Office of International Services
2111 Holzapfel Hall
301-314-7740
301-314-3280
Director Susan Dougherty
internationalservices@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. The Office of International Services (OIS) works closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to process F-1 and J-1 visa documents for admitted students. OIS sponsors orientation programs, immigration and employment seminars and coffee hour. In addition, OIS 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. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS) 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 Services is the only office on campus authorized to sign immigration documents.
Maintaining Status
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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 OIS is required if you are going to complete the semester with fewer than 12 credits.
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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 OIS must sign your I-20 or DS-2109 before you leave.
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Health Insurance: All undergraduate students, regardless of visa status, are required by the University Health Center to carry adequate health insurance. In addition, J-1 students must present copies of their health insurance to OIS in order to comply with Department of State requirements.
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