Current J-1 Students

Registration, Attendance, and Course Load

Registration and Attendance: You must register at and attend the school indicated on your Form DS-2019.

Course Load: You must register as a full-time student when school is in session. For undergraduate students, full-time is defined as a minimum of 12 credits. For graduate students the requirement is 9 credits (6 credits if on a full assistantship) or registration for Master's Thesis or Doctoral Research.

Reduction in Course Load: You may register for a lesser course load if

• you will complete all degree requirements by the end of the semester and do not need a full course load to graduate
• you are experiencing academic difficulties due to
  • initial difficulties with the English language
  • initial difficulties with reading requirements
  • unfamiliarity with American teaching methods
  • improper course level placement
• you have a documented medical condition

You must complete and submit OISS’s online Reduced Course Load Request eForm at least two weeks before the start of the semester you would like to take a lesser course load.

• Login to eOISS
  • Under the heading F-1 (or J-1) Student Services, choose “Reduced Course Load Request”.
• Before submitting your eForm, please meet with your Academic Advisor.
  • After you submit your eForm, your advisor will be sent an email notification to approve your request.

After your eForm has been approved by your Academic Advisor (and the Graduate School, if applicable), an OISS Advisor will authorize your reduced course load in SEVIS.

Health Insurance

As a condition of enrollment, all international students are required to purchase and enroll in UNH's Student Health Benefits Plan (SHBP).

To view the brochure, visit UNH's Health & Wellness.

Travel

Within the U.S.: You have the right to travel freely within the U.S. provided you maintain your legal J-1 status and have your passport and immigration documents in your possession.

Outside the U.S. with Return Planned to the Same Program Sponsor: You must consult in advance with your Program Sponsor regarding travel authorization and the necessary documentation required to facilitate your reentry to the U.S.

Outside the U.S. with Return Planned to a Different Program Sponsor: You must consult in advance with your Program Sponsor regarding your proposed travel and change of program sponsor. If the change is permissible, you must obtain Form DS-2019 from your new Program Sponsor before you attempt to reenter the U.S.

Completion of Study

Upon completion of studies you may have the right to a) continue study at the same school or transfer to a different school for a higher academic degree, certificate or program of academic work, b) apply for Academic Training, or c) take up to 30 days to depart the U.S.

If you complete your studies before the expiration date listed on your Form DS-2019, you will have 30 days to prepare for departure even if the date on your Form DS-2019 has not yet expired. If you choose to remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days following the end of your program (without entering a new program or Academic Training), you will be in violation of your immigration status and could be subject to deportation.

Documents Related to Immigration

All foreign nationals in the United States are issued "immigration documents" indicating the type of immigration status one holds. The information on these documents determines the nature of activities permitted under the terms of the particular immigration status.

Every foreign national who enters the U.S. legally is given an "immigration status" upon entry. This immigration status determines the types of activities the foreign national can engage in and the length of time he/she is eligible to remain in the United States.

Extending Your DS-2019

The following information outlines the procedures for J-1 students to extend their permission to stay in the U.S.