International Student Services
International Division

Important Reminders to Maintain Your F-1 or J-1 Student Status

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The following message has been adapted from a Terra Dotta Systems email sent to F-1/J-1 students and recent alumni on April 7, 2025 

This message includes important reminders and resources to understand and maintain your F-1 or J-1 student immigration status. This is not an indication that there is an issue with your current F-1 or J-1 student immigration record.  

There have been nationwide reports of international student SEVIS record terminations and the detention of some immigrant and nonimmigrant students and scholars. At UW–Madison, we have seen some automatic SEVIS record terminations. ISS has directly communicated with those whose SEVIS record was terminated. We are not currently aware of the arrest or detention of UW–Madison international students or scholars by federal law enforcement.  

Please read the important updates below so that you can remain empowered to make informed decisions.  

Stay Safe and Well-informed with Reliable Resources 

International Student Services (ISS) remains committed to assisting and supporting our international students to make informed decisions regarding their immigration status. ISS will regularly update the Resources on Immigration Issues webpage, include important updates in our biweekly JustISSued newsletter, and directly email students who may be impacted by changes to immigration policy or update to their F-1 or J-1 student immigration record.  

Beware of scam or fraud attempts, especially by those who claim to be a government or law enforcement official of any type, including from your home country. Ask ISS if you are unsure if any form of outreach to you or a request for information is legitimate. 

Know your rights and seek reputable resources, such as your ISS advisor. Each student’s situation is different and should not be compared to another.  

Quick Reminders to Maintain your F-1 or J-1 Student Immigration Status 

  • Keep your immigration documents valid and updated. ISS recommends that you carry a digital or photocopy of the following documents with you while you are in the U.S. or traveling to the U.S. You can access your immigration documents under your ISS Check-in Record in your Terra Dotta portal.  
    • Passport valid for six months 
    • F-1 or J-1 Visa (your visa stamp can expire while you are in the U.S.) 
    • Most recently issued Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature 
    • Current I-94 Arrival/Departure Record 
    • For currently enrolled students: Enrollment Verification (all terms) and/or Transcript  
    • For students graduating or graduated with OPT or STEM Extension: Transcript, Proof of Employment Authorization Document (EAD)  
  • Report changes to your address within ten (10) days. Confirm your current addresses are correct in your Student Center and make any updates that are needed. F-1 and J-1 student immigration status requires current U.S. residential and mailing addresses, as well as a permanent foreign address. 
  • Enroll full-time, or have an approved ISS Reduced Course Load (RCL). Fall and spring semesters always require full-time enrollment. Summer term requires full-time enrollment if it is your first or final semester of study. There are limits to the number of online credits that count toward your full-time enrollment requirement.  
  • Work only as authorized. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week for all positions combined. Authorized vacation periods allow more than 20 hours per week. All off-campus employment or practical training, whether it is paid or unpaid, requires authorization before the position begins.  
  • Follow all local, state, and federal laws. Anyone in the U.S. with F-1 or J-1 student immigration status is required to abide by all laws. Local and state laws may be different outside of Madison, so it is important to remain informed and safe when traveling throughout the U.S. Common laws to follow include:  
    • The minimum age to drink or smoke tobacco is 21.  
    • Marijuana is illegal, per federal law, even if it is legal in the state you are in at the time of purchase or consumption.  
    • Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and the federal government has zero tolerance for individuals arrested for this charge. 
    • A valid driver’s license is required to drive a car in the U.S. 

Travel Reminders and Resources 

Be prepared for any planned travel within the U.S. or internationally by reviewing the ISS travel page. ISS will continue to update the Resources on Immigration Issues webpage, with any changes to travel policy, such as potential visa suspension or revocation notices in response to Executive Order 14161. 

If you choose to travel internationally, it is important to plan ahead and frequently check U.S. government sources, as rules and conditions for travel to the U.S. may change rapidly. 

ISS cannot tell you whether or not you should travel. Travel remains a personal decision, and it is important to remain informed.  

Federal Law Enforcement 

It is important to be informed of your rights while in the U.S.  

UW–Madison provides guidance on what campus areas are public versus private and what a law enforcement agent may need to enter certain spaces or detain an individual in those spaces. It is important to understand the type of warrant or subpoena the officer presents and whether or not you are required to comply.  

If you are detained by law enforcement, you should contact an immigration attorney immediately for guidance.  

Additional Resources 

As an F-1 or J-1 student at UW–Madison, ISS is here to provide you guidance on your student immigration status and support your academic goals. If you have questions about your student immigration status, please contact your assigned ISS advisor, join a hybrid advising drop-in session, or attend or review one of our advising workshops. ISS will email you directly if we become aware of a change to your F-1 or J-1 student immigration record.  

There are many support resources available to you. We encourage you to connect with any of these offices or resources at any time you may need them.  

You are a valued member of our campus community, and we are committed to keeping you informed. We encourage you to bookmark the information provided in this message and seek resources as you need them. If you have questions about your student immigration status, please contact ISS.  

In support,  

International Student Services