F-1 Student Overview

printer-friendly version

Welcome to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), your gateway to unlimited opportunities in medicine, dentistry, research, public health, nursing, the full spectrum of health related professions, and continuing and advanced education. We are excited for you to experience the opportunities an education in the United States can provide.

The Office of the University Registrar and International Services congratulates you on your acceptance to UMDNJ and we welcome you as a valued member of our community. We understand that you may have many questions regarding your immigration status and life in the U.S. As an F-1 student, you are required to abide by certain laws and regulations. It is very important for students to understand these regulations prior to their arrival in the United States. We have designed this website in order to provide you with guidance in this regard.

MANDATORY CHECK-IN

All international students are required to check-in with International Services within 10-days of arriving in the United States. If you are already in the U.S. under the F-1 status, you are required to check-in within 10-days of arriving at UMDNJ. Failure to check-in with the International Services could result in the inadvertent termination of your record in SEVIS, the U.S. government's tracking system for F, J and M students. To properly check-in, you will need the following documentation:

• Check-In Form
• A valid form I-20
• Your passport
• Your I-94 (arrival/departure) card
• Your Visa (if applicable)

SUMMER ADMISSION

Students who are admitted for a summer term must register full-time for that semester in order to be in compliance with the F-1 status. If your intent is not to register full-time in the summer, you should apply for admission in the fall semester.

ORIENTATION

In our effort to assist you in the process of adjusting to life in the U.S. and to help you gain a better understanding of immigration rules, UMDNJ international students are required to attend a mandatory orientation. The materials covered during this event will equip you with the necessary information to maintain your status while studying at UMDNJ. It will also give you insight on essentials you will need while residing in New Jersey. Some of the topics that will be discussed are:

• maintenance of status
• employment essentials
• obtaining a driver's license
• get to know your new community

If you are currently in the U.S. under a status other than F-1, please contact a Designated School Official (DSO) at International Services for more information on whether or not a change of status is necessary.