International Student and Scholar Services

1126 H.J. Patterson Hall
Phone: 301-314-7740
http://isss.umd.edu

Director: Susan-Ellis Dougherty

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) welcomes all new international students and scholars to campus, serving as the touchpoint for questions about immigration, transitioning to the U.S., and making on-campus connections. ISSS aims to provide a welcoming environment to promote and facilitate a successful educational, professional, and personal experience for our international community.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) works closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on the admission of international students.

F-1 and J-1 Status Students

ISSS is the only office on campus authorized to sign immigration documents and advise on the following topics: extension of stay, transfers, off-campus employment authorization, practical training, and course loads.

Students with F-1 or J-1 status are responsible for following the regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS) pertaining to their visa status.

Maintaining Status

  • Full-time Registration: In order to maintain full-time student status for immigration purposes, F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students are expected to register for and complete a minimum credit load of 12 hours per semester. Pre-approval from ISSS is required if you are going to complete the semester with fewer than 12 credits.
  • Documents: U.S. immigration law requires nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents, 18 years of age and over, to carry evidence of their immigration status at all times. International students must carry their valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019 and a print out of the most recent I-94. To travel outside the U.S. and re-enter as an F-1 or J-1, an ISSS advisor must sign your I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Health Insurance: All undergraduate students, regardless of visa status, are required by the University Health Center to carry adequate health insurance underwritten by a U.S. based Health insurance company. In addition, J-1 students must present copies of their health insurance coverage to ISSS in order to comply with Department of State requirements.

For full details on the requirements of maintaining F-1/J-1 status please visit the ISSS website or contact ISSS for further assistance.