F-1 and J-1 Students

Change of Address
F and J visa holders must notify International Student and Scholar Services within 10 days of a change of address. To update your current address, please fill out the attached form and email it to jbrydon@stmarytx.edu from your St. Mary s University email account. Write "Change of Address" in the subject line.

Change of Major/Degree Level
If you change your major or degree level at any time during your studies at St. Mary's University, you will need to notify International Student & Scholar Services immediately. Once the change has been approved by the University, fill out the attached form and turn it into the ISSS Office. ISSS staff will prepare an updated I-20 or DS-2019.

Concurrent Enrollment (F-1)
F-1 students are eligible for simultaneous full-time enrollment with a combination of courses at St. Mary's University and another college or university, only if approved by the St. Mary's University ISSS Office, along with the Registrar s Office and the student s academic advisor.

Departure/Transfer Out
Use this form if you are departing St. Mary s University because you have completed your degree program or you are planning on transferring to another U.S. institution.

Dependents
In order to request an I-20 or DS-2019 for a dependent, please fill out the attached form.

Extension of Stay (F-1)
Your I-20 reflects the anticipated length of time you will need to complete their at St. Mary's University. Students who need more time to complete their course of study than is indicated in item #5 on their I-20 must fill out the attached form. In order to be considered for an extension of stay you will be asked to obtain a transcript, , proof of funding, your current immigration documents, and to explain why you were not able to complete your program of study within the normal length of time.
Students may obtain an extension of stay if they continually maintained status and if there is a valid academic or medical reason for the delay in degree completion. Being on probation is not considered by a valid reason for asking for an extension of stay.
The application for an extension of stay must be filed no later than 30 days prior to the expiration date on your I-20. This means that you should start gathering the necessary documents about 60 days prior to your I-expiration date.

Letter of Immigration Standing
If you need a letter confirming your immigration status from ISSS, please fill in the information in the attached form letter and email it to jbrydon@stmarytx.edu. The ISSS office will email you when the letter is ready pick up.

Letter of Invitation
Are you interested in inviting family members to attend your graduation? If so, fill out the attached form letter and email it to jbrydon@stmarytx.edu. The ISSS office will email you when your letter is ready for pick-up. This can be helpful in family members getting a visa to visit.

Maintaining Your Student Status
While you are here at St. Mary s University, you are responsible for maintaining your status with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within DHS is a program called SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS requires all colleges and universities in the United States to electronically report information about F-1 and J-1 students and visiting scholars. Because universities are required to report on the status of all F-1 and J-1 students, failure to maintain your status could jeopardize your ability to remain in the U.S. The attached form gives you an overview of how to maintain good status.

On-Campus Employment
There are two types of on-campus employment: Non-College Work-Study and Student Employment. Non-College Work-Study is awarded through the Office of Financial Assistance on a very strict basis. Contact Financial Assistance for more information. Student Employment is granted by individual offices and departments on campus. To find Student Employment positions, inquire at offices where you would like to work. Approval Needed: You don't need authorization from International Student and Scholar Services or the Department of Homeland Security to work on campus, but you must be careful not to work more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. Employment may begin upon arrival at St. Mary's University. If you do not currently have a Social Security number, please fill out the attached form.

Reduced Course Load Authorization
U.S. Immigration law requires students in F-1 and J-1 status to be enrolled full time for the duration of their program of study. Additionally, students beginning their program during the summer session must be enrolled full-time.

• Undergraduate Students: Must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours per semester. Up to three credit hours may be from distance education courses from accredited institutions.
• Graduate Students: Must be enrolled for at least 8 credits per semester. Up to three credit hours may be from distance education courses from accredited institutions.
• Law Students: Must be enrolled for at least 10 credits per semester. Up to three credit hours may be from distance education courses from accredited institutions.
• Summer sessions: Students beginning their program during the summer session must be enrolled full-time during that summer session. (Undergraduates: 12 credit hours; Graduate and Law Students: 3 credit hours.)

U.S. immigration law allows students to be enrolled less than full-time for certain medical or academic reasons. Please fill out the attached form if you are requesting a reduced course load. Requests must be approved by your academic advisor and the ISSS Office before you can register for less than full-time credits.

Travel Authorization PDF

Travel Authorization Writeable Form
Prior to traveling, international students are required to complete a travel authorization form and have their I-20s endorsed on the back by the ISSS Office.