Maintaining F-1 Status
Maintaining your F-1 status is your responsibility. You must follow U.S. immigration regulations and university requirements throughout your studies.
Failure to maintain F-1 status may result in SEVIS termination, loss of F-1 benefits, and other immigration consequences.
F-1 Student Responsibilities
- Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program start date.
- Make sure the school listed on your visa and Form I-20 is the school you intend to attend.
- Maintain a full course of study each term.
- Attend your classes and make normal academic progress.
- Talk with your DSO before dropping, withdrawing from, or changing a course.
- If you cannot maintain full-time enrollment, contact your DSO. A Reduced Course Load (RCL) may be available in limited circumstances.
F-1 students are subject to federal restrictions on changes to their educational objective, including changes to their major, educational level, or school. The applicable restrictions depend on the student’s current educational level.
- Below the Graduate Level: Changes are restricted during the first academic year
- Graduate Level or Above: Changes are prohibited at any point during the program
- Report any address change within 10 days through the My Student Profile in eCampus
- Maintain a valid Form I-20
- Maintain a valid passport
- Check your Form I-94 to make sure it reflects F-1 and be aware of your Admit Until Date (AUD)
Do not begin employment without proper authorization. Depending on your eligibility, F-1 employment may include:
Need More Time to Complete Your Program?
If you need additional time to complete your program beyond your Admit Until Date (AUD), you must obtain an approved Extension of Stay (EOS) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Before filing an EOS application with USCIS, students and exchange visitors must first receive a recommendation from International Services and obtain an updated Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, as applicable.
Departure Period
F-1 students who successfully complete their program generally have a 30-day grace period to prepare for departure or take appropriate action to maintain lawful status. During this period, eligible students may:
- Prepare to depart the United States
- Transfer to another school
- Pursue another authorized immigration option
- Apply for a change of status
Employment is not permitted during the grace period unless separately authorized.
The 30-day grace period does not apply to students whose SEVIS records are terminated because of a violation of F-1 status.
If your SEVIS record is terminated:
- You do not have an applicable 30-day departure period.
- Do not assume you have additional time to remain in the United States.
- Contact your DSO immediately to discuss your circumstances and available options.
Immigration rules and options can vary based on your individual circumstances.
Additional Resources for F-1 Students
Students can also refer to these helpful resources about student issues, maintaining status or other issues that may arise.
