Information for F-1 and J-1 Students
Before you arrive
Maintaining your status
Maintaining your F-1 or J-1 visa status is an extremely important responsibility for any international student. Failure to keep your status current can result in your having to leave the U.S., and in some cases, being prevented from returning for an extended period of time.
Resources to help you avoid problems with your visa status:
- F-1 students: Study in the States
- J-1 students: Exchange Visitor Information
After you arrive
- Post-arrival information
- International Student Orientation
- Academic advising
- Annual expenses
- Student employment
- Travel inside & outside of the U.S.
ISSC: your source for accurate information
Although you may receive good advice from friends who have been in the U.S. for a while, you will receive the most current and accurate information on immigration regulations and requirements from the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC). Government regulations are always changing and may be different from those that your friends remember.
Finding help
You may experience a variety of feelings as you adapt to study in the U.S.; this is known as culture shock. Culture shock is a very normal process that nearly everyone goes through—but it is temporary. We will help you understand culture shock more as part of International Student Orientation.
Talking about your experiences with friends can be helpful. In addition, there are offices on campus with staff who are trained to help as you adjust to a new country, climate, diet, and school:
Mass.gov: Avoiding Immigration Scams