Maintaining F-1 Status

1. Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program start date.
2. Make sure the school listed on your visa and Form I-20 is the school you intend to attend.

• Contact your designated school official (DSO) when you enter the United States.
• Complete the “Immigration Check-in” prior to the program start date through the International Services Portal.
• Report your address and contact information through eCampus.

• Attend all your classes and make normal academic progress.
• Maintain a full course of study each term.
• Speak with your DSO before dropping, withdrawing from or changing a course.
• If you are unable to maintain a full course of study, contact your DSO. A Reduced Course Load (RCL) may be available in limited circumstances.
• F-1 students must complete their academic program by the program end date listed on their Form I-20. If additional time is needed for a qualifying reason, the student must submit a program extension request through the International Services Portal to their Designated School Official (DSO) before the current program end date. Extensions are not automatic and are subject to eligibility requirements.

• Report any address change within 10 days through the My Student Profile in eCampus
• Maintain a valid Form I-20
• Maintain a valid passport

An F-1 student may only work when authorized by a DSO in some cases and by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in others.

Do not begin employment without proper authorization. Depending on your eligibility, F-1 employment may include:

• On-Campus Employment
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• Other Employment Options

For information about employment and training options available to F-1 students, visit Working in the United States and talk with your DSO.