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Immigration Rules and Regulations

Requirements for Entry

To enter the US, an international student needs a passport issued by his/her home government and a visa obtained from a United States Consulate or Embassy abroad. The visa is usually endorsed on a page in the passport but can also be a separate document.

Students typically are issued an F-1 or J-1 visa. Spouses and other dependents require F-2 or J-2 visas.

Obtaining a Visa:

Once a student has been admitted, the University sends a Form I-20 (for an F-1 student) or a Form DS-2019 (for a J-1 student). This document enables the student to apply for the visa.

The University reserves the right to verify a student's supporting documents prior to issuing visa forms. If the Graduate Admissions office requires an Affidavit of Support from the student, the I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued only after the Affidavit is received.

General Documents:

In addition to passports and visa documents, students are advised to bring official copies of their birth certificates and international identification cards (if any).

Help with Immigration Rules and Regulation

The Immigration Services Office is the immediate liaison between the University, the international student, and the federal US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) bureau. Immigration Services supports and educates F and J international students about immigration rules, responsibilities, and benefits; provides materials and services to facilitate the timely and accurate processing of all immigration requests; and offers pro-active immigration advising to help students maintain their lawful F-1/J-1 status. For more information, contact the director at isvfsa@nd.edu.

International Student Orientation and Support Services

The Office of International Student Services and Activities-Programs facilitates international student orientation and offers services, programs, and other resources to meet the particular needs of international students and their families, as well as cultural programming to help international students exchange perspectives and traditions with the wider community. Services and programs include tax and legal assistance; language skills support; health care referral; social networking events; cultural programming; and general guidance. For more information, please write: issa@nd.edu.

Employment and Training in the US

Student Employment:

On-Campus Employment

The University has no formal process to help international students obtain part-time campus employment. However, after their arrival at Notre Dame, students with F-1 or J-1 visas may seek campus employment on their own initiative. No special authorization is necessary for on-campus employment.

Off-Campus Employment

Students with an F-1 visa may petition the USCIS to obtain part-time employment off-campus only if:

they have completed at least two semesters at the University

they are in good academic standing and carry a full course of study

they are faced with an unforeseen financial emergency

Students with a J-1 visa may obtain off-campus employment in special circumstances after receiving authorization from the USCIS.

Employment for Spouses:

Student spouses on F-2 visas may not work on- or off-campus under any circumstances. Student spouses on J-2 visas may obtain on- or off-campus employment after receiving authorization from the USCIS.

Practical and Academic Training:

Practical training refers to an opportunity to engage in employment intimately related to a student's academic curriculum. Such employment is available to F-1 students for a maximum of one year before or after completion of studies. In order to apply for permission to accept practical training, a letter from the student's academic adviser or department chair is necessary, recommending that the student be allowed to engage in the particular type of employment in question.

J-1 holders may apply for academic training if such training is approved by their sponsors. The maximum time for academic training for J-1 students is eighteen months. Upon completing their doctoral degrees, J-1 holders may be authorized to undertake postdoctoral research training for up to thirty-six months.