Office of Global Engagement
International Student and Scholar Services
Current F-1 Students
Immigration Requirements for F-1 Students
F-1 students are required to follow certain essential rules while inside the U.S. Following these rules, or “maintaining valid F-1 status,” is critical, since failure to maintain status can impact your ability to continue your studies, accept employment, or even remain in the U.S. Always contact ISSS with any questions you may have - we are here to help.
Maintaining Valid Status: Essential Rules for F-1 Students
Maintaining valid F-1 status requires that you follow the rules listed below.
- Make sure your passport is valid and unexpired at all times while in the U.S.
- Make sure your I-20 is unexpired and accurate. If any of the information on your might I-20 change (e.g., you plan to change your major or concentration), notify your ISSS advisor so that your I-20 can be updated.
- Carry your Form I-94 at all times while in the U.S. Read our information about local and domestic travel for more information.
- Apply for an I-20 extension, if needed, BEFORE your I-20 expires. Contact ISSS at least two months before your I-20 expires if you need more time to finish, or read the following instructions about requesting a program extension. Once the I-20 expires, it can no longer be extended.
- Do not engage in unauthorized employment. Working without valid authorization is an extremely serious violation of immigration regulations and may lead to loss of current and future immigration eligibility.
- Enroll full-time at all times during the academic year. Part-time enrollment is permitted only in specific situations. Read more about the full-time enrollment requirement (and exceptions).
- Notify ISSS if you are studying abroad, taking a leave of absence, or withdrawing from your program permanently. Different procedures may be needed depending on the situation.
- Update your U.S. residential address within ten days of any move. Read our Changing Your Address information page for more details.
- Depart the U.S. within 60 days of finishing your program, or take other action to extend your status such as applying for OPT, or transferring to another program of study. Once the 60 day grace period is reached, you are no longer eligible to maintain valid F-1 status.
- Seek legal advice if you have interactions with U.S. law enforcement, especially if they lead to an arrest or other charges. Violating U.S. laws, even if for reasons not directly related to your student visa, can impact your immigration status. ISSS can help refer you to legal resources.
For Additional Information
Familiarize yourself with regulations and authorizations before pursuing paid, unpaid or volunteer work while an F-1 student, and contact OISSS with questions.
Students who are not able to complete their current program by the expected end date because of valid academic or medical reasons, must apply for a program extension with the OISSS.
For immigration purposes, dependents are defined as a spouse or unmarried, minor (under age 21) children.
All F-1 students are required to be enrolled in a full-time course of study every academic semester for the entire length of their academic program.
By taking a leave of absence a student is no longer full-time enrolled and this will affect their F-1 status.
When transferring from one school to another school within the United States, you must carefully follow certain procedures to maintain lawful F-1 status.