How to Maintain Your F-1 Visa Status: A Guide for International Students

Jasmyn Kamal • July 28, 2025
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Understanding the Responsibilities of F-1 Students


For international students in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, maintaining lawful immigration status is critical. Failure to follow visa regulations can result in serious consequences, including termination of SEVIS records, loss of work authorization, or even removal proceedings. Here’s what every F-1 student needs to know to stay compliant and safeguard their academic and immigration future.


Maintain Valid Documentation at All Times


F-1 students must keep the following immigration documents current and accessible:


  • All issued Forms I-20 from your school’s Designated School Official (DSO)
  • Passport valid for at least six months into the future
  • I-94 record showing “F-1” status and “D/S” (Duration of Status), which covers your academic program, any approved practical training, and a 60-day grace period after program completion


Stay Enrolled and Meet Academic Requirements


F-1 students must:


  • Attend the school listed on their I-20
  • Maintain full-time enrollment (at least 12 credit hours for undergraduates, 9 credit hours for graduate students)
  • Limit online classes—only one 3-credit online course may count toward full-time enrollment each semester
  • Obtain prior approval before dropping below full-time status
  • Remain in good academic standing


Update Your DSO on Program and Personal Changes


You must notify your DSO within 10 days of any of the following:


  • Change in major, degree level, or funding source
  • Change of address or phone number
  • Legal name change


Also, if you need additional time to complete your degree, you must request an I-20 extension before your current I-20 expires.


Follow the Rules for Employment


F-1 students are only allowed to work under specific conditions:


  • On-Campus Employment:
  • Allowed up to 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during school breaks
  • Off-Campus Employment:
  • Requires DSO authorization and must be part of CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training)
  • CPT must be directly related to your major and appear on your I-20
  • OPT requires an approved EAD (Employment Authorization Document) before you begin working
  • STEM OPT: Students with degrees in qualifying STEM fields can apply for a 24-month OPT extension
  • Severe Economic Hardship: Students facing unexpected financial difficulty may request special work permission


Traveling as an F-1 Student


Before you travel internationally:


  • Confirm that your SEVIS record is active
  • Ensure your DSO’s travel signature on your I-20 is less than 12 months old
  • Avoid travel if you have a pending OPT or STEM OPT application
  • Carry your passport, visa, signed I-20, and EAD (if applicable) when re-entering the U.S.
  • Be prepared for secondary inspection and possible electronic device searches by CBP officers


F-2 Dependents


F-2 spouses and children must also maintain status. They cannot work, and may only study part-time in certain programs. All address changes must be reported to both your DSO and USCIS within 10 days.


What Happens If You Lose Status?


Violation of F-1 visa rules can result in termination of your SEVIS record. You could become removable from the U.S., even if your visa has not been physically canceled.

If your visa is revoked or SEVIS terminated:


  • Consult an immigration attorney immediately
  • Gather your full immigration history, including:
  • All I-20s, I-94 travel history, passport scans, visa pages, EADs (front and back)
  • Sign a FERPA release and ICE privacy waiver (Form 60-001) if someone is helping you navigate the process


Final Reminders


  • Stay enrolled full-time and maintain good communication with your school’s international student office
  • Depart the U.S. within 60 days of program completion unless you apply for OPT, change status, or transfer
  • Talk to your DSO before making changes to your academic or visa situation
  • For legal guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney


Need Help Navigating Your F-1 Responsibilities?


We help international students remain compliant with immigration law and explore pathways to work authorization, status changes, or permanent residency. If you have questions about your rights or options as an F-1 student, reach out to us today.

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