It is the responsibility of each F-1 and J-1 student to understand and be familiar with the regulations governing their immigration status. The Office of Graduate & International Programs is the primary resource for learning about rights and responsibilities as an F-1 or J-1 student at Georgetown Law. Explore our webpages or contact your International Student Advisor to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations below.
The U.S. government considers students who violate F-1 or J-1 regulations “out of status.” Penalties for violating status can be serious and may affect not only a student’s entire academic career, but also future applications for U.S. visas or other immigration benefits.
To maintain legal status, F-1 and J-1 students must:
1. COMPLETE INITIAL ENTRY IMMIGRATION CHECK-IN
After initial entry into the United States in F-1 or J-1 status, report to the Office of Graduate & International Programs to complete immigration check-in. To activate your F-1 or J-1 immigration record, you must accomplish three steps after arriving at Georgetown Law:
Update your U.S. local address and phone number in MyAccess
Attend an in-person Immigration and Compliance Session
All new F-1 and J-1 students, including SEVIS transfer students, must complete the three steps above within 30 days of their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 program start date.
2. MAINTAIN VALID IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS
Double check to make sure the following immigration documents remain valid during your time in F-1 or J-1 status:
Passport
Your passport should always be valid at least six months into the future.
Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
Be aware of your program end date, and make sure that you will complete all program requirements by the program end date listed on your document.
Maintain a valid travel signature in case of international travel.
F-1 or J-1 Visa
A valid/unexpired visa is needed for international travel in order to reenter the United States.
Ensure your I-94 entry record shows that you were admitted in F-1 or J-1 status and that the “Admit Until Date” section shows “D/S” (Duration of Status).
3. REGISTER AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT EVERY SEMESTER (EXCEPT SUMMER)
You MUST obtain prior written approval from your International Student Advisor for a reduced course load before dropping below full-time status. Notify your International Student Advisor right away if you are having academic difficulty or are experiencing mental or physical health issues.
4. UPDATE LOCAL ADDRESS AFTER EVERY MOVE
While your F-1 or J-1 status is active, you must report any local address changes within 10 days of moving.
Current students must update their local address via MyAccess. Instructions are below:
Input your local address and phone number and save. The end date (until this date) field can be left blank.
After graduation:
F-1 students under an approved period of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) must submit local address updates via the SEVP Portal.
J-1 students under an approved period of Post-Completion Academic Training (AT) must email their International Student Advisor to submit local address updates.
5. DO NOT ENGAGE IN UNAUTHORIZED EMPLOYMENT
Visit the International Student Services Employment page for more information on how to obtain on-campus and off-campus employment authorization.
For on-campus employment:
Do not exceed a maximum of 20 hours per week of work during the academic year.
Students may engage in full-time on-campus employment during official school breaks and vacations.
J-1 students MUST ALWAYS obtain authorization for every position before the start of their first day of on-campus employment.
For off-campus employment:
Obtain employment authorization before engaging in any off-campus employment, regardless if the opportunity is paid or unpaid.
6. NOTIFY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISORS IMMEDIATELY ABOUT ANY ACADEMIC CHANGES
Notify your International Student Advisor immediately for any of the following:
Compelling academic or medical (including psychological) circumstances that could necessitate a reduced course-load or extension of your academic program.
Leave of Absence or withdrawal from Georgetown
Transfer to another institution in the United States
Change in degree level or academic program (such as from LL.M. to S.J.D.)
7. MAINTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE (J-1 STUDENTS ONLY)
J-1 students must maintain health insurance for themselves and any dependents in J-2 status for the entire duration of studies at Georgetown Law, as well as any approved time under Post-Completion Academic Training (AT). Insurance coverage must meet the minimum health insurance requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of State.
Georgetown University requires all J-1 students to purchase the University Premier Plan. This coverage is greater than that required by Federal Regulations for J-1 students. Dependents in J-2 status may be added to the University Premier Plan, or they can purchase other health insurance, provided it meets U.S. Department of State requirements.
