Maintaining Your F-1 Status in the U.S.

To maintain your legal status in the United States as a F-1 student, you must remember these important requirements:

1. Report to the International Student Advisor within 30 days of I-20 start date.
It is REQUIRED BY LAW that you come to the Office of International Student Services when you first arrive at Saint Mary’s College whether it is your first time in the U.S. or if you are transferring from another U.S. institution. If you are transferring to Saint Mary’s, you must complete the transfer procedures at the International Student Services within 15 days after classes start. The International Student Services will register you in the SEVIS database as having completed the transfer process. SEVIS Biosheet (pdf)

2. Always enroll FULL-TIME during the academic year
F-1 students must maintain full-time student status every semester. For undergraduate students, full-time means you must register and complete at least 12 credits each semester; as a graduate student, you must simply be registered. There are some rare exceptions to this regulation however. Please talk to the International Student Services staff BEFORE you drop below full time enrollment or take a leave of absence. SEVIS Change of Status Form (pdf)

3. Update your new address within 10 days of moving
The immigration regulations require you to update your local residential address within 10 days of moving within the U.S. You must update your local address by notifying the International Student Services.

4. Keep your immigration documents VALID at all times:

• Keep your passport valid
• Apply for an extension at the International Student Services BEFORE the “completion of studies” date in Item 5 of your I-20.
• Be sure your I-20 states the correct degree program and level Item 4.
• If you plan to transfer to another school, visit the International Student Services to discuss the immigration status transfer
• Make photocopies of all important documents

5. Never work off-campus without PRIOR authorization
Employment opportunities for international students in the U.S. are restricted by law. In general, there are two types of employment: on-campus employment and off-campus employment.

• On-campus Employment: Enrolled F-1 students are permitted to work on campus for 20 hours per week during academic year and 40 hours per week during summer and winter breaks.
• Off-campus Employment: Off-campus employment is any type of work or services performed in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit that is not on the Saint Mary’s campus. A work permit is required BEFORE any off-campus work is allowed. See the International Student Advisor for assistance.

6. Notify the International Student Services when you leave the U.S. or change visa status
When you finish your program, leave the U.S. permanently, or change your visa status notify the International Student Advisor of your plans.

7. If you TRAVEL outside the United States, be SURE to have the proper reentry documents
To re-enter the U.S., you need to have the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Valid F-1 or F-2 visa stamp
• Current I-20 with a valid signature
• I-94
• Proof of financial support
• Proof of enrollment