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Visa Requirements for International Students If you are an international student seeking admission to the U.S. with a visa that allows study, you will need an F-1 visa student or a J-1 exchange visitor Visa. You will be asked to provide additional documentation as required by U.S. law to produce the appropriate forms (I-20 or DS-2019), which you will use to apply for a visa. Required documentation includes your basic biographical information, proof of financial ability (to cover your expenses and expenses for your spouse or children (if they are accompanying you) and proof of English ability. F-1 Student Status Most students come to the United States to enroll in a full-time degree program on an F-1 student status. A Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 student visa) will need to be obtained by students for entry into the U.S. Dependents (spouse or children) of an F-1 visa holder can accompany the student on F-2 dependent visas. F-2 visa holders are not permitted to be employed in the United States, study full-time, or take classes toward a degree. J-1 Student Status Some students enter the U.S. in J-1 student status. The J-1 visa is administered by the Department of State and is used for a variety of educational purposes. The Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for a J-1 visa) may be issued to a student with a scholarship, either from a sponsoring organization or University. Dependents of a J-1 visa holder can accompany the student on a J-2 dependent visa. J-2s may study and may apply for permission to work in the U.S. 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 eight 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.

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