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Maintaining Your Immigration & Academic Status

Notice that this information has not been updated for new ruling

IMPORTANT NOTICE On September 14, 2026, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to delay the implementation of the D/S final rule. The rule will not be implemented while litigation proceeds. Consequently, current F and J regulations under the “duration of status” framework are still in place and this webpage currently reflects those regulations. Please contact ISSP at globe@wm.edu with any questions. Â鶹Æƽâ°æ the Immigration Updates webpage for more information about the elimination of D/S final rule.

It is important that J-1 students understand their immigration responsibilities in order to maintain their status. Please read carefully; these rules are simple, but extremely important. Any violation of these regulations puts you at risk of disciplinary action or deportation.

1. Keep your passport, DS-2019, and I-94 valid at all times. If one of them will expire during your stay in the U.S., you must contact the Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs (ISSP) at least 30 days before the expiration date.
2. Keep your  with you throughout your time in the US, and check it every time you return to the US after travel for accuracy, to fulfill registration requirements with the government, and be able to prove your immigration status if needed.
3. Always be enrolled full-time for the Fall and Spring semesters. For undergraduate students this means 12 credit hours per semester; for graduate students this means 9 credit hours per semester. If you need to drop below full-time, make sure that you have received authorization from ISSP first!
4. Obtain a travel signature on your DS-2019 to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad.
5. Do not work without authorization. With written authorization from ISSP, if you are a degree-seeking student, you can work for W&M on-campus a total of 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters. During university breaks, J-1 degree seeking students may work for W&M full-time (more than 20 hours a week). All students must also follow all university policies regarding on-campus employment. Graduate students receiving funding from their departments (e.g., graduate assistantships) must also follow their department's and school's policies. Non-degree students (such as exchange students) are not permitted to work, per W&M policy; this is not an immigration rule. For ANY work, or work-like activity, off-campus or for an on-campus employer, paid or unpaid, you must have prior approval from ISSP.  "Self-employment" also requires prior approval. Engaging in unauthorized employment may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and you will be required to leave the U.S. In addition, your future employment eligibility and academic program may also be impacted. See our Employment webpage for more information.
6. Update your address within 10 days of moving. Address updates can be done via . 
7. Notify ISSP to update your DS-2019 and SEVIS Record of any changes to your academic program or plans.  You must obtain permission from ISSP in advance if you 1) need to drop below full-time enrollment, 2) extend your DS-2019, or 3) obtain work authorization.  You must notify ISSP immediately of 1) changes of major or funding, 2) plans to transfer to a different school, or 3.) plans to start a new degree program. ISSP must update your SEVIS Record (sometimes in advance) in order for these changes to be allowed.
8. Do not engage in illegal activity. Conviction of certain crimes can negatively impact your immigration status and may subject you to deportation from the U.S. If you are arrested or charged with a crime, notify ISSP immediately so that we can refer you to an immigration attorney.
9. Notify ISSP if you have any major difficulties, such as illness, arrest, unsafe learning environment, or other issues. We are here to help! Depending on the incident, we may also need to report it to the U.S. Department of State.
10. Always have health insurance that meets the minimum requirements. You and your dependents must have health insurance that meets the Department of State requirements during your stay in the U.S.