Office of International Affairs
- Procedures
- Study Abroad
- International Students
- English as a Second Language Program (ESLP)
- International Studies Minor
- Connecting with International Students
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Maintaining Legal Status
Maintaining Legal Status in the United States For J-1 Exchange Visitors
It is very important that you ensure that you remain in good status throughout your tenure at Longwood University. If you do not maintain legal status, then your visa may be terminated and you will be forced to leave Longwood University or suffer other consequences which include, but are not limited to:
- ineligibility for on-campus employment
- ineligibility to apply to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for a change of visa status
The key to ensuring you remain in good status is to be knowledgeable about your visa regulations. We will diligently strive to educate you and answer any question that you may have. However, you are responsible for learning these policies. Our website will provide the basic knowledge that you need to remain in compliance with your visa regulations. Remember that you should always contact us if you have any questions.
Change of Address
If your address in the United States changes, you must notify the RO within 7 days.
Employment
You may not work in the United States without proper authorization. You are allowed work on-campus with authorization from your Responsible Officer (RO) and a valid social security number (SSN). More information about how to receive on-campus employment authorization can be found on the international student employment and internship opportunities website. You are not allowed to work off-campus unless it is a genuine financial necessity and you apply for economic hardship. If you feel that you qualify for economic hardship, you will need to meet with your RO first.
Travel Documents
You are responsible for ensuring that you keep your travel documents up to date. Remember that you must keep a valid travel authorization signature in the bottom left corner of your DS-2019. The signature is valid for six months. Once the signature has expired, you will need the DSO to sign again before you travel outside the country. You must also keep passport that is valid at least six months into the future during your tenure at Longwood. An expired passport will prevent you from entering or reentering the United States. More information can be found on the travel information website.
Full Course of Study and "Normal Progress" Requirements
J-1 visa international students are required to register for and complete a full course of study every term (fall and spring). Undergraduate students must register for at least 12 credit hours each term and graduate students must register for at least 9 credit hours each term. If you plan to register for less than a full course load, then you must have approval from your DSO first. Failure to register for a full course load without a reason accepted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can result in the loss of on-campus employment and violation of status.
Acceptable Reasons for a Reduced Course Load:
Academic Difficulties
Academic difficulties due to improper course placement (the course is too advanced for you), initial difficulty with the English language and/or with reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with teaching methods in the United States.
Your academic advisor or Dean must provide documentation to the DSO of the academic difficulties, and the DSO will approve or deny the request for a reduced course load. An F-1 international student must still be enrolled for 6 credits during the term that they are having academic difficulties. Additionally, this reason for a reduced course load may only be used once during the course a degree program.
Medical Reason
This refers to any accident or illness that will prevent you from completing a full course of study. Illness of a family member is not a recognized reason by DHS.
The DSO must receive a letter from a medical doctor, clinical psychologist or doctor of osteopathy that states that the student is medically unable to maintain a full-time course load.
Reasons Not Accepted for a Reduced Course Load
- Financial difficulties
- Illness of a family member
- Academic suspension
- Study for the GRE, GMAT, PRAXIS or any other exam.
