Staying Legal as an F-1 Student
OIE = Office of International Education
DSO = Designated School Official
SEVIS = Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
USCIS = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
(formerly INS/BCIS)
- Attend the school you are authorized to attend. On your initial entry
to U.S. the school noted on the visa and the I-20 must be the same,
and that is the school you must attend.
- If you are required to go through "Special Registration", comply with
all rules associated with Special Registration.
- Keep your passport valid at all times.
- Carry your I-94 at all times.
- Be enrolled in a full course of study (generally 12 credit hours undergrad/7
credit hours grad) by the 10th day of classes every semester. Then maintain
and complete a full course of study each semester, with the exception
of summer. Summer enrollment is optional unless it is your initial or
final term.
- Limit enrollment in distance education or on-line courses to no more
than 3 credit hours per semester if the hours are to be applied toward
full course of study requirements.
- Obtain approval from an OIE
DSO prior to enrolling in ESU classes if enrolling less
than full time when it is your final term.
- Obtain approval from an OIE
DSO prior to withdrawing from a course that places you below
full time for an allowable academic or medical reason.
- If withdrawing from ESU and leaving U.S., notify an OIE
DSO prior to withdrawing to obtain a 15-day grace period
for departure.
- When transferring to another institution (even between degree levels),
contact an OIE
DSO within 60 days after completing your ESU program to
establish a SEVIS
release date to the new school. Upon receipt of the new school's
I-20, sign the Student Certification section and report to a
DSO at the new school within 15 days
of the I-20 report date.
- Report any change of name or address within 10 days of the change
to the OIE. If subject to Special Registration, also notify USCIS
within 10 days of the change on Form AR-11SR (http://www.uscis.gov)
- Never work more than 20 hours per week on campus except during summer
or periods when school is not in session.
- Never work off-campus or after completion of your academic program
without obtaining prior authorization from an OIE
DSO or USCIS
.
- Have your I-20 signed by an OIE
DSO (or request a new I-20 if there has been a substantive
change) before traveling out of the U.S. if you plan to return to continue
your program at ESU.
- Obtain a new I-20 to reenter U.S. any time you will be out of the
country for an entire semester or more than five consecutive months.
- Obtain a program extension from an OIE
DSO prior to the expiration date in #5 of the SEVIS
I-20 if you will not complete your program by that date.
- During post-completion optional practical training, report any change
of name or address or early termination of employment (if other employment
will not be sought) within 10 days of the occurrence to an OIE
DSO .
- Keep all of your old original I-20s for your records.
There are almost always exceptions to these rules. See an international student advisor ( DSO ) in OIE if you have ANY questions BEFORE you do something different.
REMEMBER ---- It is always easier to stay in status than to get back in
status!
Important additional notes regarding F-2 dependents:
- F-2 dependents may only take classes that are recreational or avocational
in nature (unless the dependent is a child in elementary or secondary
school). Otherwise, before an F-2 may go to school full time, the dependent
must first obtain F-1 status.
- F-2 dependents are not allowed to work in the U.S. (or receive any
compensation for services provided).
- Any change in address or name of an F-2 dependent requires notification
to an OIE
DSO.
- All F-2 dependents must possess their own SEVIS I-20s.
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Last Updated July 31, 2007