Becoming a nonimmigrant student at 91°µÍø
Understanding your status
As an international student, the is your primary resource. We are here to support you throughout your time at 91°µÍø—from your initial application to your graduation.
Nonimmigrant student restrictions
Maintaining your legal status is a critical part of your journey. As a nonimmigrant student, you must adhere to certain federal restrictions:
- Activity limits: You are limited in what type of activities (such as employment) you can do while in the United States.
- Regulation compliance: You must follow certain regulations to maintain your legal status.
- Defined duration: You will have a specific date by which you must complete your program, apply for an additional immigration status or benefit, or leave the country.
- Intent to return: You must maintain a home outside the United States to which you intend to return after your studies.
Description of the video:
Hi, my name is Kyle and I'm anadvisor at the OIS. I'm going to
discuss visa and status and how
those are related. The F1 or J1 visa is a
stamp placed into your passport by the US Embassy or consulate. You showed this
visa stamp at the US border to request entry for F1 or J1 status. The only purpose of
the visa that is to present at the US border
to request entry. The expiration date of the visa does not determine how long you can stay inside the US for study. You can stay in
the US to continue your study even if the
visa stamp expires, as long as you're meeting your F1 or J1 status
requirements. If you travel outside the US after
your visa expires, you will need a
new visa stamp to be able to
return to the US. Your F1 or J1 status is what allows
you to remain legally inside the US even if your visa expires. This means you can
stay in the US as long as you
continue to maintain a valid I-20 or DS-2019 and you continue to maintain your
status requirements. Your stay in the US ends after you've completed your
degree program as listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. If you apply for OPT
or academic training, this can extend
your status stay in the US for that
work experience. Technically, while you're outside the borders of the US, you have no US status.
What is the difference between a visa and visa status?
Your visa
The F-1 or J-1 visa is a stamp placed in your passport by a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Think of it as an “entry key.” Its only purpose is to be presented at the U.S. border to request permission to enter the country.
The expiration date of your visa does not determine how long you can stay in the United States. You can remain in the United States to study even if your visa stamp expires, as long as you’re meeting your F-1 or J-1 status requirements.
If you travel outside the United States after your visa stamp expires, you will need a new visa stamp before you can return to the United States.
Your visa status
Your F-1 or J-1 visa status (also known as immigration status) is what allows you to remain legally in the United States, even if your visa expires. This means you can stay in the United States as long as you continue to maintain a valid I-20 or DS-2019 and you continue to maintain your status requirements.
Your stay in the United States ends after you have completed your degree program as listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. If you apply for OPT or academic training, this can extend your status stay in the United States for that work experience.
Technically, while you are outside the borders of the United States, you have no U.S. status.
| Question | F-1 | J-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | F-1 is the most common status for full-time international students in the United States. | J-1 is primarily for exchange students attending 91°µÍø for a set time (typically for one semester or academic year). |
| What type of funding must I have? | You can apply for F-1 status no matter how you are funding your education. | You may be eligible for J-1 status if you get at least one-third of your funding from a scholarship, fellowship, or an assistantship from a non-family or personal source, such as Indiana University, the Fulbright Program, your home government, or a corporate sponsor. |
| Which form will I receive? | I-20 | DS-2019 |
| May I work while completing my degree program? | You may work on campus without prior authorization (with restrictions). You may be able to work off campus if the job is in your field of study. | You may work on campus up to 20 hours per week (with restrictions). You may be able to work off campus if the job is in your field of study and important for your academic objective. |
| What about my dependents? | Your spouse and/or unmarried, under-21 child may not study full time (at the postsecondary level) or work. | Your spouse and/or unmarried, under-21 child may study full time or apply for a work authorization. |
| Is there a home-country physical presence requirement? | There is no home-country physical presence requirement. | You may be subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. |
| Where can I learn more? | Learn more about F-1 status | Learn more about J-1 status |
Can I change my status?
If your circumstances change, it may be possible to switch to a different nonimmigrant status.
Change to J-1 statusResources for international students
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Detailed guidance from OIS on how to maintain your legal status while studying.
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Information on financial resources, campus points of contact, and the latest policy news.
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International travel to Bloomington
Step-by-step help with flight arrangements and arrival logistics.
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A guide to housing, culture, and day-to-day life as an international student in Indiana.
Office of International Services
Ferguson International Center 330 N. Eagleson Avenue Bloomington, IN 47405-
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- Monday:
- 9am–12pm and 1pm–4pm
- Tuesday:
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- Wednesday:
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- Thursday:
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- Friday:
- 9am–12pm and 1pm–4pm