While you are in the U.S. on your F or J visa, you are responsible for following the rules related to studying, working, and keeping your documents accurate and up to date. Here is an overview of the basic rules and regulations:

Rules for all:

• Report to the ISSS office when you start your program, and any time you get a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a new program start date due to a change of education level, transfer to a new UConn campus, or returning after a break in your program. See Arrival Checklist for international students and visiting scholars.
• Update changes to your U.S. and home country addresses, phone number and email address to ISSS. Update ISSS with these changes within 10 days. Learn how, here.
• Only work under the conditions allowed by your visa.  See student employment for more info. 
• Complete your program by your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date. If you are unable to finish by that date, you must apply for an extension of your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date before the end date is reached. 
• Follow entry/exit rules. F-1 students may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20 and have a 60 day "grace period" after completing the program to depart the U.S. J-1 exchange visitors may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form DS-2019, and have a 30 day "grace period" after completing the program to depart the U.S.

Rules for enrolled students:

• Study full time each term and do not exceed the maximum number of distance learning courses allowed. 

Rules for visiting scholars on J-1 visas: 

• J-1 visiting scholars do not have to study, but must be actively engaged in the research or teaching activity on which your visa is based.  

Rules related to insurance:

• J-1 exchange visitors must maintain insurance coverage that meets the U.S. Department of State requirements for medical coverage, and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. 
• F-1 students are not required to maintain insurance for visa purposes, but the University requires you to have insurance as an enrolled student. 

If you do not follow the visa regulations then ISSS will be required to terminate your SEVIS record, and you may need to depart the U.S. Please pay attention to any emails from ISSS regarding your visa status or immigration updates.