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Guidelines for Maintaining Status

  1. UNO
  2. International at UNO
  3. Maintaining Your Status
  4. Guidelines for Maintaining Status

  • Additional Resources

  • Immigration Updates
  • About Your Visa
  • Renewing Your Passport in the U.S.
  • Health Insurance

Steps to Maintaining Your Immigration Status

As a UNO international student, you must maintain your F-1 or J-1 visa nonimmigrant status and your dependent’s status (F-2 or J-2) in the U.S.

The guide below shares details on several important rules and regulations. You can also find detailed information on maintaining your status through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Study in the States website.


Report Your Arrival

Within your first week of arriving in the U.S. for the first time, you must report your arrival to International Student Advising and attend International Student Orientation.

How to Report Your Arrival

International Orientation


Maintain Health Insurance

  • UNO requires all enrolled international students on an F-1 or J-1 visa to be enrolled in the UNO Health Insurance Policy.
  • J1 visa exchange students studying as visiting non-degree students must consult with the Education Abroad Office for insurance guidance.

More information about health insurance will be emailed to all students.

Health Insurance Information


Meet Enrollment Requirements

International students must make academic progress and be physically present* in classes.

Undergraduate Students

Enroll in a minimum of 12 UNO credit hours per semester (excluding summer). Undergraduate students starting UNO for the first time in the summer must enroll in at least six credit hours.

Graduates Students

Enroll in a minimum of nine UNO graduate credit hours per semester (excluding summer). Graduate students starting UNO for the first time in the summer must enroll in at least three credit hours.

ILUNO Students

Attend a minimum of 18 in-person class hours each week for the entire week session. This is considered full-time for immigration purposes.

*UNO undergraduate and graduate students can only take one (1) totally online class for full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. At UNO, there are partially online classes and totally online classes. Only one (1) totally online class can count toward your full-time course load. If you have only one class remaining in your final semester, it cannot be totally online.

Some government-sponsored students have additional restrictions about online classes and should follow their program sponsor’s guidelines for enrollment.


Keep Your SEVIS record and Form I-20/DS-2019 Updated

Remember to report the following changes to keep your SEVIS record and Form I-20 and DS-2019 updated with the most current information. Changes you must report include:

  • Address (update your address in MavLINK within 10 days of a move)
  • Academic Program, Major or Education Level
  • Funding or Financial Sponsor
  • Legal Name
  • Visa Status

You must also report:

  • Withdrawal from UNO
  • Transfer to another school
  • If you leave a program early
  • Any internships, OPT, or STEM OPT

Report changes to International Student Advising.


Contact International Advising Before Any Employment Opportunity

Contact International Student Advising before beginning any work on-campus or off-campus to ensure you meet all requirements and regulations for work in the U.S.

Learn More About Employment


Maintain a Valid Passport

You must make sure your passport stays valid for at least six months into the future to maintain your status.

How to Renew Your Passport


File Taxes

Even if you do not make any income in the U.S., you must file a tax form with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Filing Your Taxes


Follow All Laws and UNO Policies

While studying at UNO, you must follow all U.S. federal, state and city laws.

For example, an arrest for possession of marijuana (you or others with you) or driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) could cause you to lose your immigration status, have your visa revoked, or lead to other negative consequences.

Additionally, violating university policies and the UNO Code of Conduct can jeopardize your immigration status.

Main U.S. laws to be aware of include:

  • You cannot possess marijuana or other illegal drugs.
  • The legal age to buy or drink alcohol is 21.
  • Driving offenses (reckless driving and speeding), including not purchasing car insurance, can have severe consequences.
  • Leaving a young child alone at home, in a public place, or in a car is illegal.
  • It is important for you to fully understand sexual misconduct and legal issues of consent.
  • Domestic disputes which harm another person can lead to arrests.

Bring All Required Documents for Re-Entry to the U.S.

Do not leave the U.S. without the necessary documentation to come back. You will need to have the following documents with you to re-enter the U.S.:

  • Unexpired passport and visa.
  • Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with current information with a new travel signature for re-entry.
  • Transcripts showing your enrollment for the previous and upcoming sessions.
  • Bank statement or letter showing funds to study in the U.S.

You will need to carry these documents with you. Do not pack them in your checked baggage.

If you are outside the U.S. for more than five months on an F-1 visa, you must get a new visa, pay the SEVIS fee, and get a new Form I-20 from UNO for re-entry to the U.S.

Learn More About:

Required Travel Documents

Entering the U.S.

Travel Signatures for Re-Entry


Follow Rules for Leaving the U.S. After Your Final Term or Program End Date

When you finish your program at UNO, follow the grace period allowed for your visa type as you plan to leave the U.S.

  • F-1 visa holders: 60-day grace period.
  • J-1 visa holders: 30-day grace period.

Failing to Maintain Your Status or Violating Status

Failing to comply with immigration regulations is a serious matter and will result in losing your student status. Incarceration and deportation are also possible. If this happens, you will be required to:

  • Return home; or
  • Apply for reinstatement.

If you lose your status, email International Student Advising immediately to schedule a time to review your options.

arts and sciences hall on uno's campus

Stay Informed About Immigration Updates to Help Maintain Your Status

UNO International Student Advising is on-campus at UNO in Room 241 of Arts & Sciences Hall.

We regularly share important immigration updates online and through email.

To stay informed:

  • Contact an international student adviser for firsthand information about maintaining your status or immigration regulations.
  • Check your UNO email regularly for important information.

International Advising

241 Arts & Sciences Hall
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68182

Phone: 402.554.2293

Email:  unointladvising@unomaha.edu

Additional Resources

  • Immigration Updates
  • About Your Visa
  • Renewing Your Passport in the U.S.
  • Health Insurance

International at UNO

  • International Programs
  • 241 Arts & Sciences Hall
  • 6001 Dodge Street
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  • 402.554.2293
  • world@unomaha.edu
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