As an international student at IU, it is most likely that you will have one of two types of nonimmigrant status: F-1 or J-1.

As a nonimmigrant student, you will face certain restrictions:

• You are limited in what you can do while in the United States.
• You will have to follow certain regulations to maintain your legal status.
• You will have a date by which you must leave the country or apply for further privileges.
• You must have a home outside the United States to which you intend to return.

All full-time students qualify for an F-1 visa. However, depending on your situation, you may also qualify for a J-1 visa.

The Office of International Services is a resource for you throughout your stay. Ask us any questions you have, and we will do our best to help you.

It can be confusing—but we are here to help! OIS is closely monitoring the changing immigration regulations and want to make sure understand your responsibilities and have a successful college experience in the U.S.

A visa is a stamp in your passport that allows you to request permission to enter the United States. Your status is your immigration status. You need to maintain your status paperwork throughout your time here in order to stay in the United States—and we will help you do that.

Can I change my status?

Maybe. If your circumstances change, you can sometimes switch to a different nonimmigrant status.