Maintaining of Status

It is extremely important for a nonimmigrant student to maintain his/her status while in the United States.  Failure to maintain the terms and conditions may subject to loss of F-1 status and deportation from U.S.

» Keep Form I-20 valid
» Keep your passport valid for six months into the future
» Maintain full time study during every semester, unless approved under specific exception, in advance, by DSO.
» Keep good academic standing and make normal progress towards the completion of your program
» Notify the International Students Office of address change within 10 days
» File timely requests for extension of stay, transfer, and optional practical training.
» Do not work off-campus without proper authorization   
» Obey all state and federal laws
» Depart from the U.S. in a timely manner

F-2 Dependents:
» F-2 may not accept employment under any circumstances. 
» F-2 spouse may not engage in full time study. Should F-2 spouse wishes to engage in full time study, he/she must apply for change of status to F-1.  Part-time study is permitted only to the extent that it is "avocational or recreational".
» F-2 children may only engage in full time study at the K-12 level

Travel and Reentry
» A valid passport for at least six months after the date of reentry
» A valid F-1 visa (If your visa stamp has expired, you must renew your visa before you may return to the U.S.)
» Form I-20 properly endorsed by school DSO.  To get your travel signature please bring your I-20 to the International Student Office one week prior your trip.
» Always return with proper F-1 status.
» Your SEVIS I-20 will be cancelled if you absence from the United States more than 5 months.  

Grace period for after program completion date
An F-1 student who has completed a course of study and any authorized practical training following completion of studies will be allowed an additional an additional 60-day period to prepare for departure from the United States or to transfer to other SEVIS-approved school. 
» No employment is permitted during the 60-day grace period.
» The 60-day period cannot be used to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.