Maintaining International Student Status
Maintaining Valid F-1 Status in the U.S.
Although you are not likely to have much direct contact with USCIS, you should be fully aware of the primary conditions imposed by USCIS for you to retain your F-1 status. If you “fall out of status” for any reason, you will lose your student status, no longer be eligible to apply for work permission or other benefits afforded by your visa status. In some cases, your visa will be canceled and the only option is returning to your home country. Always talk to instructors, counselor/ISP office, and check with the Designated School Official (DSO) about your options. Although other situations not mentioned here may lead to the loss of status, following these guidelines will help you to avoid many unnecessary problems.
Basic Guidelines
Full-time enrollment is to enroll and complete 12 units each semester. Summer school is optional. For immigration purposes, students should not drop below 12 units per semester (note: W’s do not count towards the 12 units). Only 1 online or 3 credits can be taken online.
See a Counselor in general counseling, at least, once per semester for academic, career, or personal counseling.
If F-1 students cannot complete the education program by the program end date on page 1 of the I-20 form, request an “Extension of Stay (EOS)” 60 days prior to expiration date (allowable if doing normal academic progress). Extensions cannot be granted once date has passed. Submit your educational plan and request to the International Student Program.
Student-help employment must not exceed 20 hours per week during the academic year while full-time. If you fall out of status, you must stop working immediately. Email the International Student Program to discuss employment with a Designated School Official (DSO).
Do not work off campus. Off campus work permission for F-1’s (F-2s cannot work) are rarely given unless authorized by a DSO or USCIS.
You must only attend college named on your current I-20 form. Any other concurrent registration (i.e., CRC, ARC FLC) must have prior approval. If you Transfer in or Transfer out to another school, work closely with both schools.
When transferring out, apply for International Admissions/I-20 at new school/college. Work closely with International Student Advisors at both schools, making sure you have “ARC Release Date.” This usually may be end or last ARC semester day.
Keep passport valid at all times.
If your passport will expire within the next six months, check foreign consular offices in the United States to renew your passport:
Office of the Chief of Protocol Resources
or
When new F-1 students arrive in the United States
(U.S), they must report current U.S. address to their DSO. It is the responsibility of all F-1/F-2 students to notify any change of address within 10 days to the International Student Program and ARC Admissions and Records (e-Services). The DSO will update SEVIS with your new address.