Current Students

Maintaining Your Status

SEVIS Regulations Overview: SEVIS regulations apply to all students currently present in the US on an F-1/J-1 status.

Importance of Compliance: It is important to be aware of your responsibilities and follow the regulations so that you may continue your academic career and enjoy immigration benefits such as authorized employment in the US.

Guidance and Assistance: Read the information below carefully and reach out to your assigned ISSS advisor if you need further assistance. 

Academic Requirements

F-1 and J-1 students are required to be enrolled full-time and making academic progress. 

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate Enrollment: You must be enrolled for four course units (c.u.) each semester in order to maintain good academic progress. 

Reduced Course Load Exception: In extenuating circumstances, you may elect to take only three c.u. without Reduce Course Load. This does not include audits, withdrawals, or incompletes. 

NOTE: Undergraduate students includes students enrolled in post-baccalaureate programs. 

Graduate Students

Graduate Enrollment: You must be enrolled for and complete a full-time course load as defined by your academic program.

Minimum Course Units: For most programs this means a minimum of three course units (CUs); other programs may require more CUs.

Clarification on Full-Time Status: You must check with your school or department for any necessary clarification for the definition of a full-time student and consult an ISSS advisor if there is any discrepancy.

Exclusions for Graduate Students: Full-time enrollment does not include audits, withdrawals, or incompletes. Once you have completed your coursework and are working on the thesis or dissertation, you must maintain full-time status by enrolling for master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation registration and continuing to work on completing your thesis/dissertation. 

Making Good Academic Progress

Maintaining Good Academic Standing: In order to maintain valid F-1/J-1 status, you must be in good academic standing, making normal progress. 

Consequences of Poor Academic Standing: Failure to maintain good academic standing may lead to immigration problems depending on the nature of the issue. 

SEVIS Maintenance

You are required to report any changes to yourself and your program to keep your SEVIS account and I-20/DS-2019 up-to-date throughout your study at Penn. 

Local Address and Name Changes

Local Address Update: Update your local address in Path@Penn within ten days from the move. 

Legal Name Change: If your legal name changes, report it to your ISSS advisor and submit a proof of the change. 

Dependent Information Update: Do the same for your dependents. 

Program Extension

Program Extension Request: Submit a program extension request in iPenn if you are unable to complete your program by the program end date in your I-20. 

Timing for Program Extension: Apply at least 30 days before the expected completion date noted on your I-20/DS-2019. 

Valid Academic Reason for Extension: There must be a valid academic reason for extending the time necessary to complete the program. 

SEVIS Transfer to Another School

SEVIS Transfer Process: If you plan to attend another school after completing your program at Penn, submit a SEVIS transfer request e-form in iPenn at least 15 days before the program end date in your current I-20/DS-2019. 

Consultation with New School: You must also consult the ISSS at your new school and submit an I-20 request to them.

NOTE: SEVIS Transfer is subject to ISSS review and eligibility.  

Beginning a New Program at Penn

New Program at Penn for F-1 Students: For F-1 students changing from one degree program to another within Penn, you may apply for a new I-20 for their new program in iPenn. 

Timing for New I-20 Request: The e-form must be submitted at least 3 weeks before the current program end date. Consult with your ISSS Advisor if you need assistance. 

Consultation for New Program: For J-1 students, please consult with your ISSS Advisor before initiating the process. 

Funding Update

Report any changes in your funding source to ISSS. We will update the financial information in your I-20/DS-2019.  

Leave of Absence or Withdrawal 

Students planning to withdraw from Penn or take a leave of absence should consult an ISSS advisor prior to making official action. Review the full instructions here.

Work and Travel

Obtain authorization before working and keep your documents valid. 

Employment Authorization

Employment Options: There are several employment options available for F-1/J-1 students.

Authorization Before Working: Always consult with ISSS and receive an authorization before start working.

Consequences of Unauthorized Work: Failure to do so may impact your immigration status negatively. 

Review the information on the employment section and reach out to your assigned ISSS advisor if you need assistance.  

F-2 Dependents

F-2 dependents may study part-time at a SEVP certified school. However, F-2 dependents are not allowed to work under any circumstances. 

Travel Documents

Passport Validity: Keep your passport valid. Renew it 6 months before it expires, and report lost or stolen passport to your embassy immediately. 

Travel Signature Validity: Ensure to have a valid travel signature on page 2 of your I-20. Request a replacement in iPenn if you need to travel past its expiration. 

I-94 Update: Download an updated copy of your I-94 each time you re-enter the US. 

Grace Period

F-1 students are allowed a 60-day grace period to stay in the United States after the completion date of his/her studies or post-completion OPT.   

J-1 students are allowed a 30-day grace period to stay in the US after the completion date of his/her studies or post-completion Academic Training.   

Grace Period Compliance: During this time, F-1/J-1 students may not work. Do not remain in the US beyond the grace period without taking appropriate steps to maintain legal immigration status in the US. 

J-1 Regulations

Federal Regulations Specific to J-1 Holders

Health Insurance Regulations

Health Insurance Regulations: Federal regulations require you to have comprehensive medical insurance covering yourself and any dependents. 

Increase in Insurance Coverage Requirements: Please note that the amount of insurance coverage required will increase significantly.

Effective May 15, 2015, insurance coverage must meet the following criteria: 

  • Insurance Coverage Period: The insurance must cover the entire period of participation in the Exchange Visitor program (i.e. from the DS-2019 program start date to the end date). 
  • Minimum Medical Benefits: Medical benefits must provide a minimum of $100,000 (currently $50,000) per accident or illness. 
  • Medical Evacuation Coverage: Medical evacuation must be covered in the amount of $50,000 (currently $10,000), minimum. Medical evacuation is emergency transportation to the home country. 
  • Repatriation Coverage: Repatriation must be covered in the amount of $25,000 (currently $7,500), minimum. Repatriation is the transportation of remains back to the home country in the unfortunate event of death. 
  • Deductible Limit: The deductible must not exceed $500 per accident or illness. 

University of Pennsylvania’s Student Health Insurance Plan: Most J-1 students will enroll themselves and their families in the University of Pennsylvania’s Student Health Insurance Plan, which meets the DOS required insurance coverage requirements. 

Continuous Coverage Requirement: All J-1 students must maintain coverage throughout the duration of their Exchange Visitor program, regardless of whether or not they are full- or part-time enrolled. 

Consequences of Non-Compliance: Please note that willful failure to comply with these insurance requirements will result in termination of the Exchange Visitor’s program. 

Field of Study

Field of Study Regulations: You may not change your major as J-1 exchange visitors are to maintain original program objectives.

Process for Changing Major: If you plan to change your major you will be required to leave the US and re-enter with a new DS-2019 with the new major specified on the DS-2019.

Consultation with ISSS Advisor: Please consult with your ISSS advisor if you plan to do so.