General Information for International Students with F-1 visas

International students holding F-1 visas and attending schools in the United States are subject to federal regulations for entry to the United States and maintenance of their status. These regulations are generally found in Federal Regulations 8CFR 214.2(f), 214.3, 214.4 and the Immigration and Nationality Act 101(a) (15) (F).

Maintaining F-1 status:

Page two of the SEVIS Form I-20, signed by the student upon acceptance to the college, outlines some of these responsibilities. Generally, to maintain status you must:

• Keep a valid SEVIS Form I-20 at all times. The expiration date is indicated on item #5 on the SEVIS Form I-20.
• Keep a valid passport at all times.
• Report a change of address within 10 days of your move to the International Education Office.
• Enroll in and complete 12 units each fall and spring semester, and make satisfactory progress toward completion of your program. Students may not drop, withdraw, or stop attending classes without prior permission from both the International Students Program Specialist and a counselor, unless the units dropped will not result in less than 12 units completion.
• Pursue the major listed on your SEVIS Form I-20.

In addition:

• Do not enroll in more than ONE distance education class.
• Do not accept employment off campus without prior permission from the International Students Office Specialist and the Department of Homeland Security.
• By federal regulations, international students are allowed a 60-day grace period to remain in the United States following completion of their program or completion of practical training. (This grace period does not apply to students who are out of status or have withdrawn all classes).

• A student who completes his/her program and is ready to transfer to another institution should inform the International Education Office of his/her intent to transfer.
• A student who completes his/her program and is ready to return home, should inform the International Education Office of his/her intent to return home in writing.
• A student who completes his/her program and wishes to apply for Optional Practical Training should inform the International Education Office 60 days prior to completion of the program.

Students who fail to maintain status should meet with the International Students Program Specialist immediately to prepare for reinstatement. Failure to complete reinstatement in a timely manner may result in denial of reinstatement.

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