New F-1 and J-1 Students & Scholars

The admissions process remains familiar:

1. Receive admission to TCU.
2. Obtain your Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1).
3. Apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, if required.
4. Travel to the United States.
5. Be admitted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The primary difference is how your authorized stay is documented after you enter the United States.

Instead of receiving “D/S” (Duration of Status) on your Form I-94, you will generally receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) that establishes the period of your authorized stay.

As a new student or scholar, you will have several important immigration documents. Each serves a different purpose.

Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)

Issued by TCU. This document confirms your eligibility to study or participate in your exchange visitor program. You will use this document to:
• apply for your visa (if required);
• enter the United States;
• maintain your immigration status;
• request future immigration benefits.

F-1 or J-1 Visa

Issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. The visa allows you to request admission to the United States. It does not determine how long you may remain in the United States after you are admitted.

Form I-94

Issued electronically by CBP when you enter the United States. This document records:
• your admission date;
• your immigration classification; and
• your authorized period of stay.
Under the new rule, your Form I-94 will generally include an Admit Until Date (AUD).

After entering the United States:

Step 1

Review your electronic Form I-94. Confirm that:
• your name is correct;
• your immigration classification is correct;
• your admission date is correct; and
• your Admit Until Date is consistent with your admission.
If you notice any discrepancies, contact International Services promptly.

Step 2

Attend TCU’s required international student or scholar orientation.
Orientation provides important information about maintaining your immigration status, university policies, and available campus resources.

Step 3

Complete any required immigration check-in procedures with International Services.

Although the admission rule has changed, your responsibilities remain largely the same.

You must:

• maintain full-time enrollment if required by your immigration category;
• keep your passport valid;
• maintain accurate immigration documents;
• notify International Services of changes to your address, academic program, or personal information as required;
• obtain authorization before engaging in employment when required; and
• follow all applicable immigration regulations.

Many students and scholars experience changes after arriving in the United States.

Examples include:

• extending a degree program;
• changing majors;
• transferring schools;
• changing funding;
• accepting employment benefits such as OPT or Academic Training.

The Final Rule may affect the immigration procedures associated with these changes. Contact International Services before making decisions that could affect your immigration status.

No. The visa allows you to request admission to the United States. Your Form I-94 documents the period of authorized stay after admission.

Yes. International Services recommends saving a copy of your Form I-94 after every admission to the United States.

You should renew your passport through your country’s embassy or consulate. A valid passport is required throughout your stay in the United States.

International Services will continue to provide advising and reminders consistent with university procedures. However, maintaining valid immigration status is ultimately the responsibility of each student and scholar.

We encourage you to monitor your immigration documents and contact us well before important deadlines.

Yes. Eligible students and scholars may continue to request program extensions under applicable immigration regulations. Depending on your circumstances, additional immigration procedures may also be required.

Scenario 1: New Undergraduate Student

Situation: Student arrives at TCU in August 2027 to begin a bachelor’s degree.
What to Expect: Student enters the United States using their Form I-20 and F-1 visa. After arrival, student reviews their electronic Form I-94, completes International Services check-in, and attends orientation. Throughout their studies, they maintain their status by enrolling full time, keeping their documents valid, and consulting International Services before accepting employment or making changes to their program.

Scenario 2: New J-1 Research Scholar

Situation: Exchange visitor (EV) begins a two-year research appointment at TCU in October 2026.
What to Expect: EV enters the United States using a DS-2019 and J-1 visa. After arrival, EV reviews the Form I-94, completes required check-in procedures, and meets with the host department and International Services to review program responsibilities and immigration requirements.

Scenario 3: Program Extension

Situation: A doctoral student determines that dissertation research will require an additional year.
What to Expect: The student should contact International Services well before the current program end date. Advisors will review eligibility for a program extension and explain any additional immigration procedures that may apply under the Final Rule.