Immigration Updates

ISSS is committed to providing updates that impact our international student and scholar community and to alerting you to resources that might be of use. Please check this page regularly for updates and continue to check your DU email account for important communications from our office.

On this page you will find:

  • Consolidated tips to maintain your non-immigrant status (key rules you need to follow)
  • An archive of relevant ISSS and campus email messages
  • List of people you can talk to about your immigration status or your concerns
  • Resources that might be of use to you while you are in the U.S. as a non-immigrant

 

  • How to maintain your non-immigrant status
    For F-1/J-1 students: 
    • Enroll full time each academic term starting on day 1 of the term. 
      • UNLESS it is the summer and summer is your annual vacation term, you are already authorized by ISSS to be on a non-summer vacation term, or you are already authorized by ISSS to have a Reduced Course Load.
    • Full time is 8 credits for graduate students and 12 credits for undergraduate students. 
    • Enroll in no more than one online class that counts towards your full time enrollment.
    • Do not work without authorization. 
    • Report any change to your residential address within 10 days. Make this update in My4D by entering your residential address in the "Mailing Address" section.
    • Carry a copy of your I-94 record with you at all times.
    • If you have an EAD card (for example, when you are on OPT), carry this with you at all times.
    • For J-1 students: Always have J-1 compliant health insurance coverage that is approved by ISSS. 
     
    For J-1 scholars:
    • Report any change to your residential address within 10 days. Make this update by emailing isss@du.edu your new address.
    • Carry a copy of your I-94 record with you at all times.
    • Always have J-1 compliant health insurance coverage that is approved by ISSS.
    • Get permission from ISSS for any activity outside of DU in advance of the activity.
     
    For H-1B beneficiaries:
    • Report any change to your residential address within 10 days. Make this update by reporting to USCIS either online or via paper Form AR-11.
    • Carry a copy of your I-94 record with you at all times.
    • Do not do any work outside of your job duties as listed in your H-1B petition. This includes work off campus or on additional on campus work, including a promotion. These activities would require a formal H-1B petition to be submitted for approval prior to the work beginning. 
  • ISSS and Campus Messages
    January 28, 2025: Uncertain Times and Resources for Support

    Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:  

    We are writing today to reaffirm that the strength found in the University of Denver’s community comes from its people and their diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences.   

    The University of Denver is dedicated to providing ongoing support to every member of our community as we stay true to our values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. As always, we strive for a Community of Care in which all members of our community feel welcomed, valued, and affirmed. We honor the rich diversity of our community including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, national origin, religion, faith, disability, and socio-economic status. 

    We recognize this time of uncertainty and fear that members of our community are experiencing. Executive orders, federal agency action, the vacated 2024 Title IX regulations, and legislative developments are causing members of our community to be concerned about possible impacts to themselves, family, and friends, as well as how DU will approach diversity, equity, inclusion, and compliance efforts considering these changes. In short, our values will not change, and we remain committed to supporting every member of our community. 

    DU has and will continue to be guided by our institutional values and policies, in addition to state, federal, and local laws. The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, now led by Lin-Chi Wang, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Equal Opportunity and Title IX; the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the Division of Human Resources and Inclusive Community; the Office of General Counsel; Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence; and many other offices are partnering to understand the changes as they are being proposed or happening, create resources of support, and help the campus community navigate this time. 

    We encourage students, faculty, and staff to use the resources that are available to you.  

    • Students: the DUhelp website provides information on various student support resources at DU including identity-based support. Students can share their experiences with the Dean of Students Office  and learn more about support resources. 
    • The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EOIX) will continue to enforce the University’s Discrimination and Harassment policy, which prohibits discrimination and harassment on the bases of protected statuses including sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. 
    • First@DU includes resources for students in the immigrant community. 
    • Employees: Lean on your HRIC partner as a trusted resource and source of information.  
    • There is also helpful information about diversity resources on the University of Denver website.  

    You matter and you are not alone. You are part of a community that values you and we will continue to provide essential resources and support to help navigate these changes.  

    One of the most unique aspects of the DU community is our care and compassion for one another. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance.  

    Sincerely, 

    Jeff Banks
    Vice Chancellor, Human Resources & Inclusive Community 

    Stu Halsall
    Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs & Inclusive Excellence 

    Lin-Chi Wang
    Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Equal Opportunity and Title IX 

    Christopher Whitt
    Vice Chancellor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

     

    January 6, 2025: Support for our Immigrant & International Communities

    Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, 

    The University of Denver’s strength comes from its people and their diversity of thought and experience. Every person is a welcome, respected, and essential part of our DU community. 

    As the Chancellor and Provost of the University of Denver, we want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our immigrant community and international students. We can only imagine the fear that comes from the conversations reported in the news. The University of Denver will remain committed to our values of non-discrimination, including on the basis of national origin. Please know that your presence profoundly enriches our university and elevates the quality and diversity of our student body and employee community. Every day, your unique talents, insights, and cultural perspectives strengthen DU. We are grateful for the invaluable contributions you make to our community.   

    We recognize the unique challenges many of our students face in pursuing their degrees, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. We are dedicated to providing essential resources, advocacy, and support to help navigate these challenges. Together, we will continue working to help maintain a safe and welcoming space for everyone. 

    In the coming weeks, DU will host “Know Your Rights” workshops designed to empower our immigrant community members with information about your rights and protections. We will offer these sessions in a manner that prioritizes the safety and anonymity of attendees. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to participate and take advantage of the resources available to you, including mental health services and information on legal resources. In addition, please visit the First@DU website, the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website, and the DEI Resources page for more resources and helpful information. 

    Please know that you are not alone. We stand with you and are here to support you. 

    Sincerely, 

    Jeremy Haefner
    Chancellor 

    Mary L. Clark
    Provost 

  • Talk to Someone

    There are a variety of professionals at DU and in the community that want you to succeed as an international student or scholar. Please reach out to someone if you need assistance. You are welcome here!

    • International Student and Scholar Services - Meet with an ISSS Advisor via an appointment or during walk in hours.
    • Health and Counseling Center - Counselors are available to you if you need to talk through some of your stress or fear.
    • American Immigration Lawyers Association - If you wish to discuss your immigration questions with an immigration attorney, you can find a database of attorneys through AILA. For guidance on how to find an immigration lawyer, Informed Immigrant has put together this webpage with helpful tips. 
  • Resources