University of North Texas 
Immigration laws are serious and can change quickly.
It is up to you to ensure that you remain IN STATUS according to visa regulations.
- In Status - Following immigration laws
- Out of Status - Breaking immigration laws (penalties to visa status)
Everyone's situation is different. Do not rely on the advice of friends.
ALWAYS speak with an immigration advisor regarding immigration related issues.
To make it easier to follow the law and remain In Status, follow the FACTS.
Full-time Student
You MUST be enrolled full-time.
Undergraduate students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours.
Graduate students must be enrolled in 9 credit hours.
Only one 3 credit hour online course will count towards full time enrollment for F-1 students.
No online classes count towards full time enrollment for J-1 students.
Failing a class is no reason to drop it.
Never drop below full-time hours without authorization.
You must be authorized for all work.
Students may work on-campus up to 20 hours each week while class is in session.
F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus.
J-1 students must be authorized by ISSS prior to beginning any employment.
OPT & CPT require authorization.
If you transfer, let us know!
If you change your degree level or major, let us know!
If you register less than full-time, let us know!
If you change your status, let us know!
If your address changes, let us know at my.unt.edu!
If you travel, let us know!
ALL immigration documents must be valid and current.
If you are entering the U.S., your passport must be valid 6 months in advance
Visa sticker has ONE purpose: to enter the U.S. The U.S. visa doe not get you into other countries
I-94: The entry stamp in your passport shows the immigration status you hold in the U.S. You can retrieve your I-94 number at cbp.gov/I94 (Links to an external site.) to use when applying for benefits like a driver's license.
I-20 (F-1) should be valid at all times. Program extension must be done before I-20 expiration. If changes to status occur, new I-20 must be obtained.
DS-2019 (J-1) must be valid at all times. Program extension must be done before I-20 expiration. If changes to status occur, new I-20 must be obtained.
Stay in touch with our office!
Always check your UNT EagleConnect Email: FirstnameLastname@my.unt.edu.
All immigration related updates will be sent to your UNT EagleConnect address.