Academic Status and Changes

If you change your major, your SEVIS record will be automatically updated to reflect the new major once the changes has been made in the university database. However, you will not be issued a new I-20. If you need a new I-20 with your major on it, please contact an international student adviser to discuss your case.

If you are currently an undergraduate student (or are on OPT after earning an undergraduate degree from Rutgers–New Brunswick) and you have been admitted to a graduate program at Rutgers–New Brunswick, you will receive your new I-20 after you submit a completed Certification of Funds, financial documentation and a completed Transfer Out e-form to Rutgers Graduate and Professional Admissions.

Follow the instructions on our Transferring Out of Rutgers page for more details on transferring within New Brunswick, or to Newark/Camden. 

If you are currently an undergraduate student but are enrolled in a 4+1 / 5-year combined bachelor's/master's program, contact an international student adviser during the last semester of your bachelor’s degree.

If you are a current graduate student at Rutgers – New Brunswick and you are interested in changing your program of study or degree level, first speak with your department/school to determine if you need to apply through Graduate and Professional Admissions or if you can be admitted to a new program or degree level through an internal University process.

If you are required to apply through Graduate and Professional Admissions, you will receive a certificate of admission after completing the application process. 

If you may be admitted through an internal process, obtain and complete the appropriate form from your department/school. If you are a student in the School of Graduate Studies, the forms can be found here. The program transfer or change of degree status form must be completed by your current and prospective program director, if applicable, before submission to Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services.

Submit the Academic Program Changes for Graduate Students e-form online through the RGlobal portal to update your I-20 or DS-2019. You will need to prepare the following:

1. Certificate of admission OR form from your department/school
2. Name and email address of your Graduate Program Director
3. Completed Certification of Funds form
4. Proof of funding documents (Financial support can be in any combination of assistantship, fellowship, personal funds or sponsor funds. Funding documents cannot be more than six months old).

Please inform our office via the Rutgers Global e-form if you are earning a degree prior to starting the new program or degree level and if you have any international travel planned during the break prior to starting your new program or degree level.

An international student adviser will contact you if there are any questions regarding your application.  Otherwise, you will receive an email when your updated I-20 or DS-2019 is ready. 

Login to the RGlobal portal and submit the Request for Initial I-20 e-form group. On that form you will indicate that you are currently attending Rutgers or on OPT and applying for a Change of Degree Level.

Note for students in Continuing Dental Education (Rutgers Health) programs: International students that are admitted into a 3 or 5.5 month program that are requesting to extend (the same program) to either 5.5 and 11 months, must request an extension of the I-20 before the current program end date listed on the I-20. There cannot be a gap in between if it is the same program. If a student applies for a brand new program in a new department, then they can apply for a change of degree level as long as the new program begins within 5 months of the current program end date and the new program is the next available session.

If you are a current graduate student at Rutgers Health and you are interested in changing your program of study, first speak with your department/school to determine if you need to apply through Rutgers Health Admissions or if you can be admitted to a new program through an internal University process.

If you are required to apply through Rutgers Health Admissions, you will receive a certificate of admission after completing the application process.

If you may be admitted through an internal process, you must obtain a letter from the registrar indicating your new program/major, and the effective date of the change.

Submit the Academic Program Change e-form via the RGlobal portal to update your I-20 or DS-2019. You will need to prepare the following:

1. Completed Certification of Funds form.
2. Proof of funding documents (Financial support can be in any combination of assistantship, fellowship, personal funds or sponsor funds. Funding documents cannot be more than six months old).

Please inform our office via the Rutgers Global e-form if you are earning a degree prior to starting the new program or degree level and if you have any international travel planned during the break prior to starting your new program or degree level.

An international student adviser will contact you if there are any questions regarding your application.  Otherwise, you will receive an email when your updated I-20 or DS-2019 is ready. 

You are eligible to apply for an extension of program if:

• the end date on your current Form I-20/DS-2019 is a date in the future
• you are maintaining legal status
• the delay in completing program requirements has been caused by compelling academic reasons (such as a change of major/research topic or unexpected research problems) or medical reasons (documented by an appropriate licensed medical practitioner)

You are ineligible to apply for an extension of program if:

• the end date on your current Form I-20/DS-2019 has passed
• you have failed to maintain legal status
• you are not making “normal progress” toward completion of your academic program
• you are on academic probation or academic suspension
• J-1 students only- The ISSS office has been notified that your waiver of INA 212(e) has been granted. The J-1 visitor is no longer considered eligible for an extension of program beyond the end date shown on the current Form DS-2019. 

Note for students in Continuing Dental Education (Rutgers Health) programs: International students that are admitted into a 3 or 5.5 month program that are requesting to extend (the same program) to either 5.5 and 11 months, must request an extension of the I-20 before the current program end date listed on the I-20. There cannot be a gap in between if it is the same program. If a student applies for a brand new program in a new department, then they can apply for a change of degree level (more information above) as long as the new program begins within 5 months of the current program end date and the new program is the next available session.

Contact an international student adviser immediately to discuss your situation and learn about ways to regain good legal standing, if you are ineligible to extend your program due to any of the above mentioned reasons.

1. Discuss your need to extend your program with your school/program, and an international student adviser, if necessary. Follow any required procedure with your school/program to extend your anticipated graduation date. 

2. Prepare your proof of financial support (Such as a bank statement, Rutgers assistantship offer letter, award letter, etc.

• Financial support can be in any combination of assistantship, fellowship, personal funds or sponsor funds.
• Funding documents cannot be more than six months old.
• J-1 students and any students who have dependents must also show proof of required health insurance covering the period of extension and proof that you have paid the one-time SEVIS administration fee for each F-2 or J-2 dependent, if applicable.

3. Complete a Certification of Funds form. Get signature of sponsor(s) if submitting financial documents in anyone's name besides yours.

4. Submit completed Extension of Program e-form request online through the RGlobal portal. 

• This will require electronic certification from your Academic Official, so you will need to provide their name and email address in the e-form.
  • Undergraduate students: Your academic official is your academic dean/advisor.
  • Graduate students: Your academic official is your graduate program director.
  • Rutgers Health students: Your academic official is your registrar.

5. Receive new I-20/DS-2019 with extended end date after receiving an email saying it’s ready.

• If you are working on campus, complete our online On-Campus Employment workshop and request a new International Payroll Form (via RGlobal portal) to give your on-campus employer, as they will likely need to complete a new Form I-9 for you.
• If you are extending your program due to change of program (graduate students) or change of degree level, please see detailed instructions above.
• If you are a J-1 student and are subject to the Two-year Home-country Physical Presence Requirement (known as 212e) you should carefully consider discussing the timing of your application and your current degree completion date with your international student adviser.

International Student Advisers (DSOs) may authorize an F-1 or J-1 student to enroll in less than a full course of study for the following reasons. A student who wishes to drop below full-time must obtain approval from a DSO in advance, regardless of what the reason might be. A student who drops below a full course of study (after the university’s official drop-add period) without prior approval of a DSO will be considered out of status. [This information is according to 8 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) § 214.2(f)(6)(iii)]

NOTE: If approved for a reduced course load, you are still eligible for on-campus employment benefits.

Please be advised that a lack of financial support or an employment opportunity does not constitute a valid reason to reduce course load according to immigration regulations. 

Completion of Course of Study

A student in his/her final semester before graduation must apply for RCL if fewer than full-time credit loads are needed and required to complete the course of study. If only one course is left to complete the program, the course cannot be completed through online or distance education.

Academic Difficulties

Federal immigration regulations specify four academic difficulty reasons based on which reduced credit/course load can be approved. 

• Initial difficulty with English language - Limited to first semester only
• Initial difficulty with reading requirements - Limited to first semester only
• Initial unfamiliarity with American teaching methods - Limited to first semester only
• Improper course-level placement

A student may be authorized for an Academic Difficulties RCL basis only for a single term during any one course of study at a particular program level, and must resume a full course of study at the next available term (excluding summer).

A reduced course load for academic difficulties must consist of at least 6 credit hours for undergraduate students and at least 4.5 credit hours for graduate student

Graduate Students have Completed Formal Coursework
In certain cases, graduate students may complete coursework and may be pursuing non-coursework degree requirements. In such cases, RCL can be approved if Rutgers-specific academic policies consider part-time registration as a full course of study.

• Doctoral or Master’s students who have completed all coursework and are working on their dissertation/thesis
• Doctoral or Master’s students who have completed all coursework and are completing other non-coursework degree requirements (practicum, research, projects)
• Pre-qualifying doctoral students who have completed all coursework and are studying for the comprehensive/qualifying exams

Students waiting for a Required Course, Not Offered in the Current Term

Students MUST complete all coursework (for graduate students) or complete the degree program (for undergraduate students) at the end of the following semester. If the student fails to comply with these provisions s/he will be out of status and will have to apply to the DHS for reinstatement (permitted only one semester per degree level).

Medical Conditions
Students must apply for RCL if, due to a temporary illness or medical condition, he/she is unable to be enrolled full-time (or, if necessary, no course load).

• Students must provide medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed psychiatrist, or licensed psychologist, to the DSO to substantiate the illness or medical condition.
• The letter from the medical provider cannot be dated more than 30 days before the start of the term for which the RCL is requested.
• The letter from the medical provider must recommend either that the student be part-time or not enrolled due to medical circumstances.
• A reduced course load for a medical condition can be granted for a period of time not to exceed an aggregate of 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a particular program level.
• The student must provide current medical documentation and must be authorized to drop below full-time for each new semester.
• Any breaks, such as medical leaves for a period longer than the school allows for that program, require a termination of the SEVIS record/F-1 status for authorized early withdrawal (AEW) as long as we are informed before any courses are dropped. Students are required to depart the US within 15 days of termination for AEW. If we are not informed before courses are dropped, the student must be terminated for unauthorized early withdrawal and depart the US immediately. The SEVIS record is tied to the I-20/F-1 status/ability to be in the US. 

Please note that enrolling part time due to a medical reduced credit load may change my eligibility to use on campus housing and/or health insurance. For further information, please reach out to isss-students@global.rutgers.  

STEP 1 - Discuss your plans with your Academic Dean/Graduate Program Director or Registrar (for Rutgers Health students) before you submit the Reduced Credit Load request e-form via the RGlobal portal. They will need to confirm your plans electronically.

Note: Students applying for reduced credit based on medical reasons should submit the Reduced Credit Load for Medical Reasons e-form in the RGlobal portal. 

STEP 2 - Submit Reduced Credit/Course Load e-form request using the RGlobal Portal.

STEP 3 - Once ISSS receives the form completed by you and your academic official, our advisers will review the form and process it within 5 business days.

• You will receive an email informing you when your request is approved. An international student adviser will reach out to you with any questions or clarifications, if any.
• Students applying for reduced credit based on Academic Difficulties, or Medical Reasons are required to come in and meet with an International Student Adviser before RCL can be approved.
• You should complete this process before the start of classes to ensure that your SEVIS record is updated in a timely manner.

If the reason noted on the form meets regulatory exceptions to the full-time requirement and complies with university policies, the request will be approved. Students who do not obtain prior approval before registering for or dropping below full-time are automatically considered "out of legal status."

• Review any questions you have about your legal status with an international student adviser and submit the Temporary Absence While Maintaining Registration e-form online through the RGlobal portal before leaving the United States for your research or studies.
• Stay enrolled at Rutgers and register for a full-time credit load (or apply for a reduced credit load) each fall and spring semester you are away. You must be performing in-person requirements while abroad (for example - taking in-person classes in Japan on exchange; conducting archival research at a library in Italy). Full-time registration is not required during summer and winter break. If you do not plan to register for a full-time credit load while doing research or studying abroad, or you are not doing in-person work, you may need to close your SEVIS record.  Please meet with an international student adviser to discuss your situation.   
   
• Plan ahead for your return to the United States by reviewing our Travel and Visa Information page. If you will be outside the United States for less than one year, request an updated travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 before you depart the United States. If you are already abroad and need an updated travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, please contact an international student adviser at least 2 weeks before you plan to return.
   
• Log into your MyRutgers portal to update your local U.S. address, U.S. cell phone number, non-Rutgers email address, and emergency contact information within 10 days of your return to the United States. You MUST have a way to read/access your Rutgers emails when you are in your home country/while abroad. This is especially true for students who live in a country with a firewall. Not being able to access your Rutgers emails can have negative impacts on your immigration status, as important updates are sent to you with this method. Read how to update your contact information below.

Remaining outside of the United States for more than 5 months at a time could be considered a "permanent" absence by the US government, possibly impacting your ability to re-enter the US in the future with your current I-20 and visa, and future immigration benefits such as OPT. If this is your plan, please speak to an Adviser before your travel/time abroad. Students who do not need to maintain an in-person presence at Rutgers may be advised to close their SEVIS records/end their F-1 status until their return.

When possible, active F-1/J-1 students who are studying/conducting research abroad are encouraged to return to the US every few months to avoid the 5-month rule impact. 

Please note that you may be questioned about your length of time away at either a U.S. embassy or consulate if you need to renew your visa, or at a U.S. port of entry when returning. Be prepared to explain why you have been away, how your research or study abroad is related to your program at Rutgers, and why your presence abroad was necessary to participate.

• Your SEVIS Transfer out request must be completed within 60 days of your last date of attendance at Rutgers or within 60 days of the end of your OPT.
• You must begin classes at the transfer school/program within 5 months of transferring out of your current Rutgers program, or within 5 months of the program completion date on your current Form I-20, whichever is earlier. Students on optional practical training (OPT) must be able to resume classes within 5 months of transferring out of the school that recommended OPT or the date the OPT authorization ends, whichever is earlier. Please ask for help with this calculation if you have any concerns. 
• Transferring to a new program will automatically cause your OPT/CPT authorization to be canceled. This cancellation will occur on the transfer release date you indicate on this e-form. Work should end prior to your release date.
• Your release date should occur AFTER you finish your degree requirements at Rutgers for your current program, and BEFORE you start your new program.
• Rutgers can only indicate one transfer school in SEVIS. Although you may be applying to several new schools, you must decide which school you will attend and a term start date before you begin the Transfer Out Procedure.
• If you decide to cancel your school transfer, you must notify us prior to your transfer release date. Once the transfer release date has been reached, Rutgers will no longer have access to your SEVIS record.
• If you are outside of the United States, please contact an international student adviser to see if you are eligible to transfer.
• If you are a new student at Rutgers and you need to transfer out to another school instead of Rutgers, please contact us at ISSS-Students@global.rutgers.edu.
• If you are currently an undergraduate student but are enrolled in a five-year bachelor’s/master’s degree program, contact us at ISSS-Students@global.rutgers.edu during the last semester of your bachelor’s degree.
• If you are transferring your SEVIS record to an SEVP certified school after the semester has started, please contact our office before withdrawing from your program. F-1 students are required to maintain their F-1 status and attend all classes up until the transfer release date.
• If you are a J-1 student sponsored by Rutgers who wish to transfer to another school, you must speak with an international student adviser first.
• Suspended or dismissed students are only eligible to transfer during very specific timelines. 

1. Log in to RGlobal
2. On the left side of the page, click F-1 Student Services, then click Rutgers Internal SEVIS Transfer Out
3. Complete this e-form. Within five business days, you will receive an email from a staff member in our office who has reviewed your request.
4. According to your specific transfer situation, the appropriate Rutgers office will issue your I-20 and assist you in completing the transfer-in procedure. Be sure to follow up with the office issuing your I-20 for any additional procedures required to complete your SEVIS transfer in. Further guidance is given in the e-form.

• New Brunswick undergraduate students in a 4+1 or 5 year program transferring their SEVIS record to the graduate school will need to upload
  • a completed General Academic Information Form
  • updated proof of funding and certification of funds

This form should be completed by any Undergraduate students who have already been enrolled as a student at another Rutgers Campus.  This form is not for students who will be enrolling for the first time at a Rutgers campus.

1. Please email ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu for access to the Rutgers Internal SEVIS Transfer In E-form.
2. Complete this e-form. Within five business days, you will receive an email from a staff member in our office who has reviewed your request.

1. Log in to RGlobal
2. On the left side of the page, click F-1 Student Services, then click Transfer Out F-1 SEVIS Record
3. Complete this e-form. Within five business days, you will receive an email from a staff member in our office who has reviewed your request.
4. Your new school will issue you a new I-20 and assist you in completing the transfer in procedure to their school. Check with the international services office of the school that you are transferring to for any additional procedures required to complete your transfer into their institution.

You will need to be readmitted/re-enrolled by your new school before we can begin issuing you a new I-20. Please refer to our "Returning to Rutgers" content below for instructions.

ALERT: On 06/10/2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be available for these applicants.

Read more here.

Those in the U.S. in certain immigration categories may wish to or need to change status to F-1 or J-1 in order to begin or continue an educational or exchange program at Rutgers University. This page includes information on how to apply for a change of status to F-1 or J-1.

An F-1 or J-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is pursuing a full course of study to achieve a specific educational objective at an academic institution in the U.S. Once the educational objectives have been achieved (including any authorized employment period following program completion), the F-1 or J-1 student is expected to return to his or her residence abroad or change to a different immigration status.

In any application for change of status, the applicant will need to explain why they did not originally enter the U.S. in the status now being requested. A change of circumstances or intention should be documented or explained to make the application acceptable. For example, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office may deny a request by an F-1 student to change to J-1 status if the USCIS officer believes that the reason for the change is primarily to enable the dependents to apply for permission to accept employment.

Determine how to obtain F-1 or J-1 status
There are two possible ways to obtain F-1 or J-1 student status:

Obtaining F-1 or J-1 Status via Travel

This entails obtaining an I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the appropriate Rutgers office, traveling outside the United States and applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad, preferably in your home country (Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement), and then returning to the United States where you will be granted F-1 or J-1 status upon re-entry. At the Port of Entry, your electronic I-94 record will be updated to show your status as F-1 and the Admit Until Date as D/S, which confirms your F-1 status. 

Please note that Canadian citizens are exempt from the requirement of having an F-1 visa to re-enter the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status. However, travel and re-entry are still required for Canadian citizens to obtain F-1/J-1 status.

We encourage you to meet with an international student adviser to discuss your plans and visa application considerations. 

Obtaining F-1 or J-1 Status While Remaining in the United States

This process entails obtaining a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the appropriate Rutgers office and submitting it with an application for "change of status" or a Form 1-539 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Please note that if you choose to apply for a change of status within the U.S., you will not receive an F-1/J-1 travel visa, only F-1/J-1 status. This means that if you later travel outside the U.S. while in F-1/J-1 status, you will have to apply for an F-1/J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in order to be able to return to the U.S.

Students considering applying for a change to F-1 or J-1 status while remaining in the United States are strongly encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney, especially if their current legal status will expire within less than one year. 

2. Request a New International Profile & Certificate of Eligibility
Newly admitted students will receive Form I-20 or DS-2019 from admissions or Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services (Rutgers Health) if a Rutgers Health (formally RBHS) student. Currently-enrolled Rutgers students must request an I-20 or DS-2019 from Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services. Make an appointment with an international student adviser to discuss your individual situation. Appointments must be made online here. Bring your passport and copy of your current I-94 record with you for the appointment. 

3. Complete the check-in procedure after acquiring F-1 or J-1 status. 
Once the change of status has been approved (whether through travel or inside the U.S.), you must notify our office and complete an online check-in procedure through the RGlobal Portal. Use your Rutgers NetID and password to log in to your RGlobal account to submit the check-in form (available under “Orientation” in the RGlobal portal). Failure to do so can jeopardize your legal status.

• You must be eligible to apply for an Application to Change Non-Immigrant Status using the Form I-539. 
  USCIS updated their guidance on Changing to a Nonimmigrant F Student Status in July 2021.
  
  Individuals holding nonimmigrant status C, D, K, WB, or WT are not eligible to change to any other status within the U.S. In addition, individuals currently in J status (including J-2) who are subject to the Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement INA 212(e) may not change their status in the U.S. unless a waiver has been granted.
• Your current nonimmigrant status should be valid at the time of filing the change of status application. 
• The processing time for a change of status within the U.S. can be quite lengthy, which could affect the result of your request and delay your academic progress. 
• Premium Processing is now available to students trying to switch to the F or J status. Read more on this from USCIS directly here. 
• It may not be advised to submit an application earlier than 90 days from your last entry or any other status-related change.
• You should not leave the U.S. while the change of status application is pending with USCIS.
  -- This will cause an abandonment of the application.
  -- Your SEVIS record may no longer be valid upon departure
• F-1 or J-1 status students at Rutgers pay an international student fee each semester (barring a few exceptions).
• F-1 and J-1 students must have adequate insurance coverage each semester of enrollment. Waivers for the school-provided insurance are approved through our office.
• Your current immigration status will determine if you can begin studying while the change of status is pending or if you must wait for approval.

If you are currently in F-2 status:

Source: 8 CFR (Code of Federal Register) § 214.2(f)(15)(ii)

Individuals in F-2 status are eligible for part time study. Refer to our Dependents and Family page for details. However, once your change of status to F-1 is approved, you are required to be enrolled full time. If your change of status has not been approved by the deadline for adding/dropping classes, your I-20 start date will be deferred until the start of the next semester and you must stay enrolled part time until the end of the current semester in order to maintain your F-2 status.

If you are currently in B1/B2 status:

Source: 8 CFR § 214.2(b)(7) and §248.1(c)

Individuals in B1/B2 status are prohibited from “enrolling in a course of study” until after USCIS approves their change of status application.

If you are currently in any other status (e.g., H, L, E, etc.):

If your current status allows full-time studies in the U.S., you may start classes before your change of status application is approved. However, you are not allowed employment under F-1 status until after your application is approved. For example, if you have an assistantship, you won’t be able to start it until after you receive your F-1 status.

Newly admitted students will receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from admissions. Currently enrolled New Brunswick students must request a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services, following this procedure.

1. Schedule an appointment with an International Student Adviser to discuss your plans. You can schedule this here. 

2. Submit a New International Profile request form so we can create a record for you in our international student database. You will receive an email once this is ready.

3. Submit the Change of Status e-form group via the RGlobal portal.

• Please prepare to submit:
  • photocopy of the biographical page your passport
  • current visa status documentation, such as a visa stamp
  • current I-94 record
  • name & email address of your Academic Official (they will need to confirm your academic information)
    • Undergraduate students: this is your Undergraduate Dean/Advisor
    • Graduate students: this is your Graduate Program Director
  • Certification of Funds Form
  • Proof of financial support—please refer to the Certification of Funds for funding requirement 

4. Receive your certificate of eligibility for F-1 status (form I-20) or J-1 status (form DS-2019). An adviser may contact you to request additional information before preparing your I-20 or DS-2019.

5. Once your change of status is approved, you must check in with Rutgers Global - ISSS to activate your SEVIS record. You can do this online via the RGlobal portal.

Please note that you will need to prepare additional documentation for the change of status application you submit to the USCIS. Please follow the instructions for the Form 1-539.

Schedule an appointment with an International Student Adviser to discuss your plans. You can do this by calling us at 973-972-6138.

2. Submit a New International Profile request form so we can create a record for you in our international student database. You will receive an email once this is ready.

3. Submit the Request for Initial I-20 e-form group via the RGlobal portal.

• Please prepare to submit:
  • photocopy of your passport
  • current visa status documentation, such as a visa stamp
  • I-94 record
  • original acceptance letter
  • Certificate of Funds and if applicable affidavit of free room and board
  • Proof of financial support—please refer to the Request for Initial I-20 e-form for funding requirement 

4. Receive your certificate of eligibility for F-1 status (form I-20). An adviser may contact you to request additional information before preparing your I-20.

5. Once your change of status is approved, you must check in with Rutgers Global - ISSS to activate your SEVIS record. You can do this online via the RGlobal portal.

Please note that you will need to prepare additional documentation for the change of status application you submit to the USCIS. Please follow the instructions for the Form 1-539.

• If the request for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 has not been approved by the program start date on the I-20/DS-2019, you should notify ISSS. 
  • ISSS may need to defer your program start date in SEVIS to avoid the termination of your SEVIS record.
  • Until your application is approved, you must provide monthly updates to ISSS on your application status to avoid any issues with your immigration status.
• If your change of status application is approved, your change of status to F-1 will be effective as of the date of approval. Upon receipt of Form I-797 Notice of Approval to F-1 or J-1 status, immediately check-in with ISSS.
• Students may not begin an assistantship, or engage in on-campus employment of any kind until the change of status has been approved and no more than 30 days prior to the program start date on your I-20/DS-2019. 
• Even with an approved change of status, students will need to apply for a U.S. entry visa for their new status during their next trip abroad. (Citizens of Canada & Bermuda are exempt.)
• Applicants who receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS should update ISSS and consult with an immigration attorney before responding.
• If the application is denied or is not adjudicated before the expiration date on the current I-94, students should update ISSS and consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
• IMPORTANT: On Form I-797 Notice of Approval, pay special attention to the “Valid from” date as the date indicates when your new status (F-1 or J-1) takes effect. From this date on, you should stop your previous status-related activities (e.g. H-1B employment).

F-1 and J-1 students are required to pursue a full course of study every fall and spring semester.  Therefore, your SEVIS record may need to be be closed (terminated) and you will need to leave the United States if:

• you plan to withdraw from your courses
• you will not or cannot register for the next semester
• you are not able to arrive in the US in time for the start of classes
• you need to take an extended period of time away from classes
• you are unable to meet full course of study/in-person class requirements and you are not eligible for a reduced credit load

Visit our Full Course Of Study And Reduced Credit Load page for more information.

• Contact an academic dean(undergrad students), your graduate program director (Rutgers-New Brunswick graduate students), or the Registrar (Rutgers Health students), as well as an international student adviser about your situation.
• New Brunswick Students: Follow the instructions on the ScarletHub withdrawal site and complete the form. Follow any additional leave of absence/withdrawal procedures through your specific school/program to ensure your academic record is updated appropriately.
• RBHS Students: Follow any Leave of Absence or Withdrawal procedures through your school/program to ensure your academic record is updated appropriately.
• Log in to the RGlobal portal
• On the left side of the page, click F-1 Student Services, then click Close SEVIS Record
• Complete this e-form to ensure your record is closed (terminated) for the appropriate reason. Within five business days, you will receive an email from a staff member in our office who has reviewed your request.

Poor academic performance may result in you being suspended or dismissed from Rutgers. You cannot enroll in Rutgers classes while suspended or dismissed. Therefore, you cannot maintain your needed full-time enrollment at Rutgers. This will impact your F-1 status and I-20.

You academic departments will notify you of a suspension or dismissal before the next semester begins - you MUST check your emails often.

If this happens to you, your options are the following:

1) Transfer to another US school. You must be admitted to a new school for the next upcoming semester. You must successfully submit the "Transfer Your F-1 SEVIS Record" e-form on the RGlobal Portal BEFORE the start of the suspension semester. 

If you do not submit this e-form before the semester begins, your SEVIS record will instead be terminated on the first day of classes. If you choose to transfer after this day, your record will be sent to your new school in TERMINATED status. The new school must either accept this terminated record and help you with Reinstatement, or give you a new I-20 that requires you to travel first. 

2) Leave the US. It is recommended that you leave the US before your SEVIS record is terminated on the first day of classes. You do not get a grace period. You should submit a "Close SEVIS Record" e-form to alert us of your plan to leave. 

If you do not take the actions above, and do not enroll in any classes for the suspended semester, you will lose your F-1 status and should plan to leave the US.

• Please note that closing your SEVIS record will end your legal status in the United States.  You must leave the United States if your SEVIS record is closed (terminated). You should depart the U.S. as soon as possible, and no later than 15 days from your approved leave of absence/withdrawal. Failure to leave in a timely manner can have negative implications on future visa/immigration applications.
   
• If you are taking a leave of absence for a medical reason, you may be instead eligible for a reduced credit load.  If you are on approved medical leave, your SEVIS record will remain active, and you may stay in the United States.  Visit our Full Course Of Study And Reduced Credit Load web content for more information and contact an international student adviser.
   
• Any breaks, such as medical leaves for a period longer than the school allows for that program, require a termination of the SEVIS record/F-1 status for authorized early withdrawal (AEW) as long as we are informed before any courses are dropped. Students are required to depart the US within 15 days of termination for AEW. If we are not informed before courses are dropped, the student must be terminated for unauthorized early withdrawal and depart the US immediately. The SEVIS record is tied to the I-20/F-1 status/ability to be in the US. 
   
• If you plan to return to your program at Rutgers after a leave of absence, you will need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019.  Please see our "Returning to Rutgers" content directly below for more information.
   
• Time away from Rutgers may also impact F-1 students’ eligibility for practical training in the future.  In most cases, if you are returning after more than 5 months away, you must complete 2 full semesters in F-1 status before you are eligible for CPT or OPT.  For more information, visit our Employment page.  
   
• Suspension/withdraw can end your ability to access your Rutgers email account and netID. Please prepare an alternative form of contact for Rutgers, as we may try to email you after you withdraw/are suspended and need to be able to read those messages. Update this before you leave on your MyRutgers portal page. 

If you are conducting research or studying abroad, or you are on an approved medical leave, and your SEVIS record is still active, please review our Travel and Visa Information page before your return.  If you are abroad, and need an updated travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, please contact an international student adviser at least one month before you plan to return.

If your SEVIS record was closed (terminated), or your SEVIS record is active but sponsored by another institution in the United States, you must receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 from Rutgers before your return.  Please contact an academic dean or your graduate program director to determine how you will be re-admitted to Rutgers.  You should begin this process at least 3-4 months before you plan to return to give enough time for processing.

If you will be readmitted through an admissions office, please follow the instructions from that office in order to receive your new I-20 or DS-2019.

If you will be readmitted directly through your school or program, follow the procedure outlined below to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 from Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services before your return.

Step 1: Submit Request to Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services

After being readmitted by your school or program, submit the Returning Students: Request for Readmission I-20 e-form online via the RGlobal portal. You will need to be prepared to provide the following:

• Name and email address of your Academic Official who can certify your academic program.
  • Undergraduate students: Your academic official is your academic dean
  • Graduate students: Your academic official is your graduate program director
• Certification of Funds Form and proof of financial support—please refer to the Certification of Funds for funding requirement. (Financial support can be in any combination of assistantship, fellowship, personal funds or sponsor funds. Funding documents cannot be more than six months old)
• Confirmation that you have been readmitted by your school or program (i.e. reenrollment letter, approved application for readmission, etc.)
• Copy of your passport
• Confirmation of your personal information as it appears in your passport:
  
  First, middle, and family name
  Date of birth (month, day, year)
  Gender
  City of birth
  Country of permanent residence
  Country of citizenship
  Foreign address (complete address - not U.S. address)
  U.S. address (if known)

If you are unable to login to the RGlobal portal, please email ISSS-Students@global.rutgers.edu for assistance. 

Step 2: International Student Adviser Contacts You

Based on your situation, an international student adviser will determine how your new I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued.  An adviser may contact you to request additional information before preparing your I-20 or DS-2019.

Step 3: Required Check-In

Upon arrival in the United States, you must check in with the Rutgers Global - International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Use your Rutgers NetID and password to login to your RGlobal account to complete your information through the check-in form (available under “Orientation” in the RGlobal portal, on the left side menu under "Students," or on the top menu on this website).

Even though you may have checked-in in the past, regulations require that you complete this process again to ensure that your legal status is activated appropriately. Failure to complete this process can jeopardize your legal status.

The Rutgers University Academic Integrity Policy states:

Principles of academic integrity require that every Rutgers University Student:

• properly acknowledge and cite all use of the ideas, results, or words of others
• properly acknowledge all contributors to a given piece of work
• make sure that all work submitted as his or her own in a course or other academic activity is produced without the aid of unsanctioned materials or unsanctioned collaboration
• obtain all data or results by ethical means and report them accurately without suppressing any results inconsistent with his or her interpretation or conclusions
• treat all other students in an ethical manner, respecting their integrity and right to pursue their educational goals without interference. This requires that a student neither facilitate academic dishonesty by others nor obstruct their academic progress
• uphold the canons of the ethical or professional code of the profession for which he or she is preparing.

Adherence to these principles is necessary in order to insure that:

• everyone is given proper credit for his or her ideas, words, results, and other scholarly accomplishments
• all student work is fairly evaluated and no student has an inappropriate advantage over others
• the academic and ethical development of all students is fostered
• the reputation of the University for integrity in its teaching, research, and scholarship is maintained and enhanced.

Failure to uphold these principles of academic integrity threatens both the reputation of the University and the value of the degrees awarded to its students. Every member of the University community therefore bears a responsibility for ensuring that the highest standards of academic integrity are upheld

International students must be aware of the academic expectations set by Rutgers University and understand the consequences when the policies are not followed.

Rutgers has seen an increasing number of international student referred to their office for academic integrity violations. We understand that students from all backgrounds often times engage in academic integrity violations. Penalties for violating academic integrity can have such severe impacts for international students that we want to ensure this population is educated about the consequences so violations can be avoided. Some examples of violations include:

• Paying someone to do your academic work (paper, exam, etc.)
• Copying answers from someone else’s test
• Writing a paper for someone else
• Taking an exam for someone else

Any violation of academic integrity is a serious offense and is therefore subject to an appropriate sanction or penalty. An international student in F-1 or J-1 status who is suspended or dismissed from the University due to violation would no longer be eligible to continue classes or maintain their legal status, and would have to depart the United States or apply for a reinstatement of status. If there is a violation or potential violation, you should visit our office at 180 College Ave and meet with an international student advisor to review any potential immigration implications.

There are many resources for students to identify and avoid academic dishonesty, learn how to cite, and writing support offered at Rutgers University: http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/resources-for-students/