Maintenance of Status

It is extremely important for a nonimmigrant to maintain his or her status while in the United States.  Failure to maintain the terms and conditions of nonimmigrant status is a ground for removal from United States (deportation) under I.N.A. §237(a)(1)(C)(i).

The following are the FACTS to maintain status:

For the first entry for initial school attendance, the school listed on the visa and on the I-20 must agree and that is the school the student must intend to attend.

You must complete (not just register) for a full course load each semester.  Lyon students must complete 12 hours each spring and fall semester.  *If you need to drop below full-time hours, you must see the International Student Advisor prior to taking any action.

Normal progress must be made towards completing the course of study, by competing studies before the expiration of the program completion date on Form I-20.

Never work off-campus unless you have current authorization from the International Student Advisor and/or the DHS.  Even one day of work without authorization is a serious violation of U.S. law.

On-campus employment does not require authorization.  Off-campus employment is available only through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Economic Hardship.  All off-campus employment requires prior authorization before beginning employment.  Click here and go to Employment for details.

Keep Your passport valid at all times.  Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months into the future.

When traveling, you are required to carry your immigration documents (passport, I-94 card, I-20) with you.  Losing these documents are costly and causes great inconvenience.  If you lose any of these documents make sure you file a police report immediately and retain a copy for your records.  If you plan on traveling outside the U.S. make sure your I-20 is endorsed for travel.

You may remain in the U.S. if your visa expires but you must not violate your status indicated on your visa.  Obey all regulations for your visa status.  Be sure to enter on your F-1 visa if you want to have F-1 status in the U.S.  Entering under another status nullifies your student status and all benefits related to that status.

Only attend the school listed on your current and stamped I-20.  To attend another school, you must transfer to that school (obtain approval on a new I-20) or take the proper steps with the Registrar for concurrent enrollment.

Apply for extension of your I-20 at least thirty days before the expiration date.  See Program Extension for details.

Report your change of address to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  within 10 days of the change using form AR-11.  You are responsible for submitting form AR-11 to the DHS within 10 days every time you move.  Reporting your change of address can also be satisfied by informing your DSO, in writing, of your new place of residence.  The DSO will update SEVIS with your new address satisfying the reporting requirement.

Keep Form I-20 valid by following proper procedures for change in programs of study.

Keep Form I-20 valid by following proper procedures for transfer of schools.

Keep Form I-20 valid by obtaining a travel endorsement on page 3  before leaving the U.S.  This will be needed if you want to reenter the U.S. but is not necessary if your are returning home permanently.  Once your requirements are met for completing your course of study your I-20 is no longer valid for reentry unless you are authorized for post-completion OPT.

Abide by the F-1 grace period rules:

An F-1 student may be admitted up to 30 days before the program start date listed on Form I-20.

An F-1 student may remain in the United States for up to 60 days beyond either the completion date on Form I-20, or the completion of the program of study or OPT (Optional Practical Training), to prepare to depart the United States or to transfer schools. 

An F-1 student who has been granted an authorized withdrawal by a DSO my remain in the United States for up to 15 days following the withdrawal noted in SEVIS, to prepare to depart the United States.  

 

 

 

 

 

Students are responsible for maintaining their status as noted above.  The Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a computerized system to maintain and manage data about international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States.

 

Certification of Understanding