Current Students

Make sure that your immigration documents are valid and/or unexpired.

• An unexpired foreign passport valid at least six months into the future.
• A stamp in the passport marked “J-1 D/S” (usually appears on the page opposite visa stamp).
• An unexpired DS-2019.

Insurance Providers

Drew University’s student health care plan meets the new J-1 health insurance requirements.  There are also a number of insurance providers in the U.S. that offer plans for international students (see list below).  It is possible to enroll in most plans online using a credit card payment.   Drew University does not offer an endorsement of these plans.  The Exchange Visitor is responsible for attaining a health care policy that meets the program requirements.

• ISO Insurance
• Visitor Guard

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

Register for and complete a full course load (12 credits for undergraduate students; 9 credits for graduate students)

• The minimum number of full time course credits per semester is 12 for undergraduates and 9 for graduate students. You are expected to maintain full-time registration and make normal progress toward your degree.
• Obtain PRIOR authorization from you Designated School Official (the International Student Advisor) BEFORE dropping below full course of study, withdrawing from classes, or taking a leave of absence. There are very limited exceptions to the full-time requirement – so you must consult the DSO in advance of any drop below full-time, or you will be in violation of your status.

Exchange Visitor Program Regulations

Students should read and thoroughly understand the regulations governing the J-1 Program.  The Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program website offers easy-to-read sections on Common Questions and Regulations.

To review detailed compliance and regulatory information regarding the Exchange Visitor Program, please refer to the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 62 Code of Federal Regulations).

Program Extension Information

Students, Research Scholars (not including the short-term category), and Professors may be eligible for an extension to complete their program objective. If you would like to request a program extension for an exchange visitor from your academic department, please ask the J-1 visitor to make an appointment with ISSS to discuss.  If s/he is eligible, the dean of the school must submit a DS-2019 extension form.

Work Authorization

J-1 Students are eligible for on campus employment but approval must be granted by the ISSS office before work can commence.  Please make an appointment with ISSS at the Welcome Desk in the University Commons (next to the Bookstore) to discuss both on and off-campus employment (Academic Training) information.

There are two different ways an individual can change immigration status.  An application for a change of status can be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while you remain in the U.S. or you can travel back home or outside the U.S. to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate.A change of status application usually takes between 2 and 4 months to be processed by USCIS.  After you are approved for the change of status, the next time you travel out of the U.S., you will have to go to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for the F-2 visa stamp in order to re-enter the U.S. in F-2 status.

Eligibility for a change of status

To be eligible for a change of status to F-2, you must be the spouse or child (under the age of 21) of an F-1 student at Drew University and have received a dependent Form I-20 from the ISSS office at Drew.  You must also have a valid non-immigrant status at the time that you apply to USCIS.

Documents required for change of status application

• Fee (currently $290): check or money order made payable to USCIS; write your I-94 number, name (if not already printed on your check), and the type of application you are requesting on the face of your check or money order.
• A letter from you requesting the change of status and explaining your circumstances and future plans for when you return to your home country.
• Copy of Form I-20 for a dependent
• Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (this form may be submitted by mail to USCIS or electronically through the ELIS system).

Photocopies of your immigration documents

• Biodata page of passport
• Current F-1 visa stamp
• I-94 Record
• Current Form I-20
• EAD card (If you are currently on OPT)
• Copy of marriage certificate (USCIS guidance on translation of documents to English)

You should have a photocopy of your entire application and supporting documents for your records before sending them to the USCIS.

When you receive a response from USCIS, please report the outcome to International Student and Scholar Services. Send or bring a photocopy of your Form I-20, I-797 Approval Notice and your new I-94 card to ISSS in Brothers College, Room 119.

Mail Your Application

Mail your completed application to the Dallas Lockbox. You should use a reliable express mail/courier service.

For express courier deliveries (Fed Ex or UPS) use the following address:

USCIS
ATTN: I-539
2501 S. State Highway 121
Business Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

For regular U.S. Mail (certified) use the following address:

USCIS
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

Status While Application is Pending

As long as the application for a change from F-1 to F-2 is filed while you are maintaining status, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. while the application is pending with USCIS.

There are two options for an individual to change immigration status. An application for a change of status can be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while you remain in the U.S. or  you can travel back home or outside the U.S. to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate.A change of status application usually takes between 3-5 months to be processed by USCIS. After you are approved for the change of status, the next time you travel out of the U.S., you will have to go to a U.S. Consulate to apply for the F-1 visa stamp in order to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status.

Eligibility for a Change of Status

To be eligible for a change of status to F-1, you must be admitted to a degree program at Drew University and have received a Form I-20 from Drew for the new program.

Where to file the Change of Status Application

You can choose to file using the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS) or you can file a paper application. If filing with ELIS, you will upload the supporting documents listed below (except the Form I-539) and payment will be made online with a credit card or bank account. Follow this link to the E-Filing Form I-539 using USCIS ELIS to get started.

If using ELIS, please review these guidelines:

• Collect and scan all supporting documents before starting the application process.
•  Save a PDF copy of the completed application before submitting the case to USCIS ELIS.
• Email the PDF copy to the ISSS for review before submitting the application.

If you file on paper, the application and mailing instructions are below.

Forms & Supporting Documents for a Change of Status Application to USCIS

• A receipt showing that you have paid the “SEVIS fee” which you can print when you pay the fee on line at: www.FMJfee.com.
• Fee (currently $290): check or money order made payable to USCIS; write your I-94 number, name (if not already printed on your check), and the type of application you are requesting on the face of your check or money order.
• A letter from you requesting the change of status and explaining your circumstances, academic goals, and future plans for when you return to your home country.
• Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. The application must include a copy of the Form I-20 (please sign the I-20) and I-94 record, and photocopies of the personal information page of passport and current visa stamp (if one is in the passport). You should also include photocopies of your spouse’s/parent’s Immigration documents (I-20, visa, passport).
• Financial documentation (include personal or sponsor bank statement, affidavit of support and a copy of scholarship award letters).
• You should have a photocopy of your entire application and supporting documents for your records before sending them to the USCIS.
• When you receive a response from USCIS, please report the outcome to ISSS. Send or bring a photocopy of your I-797 Approval Notice to ISSS in the University Commons, Room 110.

Application Mailing Instructions

Mail your completed application to the Dallas Lockbox. You should use a reliable express mail/courier service or certified mail with the USPS.

For express courier deliveries (Fed Ex or UPS) use the following address:

USCIS
ATTN: I-539
2501 S. State Highway 121
Business Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

For regular U.S. Mail (certified) use the following address:

USCIS
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

Status While Application Is Pending

You are not allowed to begin your studies at Drew while your F-2 to F-1 change of status application is pending with USCIS. You may not engage in employment of any kind until your change of status to F-1 student has been approved.

International students are admitted to the United States for “Duration of Status” (D/S) to complete a specific course of study (notation is made in the passport by the Customs officer upon entry).  Students are expected to complete the academic program by the completion date on the Form I-20 or DS-2019.  If a student is unable to finish, s/he must request a program extension prior to the expiration date on the immigration document.  Please note, the visa stamp in the passport does not determine the length of time a student is allowed to remain in the country.  The visa is an entry document, once a student is in the U.S., the I-20 or DS-2019 must remain valid.

Extension of Stay Requirements:

1. Contact International Student & Scholar Services at least a month before the program end date on the Form I-20 or DS-2019.
2. Ask your Academic Advisor to complete the program extension form to explain why more time is needed to complete the program.  If the extension is due to medical reasons, additional documentation from a licensed medical professional is required.
3. Submit financial certification to demonstrate sufficient funding for the extended period of stay.  Documents should not be more than three months old.  Scanned documents sent via email to ISSS are preferred.
4. Once the Extension Form and financial documents are received, ISSS will prepare a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 for the student and dependents.

A program extension allows a student to remain in the U.S. to complete the program of study; however, it does not extend the visa stamp in the passport.  If the visa has expired and the student travels home or outside of the U.S. and plans to re-enter to continue studying, a new visa will be required.  Students should always consult with ISSS if traveling overseas especially if the visa has expired.

Students who travel back to their home country are responsible for carrying documents that are necessary for re-entry into the United States. To avoid any issues with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the ports of entry, it is important for students to hand-carry the following documents:

• A valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your entry date);
• A signed Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status;” (Signature is valid for 1 year, so please check page 2 of the I-20 to see if a new signature is required.)
• Financial support documents, which are typically the same as those provided during the original visa interview with the U.S. Department of State;
• An acceptance letter or recent tuition payment receipt;
• An unofficial transcript printed from your Treehouse Account; and
• A designated school official’s name and contact information.

If any information cannot be verified, the student may be directed to go through a secondary inspection for supplemental CBP research.  To ensure a safe and easy return to the United States, students should keep all necessary documents with them at all times.  For Visa Renewal, Travel & Re-Entry information, visit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

School Official Contact Information

Laura Arthur, PDSO
Director, International Student & Scholar Services
973-408-3182

Dina Cenicola, DSO
University Admissions, Foreign Transcript Evaluator
973-408-4964

Stephanie Bias, DSO
SEVIS Coordinator/Student Advisor
973-408-4000

Public Safety
973-408-3379
Please phone this number if International Student Services Staff are not available. A Public Safety officer will contact a university official to assist with customs issues.

Visa Renewal

For instructions on obtaining the F-1 student visa and links to the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page.

Before your departure, please fill out the travel signature request form.