Maintaining F-1 Status
Office of International Education

It is the responsibility of an international student to abide by U.S. immigration regulations and to maintain valid non-immigrant student status.

• Engage in a full-time course load (or authorized equivalent) every Fall and Spring semester
  • Undergraduate students: 12 credits
  • Graduate students without assistantship: 12 credits
  • Graduate students with assistantship/fellowship: 9 credits
  • Graduate students who require additional English language instruction: 9 graduate-level credits + 3 credits undergrad ESL
  • Graduate students who have met all academic requirements: 1 research credit & file a Certificate of Full-Time Status every semester you meet the eligibility requirements
  • Last Semester Exception: You are only required to take as many credits as are required to finish your degree program but you must be enrolled in at least 1 credit the semester you will graduate (including the summer)
• Make normal progress towards completing your degree (i.e., within timeframe allotted on I-20)
• Report a change of address to OIE & Registrar within 10 days of the change
• Do not work off-campus without authorization from OIE
• Be aware of expiration dates of your immigration documents and renew/extend in a timely manner
• Keep passport and I-20 valid at all times during your program
• Keep your I-20 valid by following proper procedures for I-20 extensions, change of program/program level, and SEVIS transfers
• Abide by rules requiring disclosure of information and prohibition on criminal activity
  • If you are arrested or charged with a crime, it is extremely important that you obtain legal counsel that is competent in both criminal law and immigration law
  • ESF must update SEVIS within 21 days with "Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of the student being convicted of a crime.
• Abide by any special requirements, such as Special Registration (NSEERS) requirements
• Abide by F-1 end of program grace period rules
  • 60 days to depart the U.S. following program/OPT completion
• Seek advice and prior permission if you plan to:
  • Register for less than full-time/ drop a class
  • Take online courses
  • Take courses at another institution
  • Apply for employment
    • On-campus: Attend on-campus employment seminar at SCIS    
    • Off-campus: Attend CPT or OPT seminar at SCIS
  • Take a leave of absence or withdraw from the College
  • Transfer (during program or end of program)