Student Immigration Overview

These pages are designed to inform you about your F-1 and J-1 immigration status, visa regulations, and policies. Friends, family, students, and community members may offer you advice about your immigration status and visa rules. However, before making a decision to change your course of study, transfer to another institution, travel outside the U.S., or accept employment, you should always seek advice from an ISSS advisor. It is your responsibility to know and abide by the regulations – but ISSS is here to help!  

Your immigration record lives in the U.S. government database called SEVIS, where ISSS advisors will make updates to your I-20 to help keep you up-to-date and maintaining your status. You should always keep your immigration documents valid and in a safe place. Through the online Terra Dotta system, you will complete certain requirements for maintaining your status and sign up for programs and benefits of your status. And, as always, contact ISSS if you have any questions or concerns!

Disclaimer: U.S. immigration laws are very complex. The information contained in these pages is designed specifically for students and scholars at James Madison University. Immigration laws are constantly changing, and even though we will attempt to keep the information up-to-date, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy. The information contained herein is not intended to create an attorney/client relationship nor can it be construed as legal advice. Please meet with an ISSS advisor before making applications or seeking benefits.