What is Immigration Status?
This term refers to the legal condition of non-U.S. citizens (that is, foreign nationals) who are present in the U.S., in the eyes of U.S. immigration law. Immigration status is determined by the
kind of activity a foreign national wants to undertake while in the U.S. Immigration status is further described by laws which limit what may or may not be done while the individual is in the U.S. The concept "maintenance of status" is very important, more so since the
passage of the immigration reform legislation in the Patriot Act, 1996. One of this law's most essential aspects is that of "maintaining status." Failure to maintain status could result in future denials of entry visas by the U.S. consular officer as well as voidance of
your current entry visa. It is not hard to maintain your status, but you will need to be mindful of the expiration of all your travel documents. Also, the following reminders will help you to keep your immigration status valid while in the U.S.:
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Students: always register for full-time studies.
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Students: observe limitations on employment.
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Keep your I-20 or DS-2019 current and accurate.
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Keep your passport renewed before it expires.
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Keep your medical insurance up to date.
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Inform the University Registrar or UCIE Office of your address within 10 days of a change
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