PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: End of Semester International Student Status Maintenance Reminders
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To: UIC Academic Advisors
From: Jim Hammerschmidt, Associate Vice Provost for Global Engagement & Executive Director, Office of International Services
Date: December 13, 2019
Re: OIS Update | End of Semester International Student Status Maintenance Reminders
As we end the fall 2019 semester the Office of International Services would like to provide the following reminders regarding international student immigration status maintenance. Questions regarding the information described below should be directed to OIS via email (ois@uic.edu), phone (312) 996-3121. Thank you in advance for helping up support our international student community.
Impact of Withdrawals on Immigration Status
All F-1 and J-1 international students must remain enrolled full-time in order to maintain immigration status. Please connect with OIS prior to signing off on any paperwork that would either completely withdraw an international student or put that student below the full-time enrollment requirement for the fall 2019 semester. International students who do not notify OIS prior to reducing or withdrawing enrollment may face significant negative consequences with regards to their F-1 or J-1 international student status, including future visa denials and an inability to return to UIC for a subsequent semester.
Impact of Failing Grade on Immigration Status
Generally speaking, a failed course will not have a negative impact on an F-1 or J-1 international student’s immigration status provided they continue to make what is otherwise considered normal progress toward completion of their degree or program.
Required Reporting of Other Status or Academic Changes
F-1 and J-1 students experiencing or anticipating other major changes to their immigration status or academic plans are strongly encouraged to discuss these with an OIS Advisor as early as possible - in many cases the change must be reported to OIS prior to it taking effect. Such changes could include a program extension, change of major or degree level, leave of absence from studies, transfer to a new academic institution, departure from the U.S., or change of immigration status.
Full-Time Enrollment Requirements for Continuing Students
All F-1 and J-1 international students continuing studies in the spring 2020 semester must be enrolled full-time by the spring 2020 add/drop deadline, Friday, Jan. 24 in order to maintain status. Please visit the OIS website for a definition of international student full-time enrollment requirements at UIC.
Office of International Services
Office of Global Engagement
The University of Illinois at Chicago
1200 West Harrison Street
2160 Student Services Building, MC 326
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 996-3121 phone | (312) 996-9432 fax
ois@uic.edu email
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