Visas/Immigration
- Obtaining an F–1 Visa: Your Form I–20
- Maintaining Your Nonimmigrant Status
- Violation of F–1 Status: Reinstatement
- Change of Nonimmigrant Status
- Change of Study Level
- Change of Address Requirement
Obtaining an F–1 Visa: Your Form I–20
Once you’ve been accepted to the University of Massachusetts Boston as an international student, you will need a Form I–20 so that you can apply for an F–1 (nonimmigrant student) visa.
You will need to apply for the F–1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Most United States consulates and embassies require an in–person interview for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa (F–1, J–1, or B–2). So you need to plan ahead. Leave yourself plenty of time to obtain your visa.
To obtain your Form I–20, you must first submit the documents listed below to the appropriate admissions office:
- The Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education if you plan to study in the Intensive English (ESL) program.
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions, if you are applying as an undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) student, or
- The Office of Graduate Admissions, if you are applying as a graduate (master’s or doctoral) student.
- Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF). Obtain this from the admissions office that accepted you, or visit the Forms area of this website to download it. Complete and sign the form.
- Sponsor’s statement of support. Included in the Declaration and Certification of Finance form. If you’re using personal funds from your own accounts, you do not need this form. Otherwise, the person providing your support (your “sponsor”), must complete and sign it. Note: A student in F–1 status cannot sponsor another F–1 student.
- Original bank statement or original bank letter indicating sufficient funds, converted into U.S. dollars, to cover educational and living expenses in the U.S. for one academic year. The bank statement must show a three–month account history. We strongly recommend that you request two original statements from your financial institution. See the front page of the Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF) for the exact amount you will need to cover tuition and expenses at UMass Boston. These figures are subject to change.
Once you have submitted all of the above items to the appropriate admissions office, they will mail your Form I–20 to you, along with information on how to apply for the F–1 (nonimmigrant student) visa. The Visas/Immigration area in the Resources section of this website also offers guidelines and tips.
The admissions office will also inform you of the mandatory international student information session, a USCIS requirement of all international students.
Maintaining Your Nonimmigrant Status
Unlike other nonimmigrants, F–1 students do not have a specific date by which they must leave the U.S. Instead, they are admitted for “D/S” or Duration of Status. Once you have F–1 status, you’re allowed to stay as long as you maintain your status by following immigration rules and university policy. This means pursuing a full course of study and making progress towards completion of your program. It also means not allowing your End Date to expire, or violating any of the terms of your visa.
- Always maintain a full course of study.
International students with F–1 and J–1 visas are required to register for and complete a minimum of 12 credits a semester for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduate students. Make sure your academic advisor or program advisor knows that you are an international student who must be full time. Your advisor will help you develop a schedule that allows you to comply with this requirement. - Pay attention to your program End Date, item 5 on your I–20. The End Date is an estimate of the time you need to complete your program requirements. You can apply for an extension if you need more time. But you need to request an extension before the completion date on your Form I-20 (item #5 on the I-20). It’s much easier and faster to apply for an extension of the End Date than to apply for reinstatement of your nonimmigrant status.
- Obtain authorization from the Office of International Student Services before you take a leave of absence or withdraw from the university.
- Avoid academic suspension, which can result from low grades, failure to pass the Writing Proficiency Requirement (WPR), and disciplinary actions due to plagiarism, cheating, or other violations.
- Never accept any employment that is not authorized by a Designated School Official or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Refrain from any illegal or criminal activity.
Violation of F–1 Status: Reinstatement
An international student who fails to maintain valid F–1 (student) visa status needs to apply for reinstatement. If you have lost your F–1 status, immediately make an appointment to see an advisor to discuss reinstatement.
Your international student advisor will instruct you on how to apply to U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for reinstatement, and where to mail your application. It may take up to three months to receive a decision on your case. So it is essential for you to maintain your F–1 status.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your visa status, contact the office of International Student Services.
Change of Nonimmigrant Status
With certain exceptions, a foreign national already in the United States can apply for a change of nonimmigrant status to F–1, F–2, H–1B, or H–4, etc... A request for change of nonimmigrant status can only be processed by an International Student Services advisor.
Change of Study Level at UMass Boston
International students who complete one academic level and advance to the next level at the same university qualify for a new I–20. This policy may also apply to those who complete their original program objectives but wish to pursue another full–time objective, such as a certificate program or a second degree at the same level. To request a new I–20 reflecting a change of study level, contact the International Student Services office.
Change of Address Requirement
Immigration law requires that all foreign nationals, including lawful permanent residents, report each personal change of address and new address with the United States Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS). Download and complete Form AR–11, and submit it to the International Student Services office within ten days of moving. Only certain diplomats and employees of international organizations are exempt from this requirement.