Maintaining Student Status

RESPONSIBILITIES  as F-1 and J-1 international students at LMU:

1. OFFICIALLY CHECK IN
Complete and submit an official OISS International Student File Information Sheet with copies of passport, visa, I-94 card, and I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Provide OISS with address and contact information as required.
  • Provide copies of I-94 status-related documents so that we can check for processing errors.
2. ATTEND ORIENTATION and individual SEVIS meeting sessions.
3. UPDATE CONTACT INFO WITH OISS WITHIN 10 DAYS OF EVERY CHANGE-  including residential address, phone number, or email address.
4. ENROLL FULL-TIME fall and spring semester.
  • Follow programs of study described on I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Each semester, enroll in a minimum of 12 units for undergraduates and 6 units for graduate students.
  • If requesting Reduced Course Load Authorization (example: last semester before graduation and need less than full-time), see OISS by the second week of the semester.
5. MAKE REASONABLE ACADEMIC PROGRESS. 
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for all graduate and undergraduate international students.
  • Coursework must count towards completion of a degree
6. KEEP I-20 or DS-2019 CURRENT.  See OISS at least 30 days before the expiration date.
  • Completion date must be in future, not past (I-20 item #5 or DS-2019 item #3).
  • All other information must be current or correct.
7. KEEP PASSPORT CURRENT or valid.  If the expiration date is within 6 months, visit your country’s closest Consulate or Embassy and apply for a new passport.
8. ACCEPT ONLY AUTHORIZED EMPLOYMENT.  (Even for on-campus student employment, international students MUST obtain an OISS-issued authorization letter before starting work.)
9. MAINTAIN ADEQUATE HEALTH INSURANCE.  (J-1s and J-2s MUST meet specified minimums.)
10. KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON US GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS as they change.
11. IN-COMING TRANSFER STUDENTS must officially check in with OISS within the first two weeks of classes.  Out-going transfer students must also check in with OISS two weeks prior to departure.
12. OBTAIN TRAVEL SIGNATURES from OISS before leaving and re-entering the USA.

RIGHTS & PRIVILEDGES (that you may enjoy ONLY IF you comply with the stated responsibilities)

1. Privilege of Employment
  • On-campus up to 20 hours per week
  • Off-campus (always consult with OISS first)
2. F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
3. F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - Internship
4. J-1 Academic Training
5. F-1 or J-1 Severe Economic Hardship
6. Right to transfer to other educational programs
7. Right to bring dependents
8. Legal rights under US Constitution
  • Equal protection under the law
  • FERPA – Family Education Rights & Privacy Act
9. Right to change nonimmigrant status in USA (not all Js)
10. Right to travel outside of USA and return

OISS IS HERE TO HELP!

As always, OISS is here to support you. Remember, however, that you are responsible for maintaining and complying with your lawful status. Reading this handout is one way to help you understand your obligations under SEVIS and the regulations that affect you. In addition, we strongly encourage you to ask questions and keep yourself informed through the following resources:

  • Use your LMU email address! (At the very least forward incoming messages to this account to an email address that you check regularly.) OISS as well as other campus offices and your academic department will be sending messages of critical importance to you using this account.
  • Keep your information up-to-date with OISS.  If you do change your address or other contact information, be sure to update it with OISS within 10 days.
  • Keep in contact with your Academic Advisor as well as your international student advisors. Clear lines of communication are crucial if you wish to receive the best advice and support services from OISS.

If you fear you may have violated your student status, contact OISS immediately at (310) 338-2937 or by email at oiss@lmu.edu to make an appointment to discuss options for reinstatement.