Maintaining F-1 Status
It is extremely important for an F-1 student to maintain his or her status while in the U.S. Failure to maintain status is a ground for removal from the U.S. (deportation) under I.N.A. Section 237(a)(1)(C)(i).
To maintain F-1 status, you must complete the following.
- Pursue a "full course of study" (at least 9 units for graduate law students) every academic semester except during official school breaks or unless approved in advance by the Office of International Services.
- Report a change of address to the Office of International Services within 10 days of the change.
- Apply for an extension of your program if you cannot complete your degree by the ending date listed on page 1, item five of your I-20. You can apply for a program extension at any time.
- Maintain a valid passport at all times, unless exempt from passport requirements.
- Work off-campus ONLY if you have first received authorization from the Office of International Services. Check with the Office of International Services prior to commencing on-campus or off-campus work.
- Complete an official immigration transfer (must be completed within 15 days of the beginning of classes of your first semester at the new school) whenever you change educational institutions.
- Obtain a travel signature from the Office of International Services prior to traveling outside of the United States.
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