Frequently Asked Questions | Handbook | General Immigration Info
Important Dates | F-1 Status Checklist | 1-901 SEVIS Fee Insert

Checklist for Student to Maintain F-1 Status

It is essential to remember that you must take full responsibility for maintaining your status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). That is, you are responsible for finding out, knowing, and following pertinent regulations.

Students in F-1 Status must do the following to maintain status:

	Have a valid, unexpired passport.
	Do you know when your passport expires?
	Attend the school that you are authorized to attend
	If you plan to take classes at another college during the summer breaks make sure to see the international student advisor before registering for classes.
	Pursue a full course of study or engage in authorized practical training following completion of studies.
	You should be enrolled in 12 undergraduate units (3 courses). If you need to drop below that, you must see the international student advisor for approval.
	Do not accept employment of any kind, either on or off campus, without written permission from the International Student Office and, if necessary, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
	**Please see International Student Advisor before working.
	Make normal progress towards completing a course of study.
	This means being enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate units (usually in the form of 3 classes), attending regularly, and doing well in them.
	Have a valid I-20 and apply for timely extensions.
	It is your responsibility to know when your visa and I-20 expire. Visa expiration: Please see Todd or Carol, in the International Student Office (Scott Hall 110), 6 months before your visa expires. I-20 expiration: Please see Todd or Carol 2 months before your I-20 expires.
	Have medical insurance at all times.
	While you are on an F-1 Visa, you are required to have medical insurance. You may provide proof of medical insurance from your home country that is valid in the United States
	Follow transfer procedures
	Once you have completed your studies and any practical training that is authorized, you must leave the U.S., transfer your I-20 to another school, or change to another immigration status within the appropriate time allowed. Students in F-1 student immigration status are allowed to stay in the U.S. for 60 days beyond their completion date.
	If you are planning to travel outside of the United States.
	If a student is planning to make a trip outside the U.S., the student must have page 4 of his/her I-20 form endorsed (signed) by Todd Sasaki, Jamie Francis, Shirley Hawkins or Carol Brandt. Please have one of these people sign your I-20 at least 2 weeks before you plan to travel.