Updated: 2025-12-04
Student requests may be submitted through the online ISS Request form. This form utilizes the Kuali Build system (see How to Use Kuali Build Form for ISS Requests). The forms (or request categories) and templates are grouped by section on this page. Each gives a brief explanation of its purpose and format.
The table immediately below provides a simplified list, which can be used to search for specific requests and links to them on the page.
Use the Search to look up a form or template.
Click on a Section link to go to it on this page, where you will find the summary of the form or template.
Click on the Format link to open the form or template directly instead of going to the section.
| Visa Type | Name | Section | Format | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F, J | Leave of Absence (LOA) | Academic Status | Online | 3 business days |
| F | Leave of Absence (LOA) Return | Academic Status | Online | 7 business days |
| F | Program Extension for F-1 | Academic Status | Online | 5 business days |
| J | Program Extension for J-1 | Academic Status | Online | 5 business days |
| F, J | Reduced Course Load (RCL) | Academic Status | Online | 3 business days |
| F | Suspension Return | Academic Status | Online | 7 business days |
| F | Transfer Out for F-1 | Academic Status | Online | 5 business days |
| F, J | Withdrawal and Departure | Academic Status | Online | 3 business days |
| F, J | Add Dependent(s) | Dependents | Online | 5 business days |
| F, J | Remove Dependent(s) | Dependents | Online | 3 business days |
| F, Any | Change of Status (COS) to F-1 | Documents and Records | Online | various, TBD |
| J | J-1 Health Insurance Provider Certification Form | Documents and Records | Online | N/A |
| F, J | Register/Activate New Record | Documents and Records | Online | 5 business days |
| F | Reinstatement to F-1 Status | Documents and Records | Online | various, TBD |
| F | Reprint I-20 | Documents and Records | Online | 5 business days |
| J | Reprint DS-2019 | Documents and Records | Online | 5 business days |
| F, J | Submit Document(s) Requested for Evidence (RFE) | Documents and Records | Online | 3 business days |
| J | Submit/Update J-1 Health Insurance | Documents and Records | Online | 5 business days |
| F, J | Update Record/Status | Documents and Records | Online | 5 business days |
| F | F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Employment | Online | 7 business days |
| F | F-1 Off-Campus Employment (OCE) for Economic Hardship | Employment | Online | various, TBD |
| F | F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Employment | Online | 7 business days |
| F | F-1 OPT STEM Extension | Employment | Online | 7 business days |
| F | F-1 OPT STEM Report | Employment | Online | 7 business days |
| F | F-1 Reset/Update SEVP Portal Account | Employment | Online | 3 business days |
| J | J-1 Academic Training | Employment | Online | 7 business days |
| J | J-1 Off-Campus Employment (OCE) for Economic Hardship | Employment | Online | 7 business days |
| J | J-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization | Employment | Online | 5 business days |
| J | J-1 Student Intern - Application Directions | J-1 Student Intern | N/A | |
| J | J-1 Student Intern - Form A: Internship Request | J-1 Student Intern | N/A | |
| J | J-1 Student Intern - Form B: Program Information | J-1 Student Intern | N/A | |
| J | J-1 Student Intern - Form C: Internship Training Plan | J-1 Student Intern | N/A | |
| J | J-1 Student Intern - Form D: Student Intern | J-1 Student Intern | N/A | |
| J | J-1 Student Intern - Form E: Home Institution Certification | J-1 Student Intern | N/A | |
| J | J-1 Student Intern - Form F: Evaluation of Student Intern | J-1 Student Intern | N/A | |
| J | J-1 Student Intern - Online Orientation and Check-In | J-1 Student Intern | Online | N/A |
| F, J | Kenji Yamaguma Scholarship | Scholarship Processing | Online | various, TBD |
| F, J | Other/Overawards | Scholarship Processing | Online | various, TBD |
| F | F-1 Certification for Social Security Number (SSN) | Tax IDs (SSN, ITIN) | Online | 3 business days |
| F, J | Certification for Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) | Tax IDs (SSN, ITIN) | Online | 3 business days |
| F, J | Enrollment Abroad/Away | Travel | Online | 7 business days |
| F, J | Travel Signature | Travel | Online | 3 business days |
| F, J | Cancel Authorization | Other | Online | 5 business days |
| F, J | Unlisted Category | Other | Online Request | various, TBD |
| F, J | Department Support Letter Template for Student Late Arrival | Template | N/A | |
| F, J | Doctor's Letter Template for Medical Reduced Course Load (RCL) | Template | N/A | |
| F, J | Employer Letter Template and Instructions | Template | N/A | |
| F, J | Visiting Family Invitation Letter Template | Template | DOC | N/A |
| F, J | Financial Support Letter Template | Template | N/A |
Academic Status
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 3 business days
Purpose: To report your return from a leave of absence (LOA) and request a re-activation of your F-1 record or creation of a new F-1 record and I-20.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 7 business days
Absences of 5 months or less require re-activation of a student's record. Absences of more than 5 months require a new record to be created. You will be required to furnish additional funding documents in order to get a new I-20.
Purpose: To extend the end date of your I-20 if you need more time to complete your program of study.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 5 business days
The earliest that you can apply for a program extension is the semester in which your I-20 will expire, and at least 30 days before the current expiration date. Extensions can only be given up to one year at a time.
Purpose: To extend the end date of your DS-2019 if you need more time to complete your program of study.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 5 business days
J-1 extensions are based on the availability of funds to cover the extension period. A financial worksheet must be completed, and proof of funding must be attached.
Purpose: To request less than a full-time course load for academic or medical reasons.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 3 business days
An RCL authorization only allows a student to enroll below the full-time requirement for their visa status. It does not equate to full-time enrollment for any purpose that requires verification of enrollment, including but not limited to loans, scholarships, or student employment. Students may reduce their course loads only after the authorization is given.
Impact on On-Campus Student Jobs and Assistantships
International students who are working or plan to work an on-campus student job are required to enroll full-time. The only exception is if the student is approved for an RCL for last semester and they are at least half-time enrolled.
Graduate students with Assistantships are normally required to be full-time enrolled. Even if an RCL is granted, you may risk losing your assistantship. Please check with your GA supervisor if you are allowed to enroll part-time and keep your assistantship.
Online enrollment limits under RCL
- F-1 students: Only one course or 3 credits online may be applied to the minimum enrollment under an RCL. In cases where the RCL is for only one course or 3 credits, that course/credits may not be online only.
- J-1 students: online courses may never be used to fulfill enrollment requirements, even with RCL authorization.
Academic Difficulties
- May be reduced down to as low as half-time enrollment
- Can be used only once regardless of the reason
- Can be used only in the first semester of the student's program
Last Semester
- May be reduced to the minimum amount of credits/courses required to complete the program
- Used in a student’s final term if he/she can complete the program with fewer classes
- Student must be enrolled in at least one required class.
- Students in the final semester may not enroll in only online classes, even with an RCL authorization. At least one class must be in-person or hybrid.
Illness or Medical Condition
- May be reduced to as low as 0 credits, depending on the doctor's recommendation. J-1 students are not eligible for a medical RCL of zero credit enrollment.
- May only be authorized up to one semester at a time
- Cannot exceed 12 month aggregate per program level
- May excuse a student from all classes
- Student must provide medical documentation from a licensed:
- Medical Doctor
- Doctor of Osteopathy
- Clinical Psychologist
- A request must be submitted for renewing the RCL each term, based on new or continuing medical information
- May be requested at any time during a regular semester as long as RCL time remains.
WARNING: An RCL for medical reasons may reduce your enrollment down to zero credits, if confirmed by your doctor. With this authorization, your F-1 record could remain active, and you would be able to stay in the U.S. However, academically, zero credits would mean an academic withdrawal, and so would require you to file separately a Leave of Absence (LOA) request for the intended semester.
- Undergraduates should meet with their academic advisor to file an LOA form.
- Graduate students should download the form from the Graduate Division website, and submit to ISS for signature before submitting to Graduate Division for approval.
An RCL for zero credits will not be authorized until the LOA is approved by your academic program.
Comprehensive Exam or the Equivalent
- May be reduced to the minimum amount of credits/courses needed to complete or to continue enrollment
- Limited to one semester
- Student must be
- a doctoral student preparing for comprehensive exams or the equivalent; and
- enrolled in a semester for which all or nearly all required coursework has been completed, and
- expected to achieve all-but-dissertation (ABD) status and be able to enroll in Dissertation 800 by the start of the following semester.
Purpose: To request a transfer of a student's F-1 record to another school.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 5 business days
A copy of the admission letter is required. If the student's new school require a "transfer form" to be completed by the ISS Office, that must be submitted as well.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 3 business days
Purpose: To request a new I-20 to return as an F-1 student after serving out an academic suspension.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 7 business days
For undergraduate students only. This may also be used for students previously in other nonimmigrant statuses who may wish to return as F-1 after the suspension.
Dependents
Purpose: To add a dependent or dependents to a student's F-1 or J-1 record. The dependents are designated as F-2 or J-2.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 5 business days
Must provide evidence of funding for the dependent(s) beyond the minimum required for the F-1/J-1 principal. J-1 must also provide health insurance coverage for the J-2 dependents that meet the minimum requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors.
Purpose: To remove a dependent or dependents from a student's J-1/F-1 record.
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 3 business days
Documents and Records
Purpose: To request a "Change of Status" I-20 in order to file an application to change from a current nonimmigrant visa status to F-1 status while remaining inside the U.S.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: Various, To be decided (TBD)
The actual application will go to USCIS with the required I-20. Students should consult with an ISS Advisor before submitting this request.
Purpose: To show proof of J-1 mandated health insurance coverage. To be completed by the student's health insurance provider.
- Format: Downloadable PDF
- Estimated processing time: N/A
This form may be included on requests related to J-1, such as add dependent, program extension, and Academic Training (AT). If submitted by itself, use the request category "Submit Document(s) Requested by ISS."
Purpose: To request SEVIS activation of an Initial F-1/J-1 record
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 5 business days
Requires the completion of all ISS check-in procedures. This is applicable to students who will start or have recently started at UHM as:
- a new freshman or transfer student,
- a current student changing programs, or
- a student returning from an absence, AND
carry an I-20 or DS-2019 that indicates INITIAL, TRANSFER, CHANGE OF EDUCATION LEVEL, or BEGIN NEW PROGRAM.
This is usually for new students who are applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), driver's license, and state ID, or starting an on-campus job that requires the employer to check for employment eligibility E-Verify. NOTE: If you have already submitted a request for F-1 Employment Certification for SSN, Certification for ITIN, or J-1 Employment Authorization, your record will automatically be registered, so this extra request is unnecessary.
Purpose: To request an I-20 to apply for a reinstatement to F-1 status after having fallen out-of-status due to a visa policy violation.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: Various, To be decided
Details must be discussed with an ISS advisor before a reinstatement I-20 can be issued. Reinstatement involves applying to USCIS while remaining inside the U.S. for the whole length of the process.
Purpose: To request a reprint of an I-20 that has been updated or been lost, stolen or damaged.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 5 business days
Purpose: To request a reprint of a DS-2019 that has been updated or been lost, stolen or damaged.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 5 business days
Purpose: To submit documents requested by the ISS Office or a specific advisor/staff member.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 3 business days
Purpose: To submit or update health insurance in order to meet J-1 status requirements.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 5 business days
A common document to submit is the J-1 Health Insurance Provider Certification Form.
Purpose: To request an update or change in a student's F-1/J-1 record.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 5 business days
Updates may include:
- Adjustment of status to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR, "Green card")
- Change to another nonimmigrant visa category
- Change of major
- Change of name
- Change of funding
- Complete(d) program or employment early and depart(ed) the U.S.
- Complete program from abroad
- Corrections (e.g., birth city)
- OPT approved
- OPT STEM Extension approved
- Passport Renewal
- Visa Renewal
Employment
Purpose: To request an I-20 with recommendation to work off-campus due to severe, unforeseen economic hardship
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: Various, To be decided (TBD)
The actual application for employment authorization goes to USCIS with the required I-20. Organizing the application takes time, and you must work closely with your assigned ISS advisor to prepare the application.
Purpose: To request an I-20 with recommendation for OPT
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 7 business days
The actual application for OPT goes to USCIS with the required I-20. OPT may be Pre-Completion OPT (before completion of studies) or Post-Completion OPT (after completion of studies).
Purpose: To request an I-20 with recommendation for OPT STEM Extension
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 7 business days
The actual application for OPT goes to USCIS with the required I-20. The OPT STEM Extension allows for an additional 24 months of employment authorization. A timely-filed application automatically gives up to a 180-day extension while the application is pending.
Purpose: To report updates to employment while on OPT STEM Extension
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 7 business days
Unlike regular OPT, students cannot update employers or employment information in the SEVP Portal account. Students must use this form to submit their mandated STEM reports every 6 months of the 24-month period, including self-evaluations, and any changes between scheduled reporting dates.
Purpose: To request a reset or update of a student's SEVP Portal account due to being locked out
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 3 business days
Students who did not receive an SEVP email to set up their SEVP Portal account, or did not set it up in time, may also use this to request that the email be resent. Students who are not able to enter employment in the SEVP Portal account because the start date is more than 10 days in the past should enter all the information and set the start date to the current day. Then, use this request to have ISS correct the start date.
Purpose: To request Academic Training (AT) authorization
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 7 business days
Authorization for AT may be Pre-Completion (before completion of studies) or Post-Completion (after completion of studies). Must submit an employer offer letter (see Template). Any request that requires an extension of the DS-2019 will require the student to provide proof of funding to cover the period of the extension.
Purpose: To request employment authorization to work off-campus due to severe, unforeseen economic hardship
- Format: Online
- Estimated Processing Time: 7 business days
See an ISS Advisor to understand the requirements before submitting this form. Student must provide a statement of their economic hardship, and a employer offer letter (see Template). J-1 authorizations can be up to one year, and must be renewed afterward.
J-1 Student Intern
A complete application packet for a J-1 Student Intern includes:
- Form A
- Form B
- Form C
- Form D, including copy of student passport and proof of funding
- Form E
J-1 Health Insurance Provider Certification Form - Downloadable from the Documents and Records section on this page. The form does not have to be submitted with the application packet, although that is preferred. The student is required to submit it before their arrival. It is suggested that the insurance is cleared well before arrival. Failure to meet the requirements of the health insurance minimums will result in the immediate termination of the program.
Form F: Evaluation of Student Intern - must be completed and submitted by the end of the program.
Form F: Evaluation of Student Intern
To be completed and submitted by the end of the internship. If the internship is more than 6 months, two evaluations must be submitted: a midpoint evaluation to cover the first half of the internship, and a concluding evaluation to cover the remaining portion.
Online Orientation and Check-In
Required to be completed by the student intern after arrival in the U.S.
Scholarship Processing
Purpose: To apply for the Kenji Yamaguma Scholarship, which is for unforeseen economic hardship. The student must meet and be cleared by an ISS Advisor before they can submit this form.
- Online Form: ISS Request
- Estimated Processing Time: Various, To be decided (TBD)
Purpose: To submit tax documents for scholarship overawards or other scholarships that require tax determination, such as the Kenji Yamaguma Scholarship.
- Online Form: ISS Request
- Estimated Processing Time: Various, To be decided (TBD)
Tax IDs (SSN, ITIN)
Purpose: To request a letter certifying that an F-1 student is eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 3 business days
Requires proof of on-campus employment through a completed and signed employer letter.
Purpose: To request a letter certifying student immigration documents so that they do not have to submit the originals with their ITIN application.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 3 business days
Students may only request this certification if they are applying for an ITIN based on a scholarship award. Students needing an ITIN for an income tax return should schedule an appointment with local Tax Assistant Center to review your documents in-person with your income tax form.
Travel
Purpose: To report the student's enrollment while outside the U.S. for extended period related to research or study abroad programs, or to report enrollment while away to another U.S. campus on the UHM National Student Exchange Program (NSE).
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 7 business days
Student must maintain full-time enrollment at UHM for the semesters they are away in order to keep their F-1/J-1 records active. Enrollment in non-UHM study abroad programs does not qualify to maintain an active record. F-1 students on NSE may have the option to transfer their F-1 records to the exchange school for the duration of the exchange period.
Purpose: To get an endorsement on a student's I-20 or DS-2019 that confirms the student's maintenance of status and qualification to re-enter the U.S. after temporary international travel.
- Format: Online
- Estimated processing time: 3 business days
The travel signature is valid for 12 months from the date of signature for both forms I-20 and DS-2019. If F-1 students are in a period of Post-Completion OPT or STEM Extension, then the signature is valid for only 6 months.
Other
Purpose: To cancel a request that has already been authorized or processed.
- Online Form: ISS Request
- Estimated Processing Time: 5 business days
Purpose: To be used for miscellaneous requests not listed that can be processed in the same manner as other requests. Do not use to send messages about problems or questions that are better suited to an advising appointment.
- Online Form: ISS Request
- Estimated Processing Time: To be decided (TBD)
Templates
Purpose: To be used by academic departments to draft a letter for new students entering the U.S. later than their scheduled start date. Students may use this letter as evidence to explain their situation and their department's support of the late entry to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.
- Format: Downloadable PDF
- Estimated Processing Time: N/A
Purpose: To be used by a licensed medical practitioner who is treating a student who requires a medical Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization
- Format: Downloadable PDF
- Estimated Processing Time: N/A
This letter confirms that the student has an illness or medical condition that warrants their reduction in courses in a given semester. Students requesting a medical RCL for zero credit enrollment must file and be approved for a leave of absence (LOA) before the RCL can be authorized.
Purpose: To be used by employers in providing the necessary information for students to receive any employment authorization
- Format: Downloadable PDF
- Estimated Processing Time: N/A
Purpose: To be used by a student whose family members may be visiting them in the U.S., and who feels their visa appointment would benefit in having a letter of support
- Format: Downloadable DOC
- Estimated Processing Time: N/A
Students are responsible for the visits of their family members, and as the host or as the reason (e.g., graduation) for the visit, students should draft their own support letters that detail the nature of the visit, the proposed activities, how the student will support them while they are here, etc.
Purpose: To be used by individuals to draft an affidavit of support (financial support) for a student who needs to show proof of funding for certain requests.
- Format: Downloadable PDF
- Estimated Processing Time: N/A