International Student Services

[All information is subject to change without notice.]

In order to be eligible for F-1 status benefits such as Practical Training (OPT and CPT), on-campus employment, travel endorsements, program extension, reduced enrollment, etc., you must maintain your F-1 immigration status. In order to maintain your status, you must:

1. Report to the DSO at the school you are authorized to attend on your I-20 for initial registration in SEVIS. You must follow USCIS and university transfer procedures to attend a new school.
2. Not work, either on or off campus, unless specifically authorized under the regulations at 8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(9) or (10)
3. Have a valid, un-expired passport, I-20 and I-94 card. A valid F-1 visa is not required to maintain F-1 status.
4. Apply for a new I-20 when you change your program of study or educational level. (Example: when you go from a Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s degree)
5. Notify the Office of the Registrar of any change of residence or mailing address within ten days of the change. You may also use the Student Information System to make the change.
6. Leave the U.S. by the anticipated completion date on your I-20. If you must remain in the U.S. past your I-20 completion date, follow extension procedures with the International Student Services Office.
7. Abide by the F-1 grace period rules, including remaining in the U.S. for no longer than 60 days after completing a full course of study or a period of full-time Optional Practical Training.
8. Pursue a full-course of study in your degree program every long semester unless approved for reduced enrollment by your International Student Advisor.  Undergraduates must take 12 credit hours per semester. Graduate students must take nine credit hours per semester. You do not need to be enrolled during the summer vacation unless it is your first semester or you are beginning a new academic program. If you are a teaching or research assistant, your academic department may have specific hour requirements
9. Make normal progress towards completing your course of study by completing your studies before the expiration of the program completion date on your I-20.
10. Abide by any special requirements, such as Special Registration requirements.

If you have difficulty meeting the above requirements, please come to the International Student Services Office and speak with an International Student Advisor.

If you do not follow the above requirements you will be considered “out-of-status” and you must follow reinstatement procedures.