Maintaining F-1 Status

In order to be eligible for F-1 status benefits such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), on-campus employment, program transfer, change of status such to H-1, you must maintain your immigration status. In order to maintain your status, you must:

1. Maintain a full-course of study: 9 credit hours or more.
2. Refrain from unauthorized employment and do not work more than 20 hours per week in your authorized employment positions.
3. Have your I-20 Signed by the International Student Services Office every time you travel outside the US.
4. Attend the school you are authorized to attend on your I-20. You must follow both USCIS and university transfer procedures to attend a new school.
5. Leave the United States 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.
6. Receive a new I-20 when transferring from one level to another or from one degree to another at the same university.
7. Have a valid, un-expired passport.
8. Notify the USCIS and the Office of the Registrar of any change in residence or mailing address within 10 days of the change.

Click here for a guide to maintaining your immigration status

*Remember, immigration is very strict and

doesn't allow you any extra time if you forget*