Visa Index

J-1 Visa

J-1 visa students should be aware of and follow these basic immigration regulations. Failure to abide by these rules may result in severe hardship:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment.
    If, for any reason, you need to drop below full-time, you must seek the J-1 Advisor for assistance BEFORE you drop any courses. Full-time status for undergraduate students is 12 hours. Full-time status for graduate students is 9 hours.
  • Do not work off-campus.
    Off-campus employment can only be approved by the
    J-1 Advisor     IF you can show evidence of economic hardship or if you are applying for Academic Training. Contact the J-1 Advisor for assistance.
  • Do not work on-campus without prior authorization
    from the J-1 Advisor. You may be approved to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus, but authorization must be granted first.
  • Make sure your passport is valid at all times.
    You should apply for renewal 6 months before expiration.
  • Make sure your DS-2019 is valid at all times.
    If you need to extend your stay for any reason, you must ask permission for an extension of your J-1 visa by extending the time period on your DS-2019. Contact the J-1 Advisor for assistance.
  • Make sure you do not lose your I-94.
    If the I-94 is lost or stolen, contact the J-1 Advisor immediately.
  • Maintain updated contact information.
    Update your address, phone, and email contact information with the IIS Office.

Failure to follow these basic rules will prevent you from receiving the following benefits:

  • Maintaining valid INS status, which may cause problems if you want to re-enter the USA at a later date.
  • On-campus employment.
  • Authorization to participate in Academic Training off-campus.
  • Program extension.

Prospective J-1 students can click here for tips on starting the application process.

Questions concerning J-1 immigration regulations should be addressed to the International Student Advisors, Mark Galloway or Bill McKibben.

Appointments may be made directly with one of the J-1 Student Advisors or by calling the Institute for International Studies at 270-809-4152.

F-1 Visa

F-1 visa students should be aware of and follow these basic immigration regulations. Failure to abide by these rules may result in severe hardship:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment.
    Students must be fully enrolled at all times. There are three exceptions to this rule. Students must speak with an International Student Adviser BEFORE falling below full-time hours for any reason. Undergraduate full time enrollment is a minimum of 12 credit hours. Graduate full time enrollment is a minimum of 9 credit hours, unless the student has an assistantship.
  • Do NOT work off-campus without authorization
    from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).
  • Do NOT work on-campus for more than 20 hours
    while classes are in session. Information on employment can be found HERE.
  • Make sure your passport is valid.
    Passport renewal should be done six months before the expiration date.
  • Make sure your I-20 is valid.
    This cannot be done after the I-20 expires. See the International Student Advisor about an extension when necessary.
  • Maintain updated contact information.
    Update your address, phone, and email contact information with the IIS Office.

Failure to follow these basic rules will prevent you from receiving the following benefits:

  • On-campus employment
  • BCIS authorization to work off-campus
  • Program extension
  • Signature on I-20 to return back to the US
  • Financial assistance offered by the university (scholarships and waivers)

Questions concerning F-1 immigration regulations should be addressed to Mark Galloway or Bill McKibben, the International Student Advisors.

Appointments may be made directly with the International Student Advisors or by calling the Institute for International Studies at
270-809-4152.

Getting a Visa

Before visiting the Consular Office, gather all necessary documents:

  • Passport
  • I-20 or DS-2019 (& letter of invitation)
  • Financial Support Documentation
  • Documentation proving your desire to return to your country after you complete your studies
  • Documentation of test scores such as TOEFL and any Graduate school tests you may have taken
  • Copies of transcripts from your High School or other university work

Conduct a practice interview
Have the person conducting the interview ask questions about your desire to live and work in the US.

Remain calm and answer only the questions that are asked of you.
Do NOT volunteer information. Take your time when answering questions and do not rush.

Be Confident!

Prospective J-1 students can click here for tips on starting the application process.

After Receiving a Visa

  1. After receiving the Visa, contact the IIS office at
    Murray State to tell us the good news.
  2. Make your flight reservations according to the
    Shuttle & Orientation Schedule     for the semester in which you will be arriving.
  3. Contact us with your arrival information, especially if you will be taking advantage of our shuttle service from Nashville. Click HERE for our shuttle request form.