Maintaining F-1 Status

As an F-1 student, you are admitted into the United States for “Duration of Status” (D/S is found on the I-94). This means you are permitted to stay in the United States as long as you maintain your status by fulfilling the requirements of being an F-1 student. You can lose your legal status if you do not comply with immigration laws regulating your stay in the United States. A violation of your student status may require reinstatement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Regulations you must follow:

• ​Passport: Maintain a valid passport at all times, unless exempt from passport requirements.
• Form I-20: A valid Form I-20 is required at all times. Obtain a new Form I-20 whenever there is a change in degree levels, change of major, change in name, or program extension.
• School Attendance: Attend the University that is listed on Form I-20. Attend school every fall and spring semester while in the U.S. under F-1 status. Summers are optional unless a degree program is started or completed in a Summer Session.
• Full Course of Study: Register, maintain and complete a full course of study every academic session (12 hours undergraduates and 9 hours graduates). The Summer Session is an academic session if it is the student's first or final term.
• Reduced Course Load (RCL): Permission to drop below a full course of study requires prior approval from the Designated School Official (International Student Advisor).
• Program Extension: Should more time be needed to complete degree requirements, students must apply for a program extension prior to the completion date listed on his or her Form I-20. The extension Form I-20 must be issued prior to the expiration date stated on the Form I-20.
• Employment: All employment must be approved by the Designated School Official (International Student Advisor) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session.
• Travel: Travel out of the U.S. will require a travel endorsement on your Form I-20 from your Designated School Official (International Student Advisor) in order to re-enter the U.S. to continue studies. Obtain a travel endorsement prior to departing the U.S.
• Change of Address: Report a change of address to your International Student Adviser on Form AR-11 within 10 days of the change. Also, advise of name change.
• Co-Enrollment and School Transfer: Co-enrollment and school transfers must be approved by the Designated School Official (International Student Advisor).  Prior approval is required.
• Distance Learning Classes (Online Classes):  No more than one class or three credit hours per semester may be counted toward the full course of study requirement if the class is taken through distance learning.
• Completion of Studies: Upon completion of studies there is a 60-day grace period. The grace period may be used to depart the U.S., transfer schools, change degree levels, or request a change of status. The completion of studies date is the date a student completes his or her studies, not the graduation date.