Visas - Information for Current Students
Now that you have entered the United States as a nonimmigrant student you must meet certain obligations in order to maintain your lawful status. You may also have questions about renewing your visa or employment authorization both before and after graduation. The Office of International Programs is open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, including the summer months. Please make an appointment by calling g581-3423 to meet with an advisor to discuss a wide variety of immigration topics.
On This Page:
Maintaining Lawful Status
1. Always remain enrolled as a full-time student. Full-time at UMaine means:
Undergraduate Students = 12 credits hours
Graduate Students = 6 credit hours
2. Always keep your Form 1-20 or Form DS-2019 current. If you plan to continue studying in the US beyond the date in item #5 of your Form I-20 (F-1 students) or in item #3 of your DS2019 (J-1 students), you must apply to OIS for a program extension. Note: You remain in student status 60 days beyond the day you complete your program if you are an F-1 student; 30 days if you are a J-1 student.
3. Ask the Office of International Programs (OIP) to complete the transfer procedures for you if you are transferring into UMaine from another school. If you plan to transfer out to another school, make sure you receive a new I-20 or DS2019 from the new school and ask their international student office to complete the transfer process.
4. Complete the “level transfer” procedures at OIP if you change from one educational level to another (e.g., MS to PhD).
5. Never work off-campus without authorization from OIP and/or the INS.
6. Limit employment, both on-campus and off-campus, to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session unless otherwise authorized by OIP or the INS.
7. Have a valid passport at all times.
Visa Renewals
More information coming soon.
Employment
More information coming soon.
Changing Your Immigration Status
More information coming soon.
