Immigration& Employment

Always consult International Students and Scholars (ISS) on immigration matters and before beginning employment. Immigration regulations are complex and subject to change.  The most recent and accurate information is available at ISS. 

F1 STUDENTS

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS 

  • Maintain full-time enrollment during Fall & Spring semesters
    • Undergraduates must be enrolled for 12 hours of credits
    • Graduate students must be enrolled for 9 hours of credits

DO NOT DROP A CLASS WITHOUT TALKING TO ISS FIRST!

  • Online Classes
    • You can only be enrolled for 1 online class per full credit load
    • A Graduate student must be enrolled for at least 6 in-person credits each fall and spring
    • An Undergraduate student must be enrolled for at least 9 in-person credits each fall and spring

Reduced Course Load (RCL) – Undergraduate

  • You may only take less than a full course load if you meet one of the following criteria:
    • You have an illness or medical condition that prevents full time enrollment
    • Improper placement in classes
    • Initial difficulty with the English language
    • Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods
    • Final semester of your degree & you do not require additional courses to complete degree requirements

Reduced Course Load (RCL) - Graduate, PharmD, Law

  • You may only take less than a full course load if you meet one of the following criteria:
    • You are working full-time on graduate research, thesis, or dissertation requirements
    • You are preparing full-time for graduate comprehensive exams
    • You hold a teaching or research assistantship
    • An illness or medical condition prevents full time enrollment

Reduced Course Load (RCL) - All Students

  • You are required to submit the online Reduced Credit Load Request before dropping a class or before initial registration
  • The RCL request form requires your academic advisor to electronically certify the reason for the RCL
  • If you have an illness or medical condition, documentation from a licensed medical professional is also required

 

IMMIGRATION AND TRAVEL 

I-20: Pathway, ELI, Degree Seeking Students

  • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student
  • If you have an I-20 you also hold an F-1 or F-2 visa
  • Provides permission for you to remain in U.S. and study
  • Must be able to provide original and all updated I-20 forms
  • Changes to information on your I-20, must be reported to ISS within 10 days of change via email or the Forms page
    • Address
    • Major
    • Education Level
    • Email
    • Phone Number
    • Program End Date
  • Report missing or stolen documents to ISS
    • Notify us in person or via email and we can reprint a new copy
  • Make copies of your documents and keep somewhere safe!

 I-94

  • Proof of your admission in U.S. & legal visa status
  • Will need a copy of this for common things like driver’s license and getting a social security number
  • You can print a copy of your I-94 by visiting: http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

International Travel

  • I-20’s require signatures from a DSO/ARO for international travel (includes Canada!) 
  • Domestic travel does not require a travel signature
  • You submit the electronic Travel Endorsement Request - takes 2 business days to process

But I forgot to get a travel signature!

  • Email iss@umontana.edu before you attempt to reenter the U.S.
  • ISS will send you an electronic copy of your I-20 with a travel signature
  • Bring a printed copy of the new document with you when you enter customs along with your previous copy

 Final Departure

  • F-1 students have a 60-day grace period to remain in US after program end date
  • During grace period you can travel during the US
  • During grace period you cannot work or study
  • You cannot re-enter the US in F-1 status even if within 60-day limit

EMPLOYMENT

NO OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT!!!

On Campus Employment

  • Not all forms of on campus employment allowed; check with ISS first!
  • May work up to 20 hours/week during Fall/Spring semesters and up to 40 hours/week during Winter/Summer break

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): F-1 degree seeking students

  • A way for F-1 students to complete a paid or unpaid internship off campus
  • Must be for academic credit
  • Eligible after 1 year of full-time enrollment (Undergraduates)
  • May be eligible prior to 1 year of full-time enrollment if certain conditions are met (Graduate)
  • CPT Authorization Request

Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 degree-seeking students

  • Provides 1-3 years of work permission within the U.S. in any area related to your major after graduation
  • In rare cases, may pursue during degree program

Contact ISS to learn about how to apply for OPT

 Social Security Number (SSN)

  • U.S. tax identification number
  • Can only receive a SSN if you have an offer of employment
  • Requires paperwork from ISS Office

 Filing Taxes

  • If you work in the U.S., you must file taxes in the spring
  • For more information contact iss@umontana.edu

J1 STUDENTS

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS 

  • Maintain full-time enrollment during Fall & Spring semesters
    • Undergraduates must be enrolled for 12 hours of credits
    • Graduate students must be enrolled for 9 hours of credits

DO NOT DROP A CLASS WITHOUT TALKING TO ISS FIRST!

  • Online Classes
    • You can only be enrolled for 1 online class per full credit load
    • A Graduate student must be enrolled for at least 6 in-person credits
    • An Undergraduate student must be enrolled for at least 9 in-person credits

 Reduced Course Load (RCL) – Undergraduate

  • You may only take less than a full course load if you meet one of the following criteria:
    • You have an illness or medical condition that prevents full time enrollment
    • Improper placement in classes
    • Initial difficulty with the English language
    • Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods
    • Final semester of your degree & you do not require additional courses to complete degree requirements

 Reduced Course Load (RCL) - Graduate, PharmD, Law

  • You may only take less than a full course load if you meet one of the following criteria:
    • You are working full-time on graduate research, thesis, or dissertation requirements
    • You are preparing full-time for graduate comprehensive exams
    • You hold a teaching or research assistantship
    • An illness or medical condition prevents full time enrollment

 Reduced Course Load (RCL) - All Students

  • You are required to submit the online Reduced Credit Load Request before dropping a class or before initial registration
  • The RCL request form requires your academic advisor to electronically certify the reason for the RCL
  • If you have an illness or medical condition, documentation from a licensed medical professional is also required

IMMIGRATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

DS-2019: Exchange Visitors

  • Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) status
  • If you have a DS-2019 you also have a J-1 or J-2 visa
  • Provides permission for you to remain in the U.S. and study
  • Must be able to provide original and all updated DS-2019’s if necessary
  • Changes to information on your DS-2019, must be reported to ISS within 10 days of change via email or the Forms page
    • Address
    • Major
    • Education Level
    • Email
    • Phone Number
    • Program End Date
  • Report missing or stolen documents to ISS
    • Notify us in person or via email and we can reprint a new copy
  • Make copies of your documents and keep somewhere safe!

I94

  • Proof of your admission in U.S. & legal visa status
  • Will need a copy of this for common things like driver’s license and getting a social security number
  • You can print a copy of your I-94 by visiting:

http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

International Travel

  • DS-2019’s require signatures from a DSO/ARO for international travel (includes Canada!)
  • Domestic travel does not require a travel signature
  • You submit the electronic Travel Endorsement Request - takes 2 business days to process

But I forgot to get a travel signature!

  • Email iss@umontana.edu before you attempt to enter the U.S.
  • We will send you an electronic copy of your DS-2019 with a travel signature
  • Bring a printed copy of the new document with you when you enter customs along with your previous copy

Final Departure

  • J-1 visitors have a 30-day grace period
  • During grace period you can travel during the US
  • During grace period you cannot work or study
  • You cannot re-enter the US in J-1 status even if within 30-day limit

EMPLOYMENT

Academic Training: J-1 Exchange Students

  • A way for J-1 students to gain work experience during or after your exchange program
  • Must be related to your major and approved by your UM academic advisor
  • Contact ISS to learn about how to apply for academic training

Social Security Number (SSN)

  • U.S. tax identification number
  • Can only receive a SSN if you have an offer of employment
  • Requires paperwork from ISS Office

Filing Taxes

  • If you work in the U.S., you must file taxes in the Spring
  • For more information, contact iss@umontana.edu