How to Keep Your Legal Status in the U.S.

If you're in the U.S. with a visa, it's really important to make sure you stay on the right side of the law. Here are some easy-to-understand tips on how to do that:
 

Carry Your Papers

If you're 18 or older, you always need to carry your visa documents with you. This includes your I-94 Record, which shows you're legally in the U.S. Sometimes, this record is on paper, and other times, it's available online.
 

Tell the Government if You Move

If you change where you're living, you need to tell the immigration authorities. How you do this depends on the type of visa you have.
 

• If you're here on a J-1 visa (like an exchange visitor), you must let the International Scholars Office (ISO) know within 10 days of your move so they can update your information in the SEVIS database.
• If you have an H-1B visa or another nonimmigrant visa, you should report your new address directly to the Department of Homeland Security.

 

Keep Your Visa Status Updated

Watch the expiration date on your visa. You don't want to stay in the U.S. longer than you're allowed. If you need more time, you should start asking about an extension a few months before your visa is set to expire. The exact timing depends on your visa type.
 

• For a J-1 visa, try to start 3 months before it expires.
• For an H-1B visa, start the process about 7 months in advance.

Check Out: The Power of H1-B Visas in Boosting U.S. Technology and Semiconductors
 

Don’t Let Your Passport Expire

Your passport should always be valid. Keep it, and copies of other important documents, in a safe place. 

If your passport is lost or stolen, report it immediately and get in touch with your country's consulate for help in replacing it.
 

Work Right

You're usually only allowed to work for the University of Washington, or whoever your visa sponsor is, and only under specific conditions. Check your documents to understand where and how you can work legally.
 

Leave When Your Visa Ends

When your time in the U.S. or your academic program is over, you should leave the country unless you've gotten permission to switch to a different visa or extend your stay. 

Some visas might let you hang around for a little while longer, but don't overstay your welcome to avoid serious trouble.

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