Maintaining F-1 Status

As an F-1 student, you are admitted to the Unites States in F-1 status for a period known as "duration of status" (D/S). It is extremely important for a nonimmigrant to maintain his or her status while in the United States. Failure to maintain the terms and conditions of nonimmigrant status is a ground for deportation under I.N.A. 237A(a)(1)(i).

1. Maintain a valid passport
2. Attend the school you are authorized to attend
3. Remain in the United States for no longer than 60 days after completing the full course of study, unless prior to that time the student has followed procedures for applying for practical training moving educational levels, or school transfer
4. Report a change of address to the International Student Advisor
5. Report a change in your legal name or dependent's legal name to the International Student Advisor within 10 days of this action occurring
6. Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours a week while school is in session
7. Not work off-campus without authorization (Please go to Employment in the U.S. for more information)
8. Pursue a full course of study and make normal progress towards the completion of the course of study before the expiration of the program completion date on the CofC issued visa document.

Full course of study and full-time study, except during the summer school breaks, are defined as follows: Undergraduates --> 12 units per semester Graduates --> 9 units per semester

Please note that a student who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the DSO will be considered out of status.

If a student has any special circumstances, always seek the advice of the International Student Advisor on the maintenance of the F-1 status immediately.

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