Maintaining Status | Office for International Students and Scholars

Office for International Students and Scholars > Students > Current Students >

Maintaining Status

As an F-1 or J-1 student, you are responsible for maintaining your immigration status while studying at MSU. This includes enrolling full-time during required academic semesters, unless you have an authorized exception.

Failure to follow U.S. immigration regulations may affect your ability to remain in the U.S., continue your studies, or return in the future.

If you are unsure whether something may impact your status, always contact your OISS advisor before taking action.

Keep Your Immigration Documents Valid

Keep your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 up to date
Always keep your passport valid
Download, review and save your most recent I-94 after every entry into the U.S.

Return to MSU After Time Away

If you are returning from MSU after taking time away from your studies, follow the steps below before returning to the U.S.

Do you need to apply for readmission?

If you have been away from MSU for fewer than three consecutive semesters, you do not need to apply for readmission. If you have been away for three or more consecutive semesters, including summer, you must apply for readmission before OISS can issue a new immigration document.

Apply for readmission.

If your readmission is approved, OISS is automatically notified to issue your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1).

If you were absent from MSU for only one or two semesters, including summer:

Request a new Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) in MyOISS.
Submit your request at least 60 days before the semester begins.

Enroll Full Time

Enroll full time during fall and spring semesters
Enroll full time during summer if summer is your first or final semester.
Make normal progress toward completing your degree
Receive approval from OISS before dropping below full-time enrollment

Learn more about full-time enrollment requirements.

Follow Online Course Requirements

Only a limited number of online credits may count toward your full-time enrollment

Learn about online course requirements.

Do Not Work Without Authorization

Do not accept paid or unpaid employment unless it is permitted under your immigration status and you have received the necessary employment authorization from OISS

Learn about employment authorization.

Keep Your Contact Information Updated

You must report changes to your U.S. address and phone number within 10 days of the change

Updating your information in the Student Information System (SIS) automatically updates your SEVIS record

Update your contact information in SIS.

Change to F-1 or J-1 Status

If you are currently in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status, you may be able to change to F-1 or J-1 student status.

There are two ways to obtain F-1 or J-1 status:

Option 1: Apply for a Change of Status in the United States – Form I-539

Obtain your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) from OISS.
Apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change your immigration status without leaving the U.S.
Learn more about the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

OISS recommends consulting an immigration attorney before applying for a change of status.

OISS advisors are not immigration attorneys and can provide only limited guidance regarding change of status applications.

Option 2: Travel and Re-Enter the United States

Obtain your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) from OISS
Depart the U.S.
Apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate
Re-enter the U.S. in your new status