International Education Services
3116 Mitchell Building
301-314-7740
Director: Valerie Woolston
E-mail:
iesadv@deans.umd.eduwww.international.umd.edu/IES
International students and faculty receive a wide variety of
services designed to help them benefit from their experience in the United States.
International Education Services (IES) works closely with the Office of
Undergraduate Admissions, evaluating academic records from overseas and
processing applications for English proficiency, visa, and financial
requirements. IES sponsors orientation programs, immigration and employment
seminars, and the Global Communities, living-learning program in Dorchester
Hall. IES advisors counsel international students concerning immigration and
personal issues.
F-1 and J-1 status students. Students with F-1 or J-1
status are responsible for following the regulations of the U.S. Customs and
Immigration Service(USCIS) pertaining to their visa status. The regulations
affect extension of stay, transfers, off-campus employment authorization,
practical training, and course loads. The Office of International Education
Services is the only office on campus authorized to sign immigration documents.
Maintaining Status
- Full-time registration:
In order to maintain full-time student status for immigration purposes,
F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students are expected to register for and
complete a minimum credit load of 12 hours per semester. Pre-approval from
IES is required if you are going to complete the semester with fewer than
12 credits.
- Documents: International
students must have a valid passport at all times unless exempt from
passport requirements. If your I-20 or DS-2109 will soon expire you should
apply for an extension at least 30 days prior to the program completion
date on the document. To travel outside the U.S. and re-enter as an F-1 or
J-1, an advisor in IES must sign your I-20 or DS-2109 before you leave.
- Health Insurance: J-1
students are required to carry adequate health insurance while attending
the university. Students must either purchase the health insurance plan
available in the Health
Center or show proof
of coverage that meets Department of State guidelines. F-1 students
are strongly encouraged to purchase university health insurance. Visit the
Health Center for assistance with
insurance.
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