly—typically within 30 days. Failure to submit a copy of the application receipt to the ISSS Office may result in cancellation of the I-20 issued for the change of status.

An international student on an F-1/J-1 visa/status, it is the student's responsibility to remain in compliance with immigration and the university regulations. The International Office  provides information and services to ensure that students are aware of their responsibilities and are able to remain complaint. The International Office has taken steps to provide students this information by creating the “International Student Compliance” Course, which every new and continuing student are required to complete. In addition to our website and the course, the International Office hosts webinars and information sessions on various topics throughout the year.

If students do not comply with the regulations, the International Office is required to terminate their SEVIS record. Termination of a SEVIS record (I-20/DS-2019) has serious negative consequences for the student, as it can end the student's ability to lawfully remain in the U.S. and attend school. 

Reasons for the termination of your SEVIS record include:

  • Unauthorized employment
  • Unauthorized withdrawal from classes
  • Unauthorized drop below full course of study
  • Expulsion and suspension
  • Failure to enroll in classes
  • Failure to report OPT employment (automatic action by SEVIS)
  • Accrual of 90 days of unemployment while on OPT (automatic action by SEVIS

In most cases, the termination of a SEVIS record means that students do not have any grace period and must make plans to immediately depart from the United States. 

If a SEVIS record is terminated, there are two possible options to reinstate status:

  • Travel outside the United States with a new I-20/DS-2019
  • File a reinstatement application to USCIS in order to regain status. 

The International Office can provide more information about these two options. 

The best ways to ensure compliance, students must: 

  • Always remain in a full course of study OR request and receive permission from the International Office before dropping below a full course of study or withdrawing from all classes
  • Receive WRITTEN work authorization from the International Office or USCIS BEFORE any employment, on/off campus. 
  • Obey all immigration laws, include state and federal regulations. 
  • Check 夜色王朝email accounts for important reminders
  • Ensure their I-20 and DS-2019 documents are valid at all times while pursuing their degree program.

REINSTATEMENT VS RE-ENTRY

 

REINSTATEMENT

RE-ENTRY WITH NEW I20

Cost:

I-539 plus Biometrics Fee: Check most recent fees: uscis.gov (approximately $500.00)

 

Plane ticket to home country

Visa application fees (if necessary)

$350 SEVIS fee

Processing Time:


 Check case processing times at USCIS

Length of time is dependent on how long it takes to travel and obtain a new visa stamp, if necessary. Visa processing without delays can take as short as 7 days. However, with additional security checks and delays, this process could take up to 3 months.

Concerns:

If a student's reinstatement is denied, their current visa will be automatically cancelled. As a result, the student may begin to accumulate unlawful presence, which can lead to serious immigration consequences. 

If students are denied a new visa, the student will not be able to return and complete their degree. 

Employment:

Once approved, time spent before violation will count towards one academic year requirement for CPT or OPT work authorization.

If visa is approved, students will have to accrue one academic year on their new SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 before eligible for employment.  

Note:

While the reinstatement application is being processed, students are not eligible for any type of employment.

Students must re-enter the United States no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on their form I-20/DS-2019. If students anticipate any delays with their re-entry, they need to contact the International Office immediately to discuss their options and ensure compliance with immigration regulations. 

Forms:
1. Reinstatement to F-1 Status (Book an appointment with advisor to get the form)
2.  

There are instances when a student would like discontinue their enrollment at SMU. The university does allow Leave of Absences, however, for immigration purposes there needs to be action taken on the SEVIS record. Therefore, if you are planning to cancel enrollment or withdraw from the university entirely, you will need to submit a request to withdraw, cancel or request a Leave of Absence.

Undergraduate Students: All Undergraduate Students will initiate this request with the Student Success and Retention Office. In the form, you will be asked to provide a copy of your travel itinerary that shows date of departure.

Graduate Students: All Graduate Students will submit two separate forms. You will submit the SEVIS Withdrawal Request to our office through Docusign. In addition, you need to submit a request to your School as well as the University Registrar’s Office.

If you are looking to take time off from school for medical reasons, you have one of two options:

  1. “Withdraw” your SEVIS record, depart the U.S., and possibly return for a future semester
  2. You can reduce your course load to zero credit hours, but you will need to remain in the U.S. to seek treatment.

 

If you withdraw your SEVIS record, your record will be terminated for “Authorized Early Withdrawal”. If you decide to return to SMU, your next enrollment needs to be within 5 months from your last enrollment to keep the same SEVIS ID. If your next enrollment is more than 5 months after your last enrollment, then you can come back to 夜色王朝with a new I-20, which has a new SEVIS ID (will require a new SEVIS fee payment). Once you are ready to return to SMU, please submit the "Returning After Early Withdrawal" form (link to form below). 

*Note: If you make plans to take a leave of absence with the university and do not inform the ISSS office, your SEVIS record will be either be terminated for “Unauthorized Drop Below Full-Time” or “Failure to Enroll”. Having a terminated record for these reasons could have serious consequences for your future in the U.S.

Forms:

 for GR students ONLY

As an F-1 student, you have several options after completing your program. As you get ready to complete your program of study, you can:

  • Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) so you can work in the United States. Applications for OPT can be submitted before your completion date and must be received by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no later than 60 days after the completion of the academic program requirements.
  • Transfer to a new school. You must request a “Transfer Out” of your SEVIS record, please see “Transferring Schools” section for more information. You have until the end of your 60-day grace period to transfer out and receive a new I-20 from your new school.
  • Start a new program of study at SMU. You must be fully admitted, and apply for and receive a new I-20 from the ISSS office before the end of the grace period. You will need to apply for a “Change of Education Level or Program” I-20 with your admitting department. 
    *Note: You will only be able to receive a new I-20 after you have completed your program, but before the end date of your 60-day grace period.
  • Leave the United States before the end of the grace period. Please be sure to clear of all your holds with the university, before your departure.
  • Change Status: There are several other visa options that F-1 students can transition to. Please see Immigration Options for International Students for more information about these other visa types. If you do change your status, please be sure to provide the ISSS office with proof of your approved new status.