Basic Immigration Regulations

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that international students of F-1 visas abide by specific rules and regulations during their period of study in the United States. Following is a summary of these rules with which you need to be familiar.

• Keep your passport valid at all times. Passports must be kept valid and can be renewed at your country's consulate or embassy in the USA.
• Inform the International Programs Office within 10 days of any change in your name, address, major, or major financial changes.
• Maintain full-time enrollment (a minimum of 12 credit hours) during the academic semester with academic progress towards graduation.
• Do no accept off-campus employment without official permission from the USCIS. (See Employment ).
• Do not travel outside the United States without proper documents. Your I-20 needs to be endorsed by the Director of International Programs within 12 months of returning to the USA. This includes travel to Canada and Mexico.
• File any necessary applications for extension of stay before your current I-20 expires. The date of anticipated graduation on your I-20 determines this date. If you cannot complete graduation requirements (for valid reasons) by the date noted on your I-20, you may apply for extension of stay.
• The maximum period of stay in the United States for a student is the completion of one or more educational programs, plus one year post-completion practical training.
• Obey the laws of the United States of America. This includes filing Federal Income Taxes (See Forms ) each year.
• Inform the International Programs Office of intention to transfer or withdraw.