How Harvard International Students can Maintain their Legal Status in the U.S.: Advice from the HIO

Learn how to maintain your legal status in the U.S. as international students or scholar at Harvard, with advice from the Harvard International Office (HIO) on visa compliance and regulations.

Visas and maintaining their legal status in the USA pose some of the most difficult challenges to Harvard University international students. In such cases, the Harvard International Office (HIO) acts as a host to these communities. Thus, making sure that students are not in violation of U.S immigration laws during their studies. This article seeks to offer good advice, based on the operations of the Harvard International Office, on legal status maintenance for Harvard international students.

1. Understanding Your Visa Status

The initial and also the most crucial part in the process of preserving your legal status in the USA is knowing which type of visa you possess. There are two types of visas for study, M-1 visa for part-time students or the J-1 exchange student visa. Either of these is likely to apply to most Harvard international students. All visa types establish several criteria that should be met to guarantee the person’s eligibility to stay in the State. Continue reading the article to discover International Office travel guidance and visa compliance for Harvard students.

2. Full-Time Enrollment

While attending at Harvard, international students must observe several conditions. The most important is to keep a full-time enrollment status since this is a condition of the visa. Undergraduates have a full-time enrollment. This means they must have at least 12 credits per semester. Whereas, a graduate student may be subject to different program based credit enrollments. Failure to maintain full-time status without appropriate permission can lead to termination of legal status. But if you experience difficulties like health problems or academic problems, the HIO helps the student request Reduced Course Load (RCL) which allows students a temporary reprieve. Also, read further to learn International Office travel guidance and visa compliance for Harvard students.

3. Timely Program Extensions

For the most part, international students can only remain in the U.S. for the period of the course stated on their I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) forms. If your course takes longer than the date shown on your immigration documents, you should seek a program extension before the deportation date issued by the USCIS. If this is not done in time, such an individual will lose their visa status automatically.

For such students, the Harvard International Office advises that they should start seeking a program extension about 60 days from the current end date of the program. If an extension is not timely requested, a person risks losing their legal status in the US. Want to learn about International Office travel guidance and visa compliance for Harvard students? Read this article.

4. Employment Regulations

International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are restricted in the type of employment. Also, the number of hours they can work is also limited. For students on F-1 visas, no special authorization is required for work on campus during the academic year for a maximum of 20 hours. However, J-1 students must obtain permission from their sponsors to work even on campus.

For students wishing to work outside campus, it is required to have specific work authorization. This may include Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 sponsors. Another authorization may include Academic Training (AT) for J-1 sponsors. Such work authorizations are related to the student’s area of study. However, rigid parameters need to be adhered to in order to comply with legal status.

Finally, it should be noted that unauthorized work, even for a couple of hours, is against all the terms and conditions of a visa. If caught, it may have serious penalties such as deportation and lifetime ban from the USA. Discover how Harvard international students can Maintain legal and visa status in the U.S. through the HIO by reading the article.

5. Travel Considerations

When you leave the United States for studies, make sure your visa, and legal documents and required for reentry to this country are taken care of. The HIO suggests that you should bring back your valid visa, either I-20 or DS-2019. Also, evidence of financial support when you reenter the U.S. after traveling overseas.

It’s also vital to take into account the fact that illegal presence can sometimes lead to being exiled from the United States. If a non-immigrant visa has been issued to you but is currently voided while you are outside U.S. borders, any U.S. embassy or consulate will have to be visited for a reissue prior to entering the U.S. Continue reading this article to find out how Harvard international students can Maintain legal and visa status in the U.S. through the HIO.

6. Grace Periods and Departure

International students who have finished their studies no longer enjoy the benefit of the U.S. However, F-1 students can stay for 60 days for humanitarian reasons and J-1 students for 30 days. It is important to note that, at this point in time, students may prepare to leave the country. They could also move to a different program, or request a change of visa.

Overstaying in the United States for more than the grace period without taking any corrective measures may lead to consequences. This may include legal repercussions or restrictions when trying to enter the United States in the future. Want to know how Harvard international students can Maintain legal and visa status in the U.S. through the HIO? Read this article.

7. SEVIS Reporting and Address Updates

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the official system for monitoring international students. F-1 and J-1 visa students should notify SEVIS on a regular basis about changes in their address. As well as program, or even the very elements of their programs due to extension or other changes. Not updating SEVIS can cause issues with one’s visa and may leave a person “out of status”.

The HIO specifically lists that students should inform their office of their new US address within 10 days after relocation from their previous one. Students should update address changes in SEVIS and notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read further to learn how Harvard international students can Maintain legal and visa status in the U.S. through the HIO.

8. Health Insurance Compliance

All international students who have a J-1 visa are subject to legal requirements of the USA. Under this rule, J-1 visa holders must be insured having a certain minimum acceptable standard of cover. Such as medical coverage, coverage for death repatriation, and coverage for medical evacuation. To be unable to have health insurance is against the conditions of the J-1 visa. F-1 students do not have legal requirements regarding health insurance under the United States. However, all students must have enough insurance coverage on entering Harvard University.

Conclusion

As an international student at Harvard, there are three factors that you should take very seriously. Following the visa rules, meeting the academic requirements and submitting the communications with the HIO and the US government on time. Knowing the obligations imposed on you and taking advantage of the resources provided by the Harvard International Office would help you make sure that your stay in the US is legal and there are no lapses. Legal status covers a wide range of administrative capabilities. This includes maintaining full-time enrollment status and observing travel and employment restrictions, as well as other activities such as updating one’s SEVIS record. To achieve compliance with immigration law, proper foresight and action are the most important aspects.

For more detailed guidance, always consult the Harvard International Office website. Feel free to schedule an appointment if need be.