Academic Integrity & Your Immigration Status
The information within this page is intended for F-1 or J-1 Students at Wake Forest University. This information is subject to change based on changing immigration regulations and University policies.
Always seek information regarding your visa status directly from professionals within the Center for Immigration Services and Support (ISS) team.
Always seek information regarding program policies from your individual programs.
As a Wake Forest University F-1 or J-1 visa-sponsored student, you must follow the academic integrity policies specific to your school.
An academic or judicial violation, such as failing to meet minimum GPA requirements for specific degree programs, or committing plagiarism, does not directly impact an international student’s F-1 or J-1 visa status. However, if such a violation ultimately causes a student to be academically dismissed or suspended from their program the consequences for one’s visa status can be severe.
Academic Dismissal and Appeal
If an F-1 or J-1 student is academically dismissed (suspension) during or after the semester resulting in the inability to enroll for classes, there can be serious immigration consequences. This may include termination of visa status and departure from the U.S.
You may have the opportunity to appeal* your dismissal, which would have various results depending on a student’s specific situation. For example:
- If the appeal is approved, there are no immigration consequences and the student may continue to enroll full-time.
- If the appeal is denied, then the student may choose to follow the instructions to appeal the denial or exit the U.S. immediately.
- If the student submits an appeal to the denial decision, then they may remain in the U.S. until the second/final dismissal decision is made.
If you are academically dismissed and your appeal was denied, then ISS must, by federal law, terminate your SEVIS record immediately after the date on which the dismissal was issued. Once your SEVIS record is terminated, you will be considered “Out of Status” and you must leave the U.S. immediately.
*ISS is not involved in the appeal process.
The School of Law’s Honor Code outlines their academic integrity expectations. In addition to the materials received at the JD and LLM orientations, the links below contain important information specific to the program.
The WFUSB outlines their academic integrity expectations for graduate students* in each of their programs. In addition to the materials received at orientations, and through continued education in your specific program, the link below contains important information for graduate students; including a link to the Graduate Student Handbook.
School of Business Academic Services Website
*Undergraduate students must follow the Undergraduate College expectations in regard to academic integrity.