Maintaining F-1 Status
Students in F-1 status are responsible for maintaining their immigration status. Failure to do so could jeopardize your status and result in accrual of unlawful presence. In order to maintain your status, all F-1 students must adhere to the below requirements:
- Check-in with your International Services Representative or attend mandatory F-1 Orientation
- Report any address changes to OIS within 10 days, as well as any changes to your phone number or email address
- Register for a full course of study each term and make normal progress toward your degree. If you will be less than full-time, consult with OIS to determine what, if any options, are available. (Full-time load is determined by each school, please refer to the applicable catalog.)
- Refrain from engaging in any work without authorization. If you have any questions as to what constitutes employment and what your options are for obtaining work authorization, contact OIS
- Apply in advance for an extension of your I-20 if you will continue with your program of study beyond the current end date
- If you are on 12-month OPT, do not exceed the 90 day maximum of unemployment, and if you are on your 24-month STEM OPT extension, do not need the 150 day maximum of unemployment
- Follow proper procedures for transferring from one school to another or from one educational level to the next
- Maintain a valid passport at all times, and at least six months into the future.