Maintaining Visa Status

F-1 Student Visa Maintenance

• Keep your passport valid at all times.
• Have your Form I-20 signed each time you travel internationally by a Designated School Official (IPO staff). It is essential that you keep all versions of your Form I-20 for your records and to apply for Occupational Practical Training (OPT) upon graduation.
• Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more) every fall and spring semester. Full-time enrollment is not required in the interim or summer terms.
• You are legally required to notify the IPO of changes to your address (including change of residence hall room) or phone number within 10 days of the change. Please complete this form to do so.
• Complete graduation requirements by your program end date on the Form I-20. If you need more time, you must contact the IPO before your end-date to extend your program. 
• Notify the IPO immediately of any planned or unplanned breaks or interruptions in your studies. Such breaks in study can impact your ability to stay in the U.S. and/or apply for immigration benefits in the future.
• Do not begin any employment without legal work authorization from the International Programs Office or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. We must update your Form I-20 before you are allowed to begin work. See International Student Employment information for more details.
• Notify the IPO if you change your major, address or phone number. 
• You are allowed to be in the United States on an expired visa as long as your Form I-20 is current. If you leave the United States, however, you will need to have time to apply for a new visa before you will be allowed re-entry. Please check your visa expiration date before making plans to travel outside of the U.S.
• Departure Grace Periods: All F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after the completion of the program or degree. During the grace period, students may remain in the U.S., transfer to another school, or apply for OPT. Students who travel outside of the U.S. cannot reenter the U.S. on their original student visa.
• Program Extension: In rare circumstances, students need an additional semester to complete their program. If you need additional time, please consult the IPO as soon as you believe you might need an extension. This must be done prior to the program end date listed on you I-20.