Maintaining F-1 Status
To maintain F-1 status, students must follow all visa rules and regulations.
Failure to comply may result in a violation of status, termination of the SEVIS record, and loss of F-1 benefits. In such cases, students must depart the U.S. immediately.
Need Help? Contact the Office of International Services with any questions to stay in compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Maintain Required Documents
F-1 students must always have:
- A valid Form I-20
- A valid passport (at least 6 months in the future)
- A valid I-94 showing 鈥淔-1鈥� and 鈥淒/S鈥� or a valid I-797 Approval Notice
Report Address Changes
Report any address changes within 10 days via My Student Profile in eCampus.
Duration of Status
You must depart the U.S. within the following timelines:
- 60 days after completing your program or OPT
- 15 days after authorized early withdrawal
- No grace period after dismissal or status violation
Notify International Services if you complete your program early.
Academic Requirements
- Attend all classes 鈥� in-person attendance is required to maintain status
- Maintain full-time enrollment and meet all GPA requirements
- Contact your DSO before dropping or withdrawing from a class
- You may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load in limited cases 鈥� speak to your DSO
Changes to Your Program
- Change of Major/Minor 鈥� Request an updated I-20 if you change or add a major/minor.
- Change of Educational Level 鈥� Submit a request for a new I-20 at least 30 days before your current program ends. Do not begin your new level without it.
Employment
Unauthorized employment is a violation of status.
F-1 students may work only with proper authorization, which may include:
- On-Campus Employment (while enrolled)
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 鈥� tied to your academic program
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) 鈥� pre- or post-completion
- Other Types 鈥� Visit the Employment page
Program Extension
If you need more time to complete your program, request a Program Extension at least 30 days before your I-20 expires. Academic advisor approval is required.
Transfer Out
To transfer to another U.S. school:
- Submit a Transfer Out request in the Portal
- Include your acceptance letter
- Your new program must start within 5 months of completing your current one
To learn more about Transfer Out visit the Transferring to Another School page.
