Important F-1 Status Info

Entering the U.S.

You will need a MCC I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status, a valid F-1 visa (the visa stamp in your passport) issued by the U.S. embassy/consulate overseas, a valid passport, and your SEVIS fee receipt. You may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date in section 5 on your I-20.

Mandatory Immigration Check-In

You are required to check in with the Directors of Admissions and Records by the starting date on your I-20 or within 5 business days of your arrival. Failure to meet with the Director of Admissions and Records within this time frame will cause your academic program to be terminated automatically and end your lawful immigration status.

Maintaining Legal F-1 Status

As an F-1 student, you must meet certain obligations in order to maintain legal immigration status. Failure to maintain your non-immigrant status can result in serious problems with immigration and could lead to deportation from the U.S.

To maintain lawful status, an F-1 student must:

  • Maintain good academic standing and make progress towards an academic program.
  • Extend your I-20 prior to its expiration date if you are unable to complete your academic program by the original expiration date.
  • If you change an academic program/major, update your I-20 to reflect the new course of study.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year: 12 credits per fall and spring term.
  • Do not accept unauthorized employment or work off campus without authorization (I-765 Application for Employment Authorization).
  • Keep your passport valid at all times. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future on the day you return to the U.S. from a trip abroad.
  • Update your current and permanent address information with the Director of Admissions and Records within 10 days of moving.

Employment

U.S. government regulations require F-1 students to be in the U.S. for the primary purpose of attending school. In general, employment in the U.S. is restricted. The following employment possibilities exist for F-1 students:

  • Off-campus employment: Under certain conditions you may be eligible for off-campus employment either based on economic need or practical training. You may not begin the employment unless you have received official authorization through the issuance of an Employment Authorization Card (EAD). You must meet with the Director of Admissions and Records

Dependents

Dependents are defined as spouse and minor children under 21 years old of the F-1 student. Please be aware that each of your dependents will need his/her own I-20 in order to obtain an F-2 visa at the U.S. embassy/consulate and to enter the United States. F-2 status holders may not accept employment or engage in business under any circumstances.

The F-2 spouse of an F-1 student may not engage in full time study, and the F-2 child may only engage in full-time study if the study is in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade). The F-2 spouse and child may engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature.

Grace Period

When an F-1 student successfully completes his/her academic program or Optional Practical Training, there is a 60-day grace period during which the F-1 student and any F-2 dependents may stay in the U.S. but may not work or travel nor reenter in F-1 status.

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