F-1 visa students should be aware of and follow these basic immigration regulations. Failure to abide by these rules may result in severe hardship:
Maintain full-time enrollment.
Students must be fully enrolled at all times. There are three exceptions to this rule. Students must speak with an International Student Adviser BEFORE falling below full-time hours for any reason. Undergraduate full time enrollment is a minimum of 12 credit hours. Graduate full time enrollment is a minimum of 9 credit hours, unless the student has an assistantship.
Do NOT work off-campus without authorization from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).
Make sure your passport is valid. Passport renewal should be done six months before the expiration date.
Make sure your I-20 is valid. This cannot be done after the I-20 expires. See the International Student Advisor about an extension when necessary.
Maintain updated contact information. Update your address, phone, and email contact information with the IIS Office.
Failure to follow these basic rules will prevent you from receiving the following benefits:
- On-campus employment
- BCIS authorization to work off-campus
- Program extension
- Signature on I-20 to return back to the US
- Financial assistance offered by the university (scholarships and waivers)
Questions concerning F-1 immigration regulations should be addressed to
Mark Galloway or
Bill McKibben, the International Student Advisors.
Appointments may be made directly with the International Student Advisors or by calling the Institute for International Studies at 270-809-4152.