Maintaining Good Standing
International students must understand and follow all U.S. immigration laws and regulations during their stay in the United States. You have been admitted to the U.S. only to study as a full-time or part-time student. You are responsible for maintaining this student status at all times. Participation in activities other than your studies, including employment or travel, is a privilege. These activities are only permitted when they comply with strict U.S. Department of Homeland Security rules. When you entered the U.S., you agreed to abide by the conditions and obligations of your non-immigrant status. As long as you continually meet these obligations, you will be considered “in status” or “maintaining your visa status.” The Office of International Student Services provides international students with the information and services to maintain your status. However, it is YOUR responsibility to abide by these regulations and maintain legal student status.To remain “in status”, you must ALWAYS:
1. Maintain a valid and unexpired passport throughout your stay in the U.S.
2. Attend the school whose name appears on the I-20.
3. Be registered as a full-time student or part-time border commuter student:
F1 full time: (12 credits for undergraduate students or 9 credits for graduate students)
F3 border commuter: (6 credits for undergraduate students or 3-6 credits for graduate students)
4. Keep your I-20 valid at all times, and apply for program extensions before expiration of your I-20.
5. Keep your immigration information current. Update Office of International Student Services within 10 days of any change of major, change of level, extensions, finances, dependents, etc.
6. Request a travel signature/endorsement on your I-20 before leaving the U.S.
7. Follow SEVIS immigration transfer procedures when changing from one school to another in the U.S.
8. Upon completion of your program of study, an F-1 student has 60 days:
a. Leave the U.S.,
b. Begin student work authorization (Optional Practical Training – OPT)
c. Obtain a new I-20 for a new school or new program in the next semester
d. Change to another immigration status
9. Please regularly check your email for messages from the Office of International Admissions and Student Services and your international student advisors. These messages may include important updates and alerts to help you stay informed and maintain your status.
10. ALWAYS maintain a 2.00 G.P.A. or better (undergraduates) or 3.00 G.P.A. (graduates – masters) / 3.25 GPA (graduates – doctoral)
To remain “in status”, you must NEVER:
1. Work off campus unless you have received the required authorization. This authorization must be approved by an Office of International Admissions and Student Services advisor and documented on your I-20 (such as OPT, CPT, or other practical training).
2. Work on campus more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. You may work full time on campus during break periods, summer and winter break.
3. Take a leave of absence, drop below a full-time course load, or participate in CPT or OPT without prior approval. Approval must be obtained from an International Student Advisor in the Office of International Student Services (ISS).
4. Drop a class before talking to an International Student Advisor.
5. Take more than 1 online course per semester.
Below you will find a table with allowable enrollment combinations:
An image of a table chart explaining enrollment combinations for undergraduate and graduate students.