The United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services requires that international students studying in the United States on F-1 visas follow specific guidelines and policies during their time of study. Following is a summary of the requirements concerning your student residence in the United States:
- Keep your passport and visas current at all times. Passports must be kept valid and can be renewed at your country's consulate or embassy in the USA.
- Inform the Office of Student Life within 10 days of any change in your name, address, major, or financial circumstances.
- Maintain full-time enrollment (a minimum of 12 credit hours) during the academic semester with satisfactory academic progress towards graduation.
- Do not accept off-campus employment without prior official permission from the USCIS. (See Employment.)
- Do not travel outside the United States without proper documents. Within 12 months of returning to the USA you should have your I-20 endorsed by the Dean of Students. This includes travel to Canada and Mexico.
- File any necessary applications for extension of stay before your current I-20 expires. The date of anticipated graduation on your I-20 determines this date. If you cannot complete graduation requirements (for valid reasons) by the date noted on your I-20, you may apply for an extension of stay.
- The maximum period of stay in the United States for a student is the completion of one or more educational programs, plus one year post-completion practical training.
- Obey the laws of the United States of America. This includes filing Federal Income Taxes.
- Contact the Office of Student Life if you are considering transfer or withdrawal.
Additional information may be found at the USCIS website: www.uscis.gov, or by calling the USCIS Customer Service at: 800.375.5283.
