maintaining f-1 status

Applying for an F-1 Visa | Changing to F-1 Status | Maintaining F-1 Status | F-1 Employment

The U.S. government has issued regulations that you need to follow in order to maintain your legal status as an international student in the U.S. Here are some of the basic rules:

Attending School

• You must enroll as a full-time student during every fall and spring semester.
  • Full-time academic study: 12 credits per semester
  • Full-time Intensive English-Language Study: 18-22 classroom hours per week
• Students who begin to study intensive English-Language Studies in the summer, must register full-time.
• You must attend the college from which you have received the I-20. There is an official immigration transfer process that you will need to follow if you wish to transfer from Northern Virginia Community College to another school.
• Attend classes regularly and complete all assignments and tests on time.
• Do not withdraw from any classes without consulting with an International Student Advisor.
• If you want to change your academic program of studies (your major), you need discuss this with the International Student Advisor before making the change.
• Contact the International Student Advisor if you are not able to attend classes due to illness, accident, or some other emergency event. You will need a letter from a doctor if you need to become a part-time student because of a health-related issue.

You are not allowed to work in the U.S. without authorization. As an F1 student, you are authorized to work on campus, but on-campus jobs are limited. You may not work more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. For more information, see F-1 Employment.

Your Documents

• Make sure your I-20, your passport, and I-94 are valid and are in a safe place.
• Report any change of address to the International Services Office on your campus within 10 days of moving, and the college will report the new address to the Department of Homeland Security, as is required by new regulations.

Traveling

• You need to have your I-20 signed by an International Student Advisor before you leave the U.S., even for a short trip outside the U.S.
• If you will be outside the U.S. for more than 5 months, you need to meet with a college International Student Advisor before you leave.
• Make sure your F-1 visa will be valid to return or that you will have enough time to get a new visa outside the U.S.

We want to help make your time in the U.S. rewarding. Please ask lots of questions, take time to explore the U.S., and enjoy your time here.

Links to F-1 Visa Information and Resources
Student Visas
U.S. Visa Information
F1 Visa(Academic or Language Students)