F-1 Status Requirements

Basic Requirements

To properly maintain F-1 student status:

• Enter the United States no more than 30 days before the program of study begins.
• Complete the Check-in process at UFIC after entering the United States, no later than the program start date listed on the Form I-20.
• Report a change of address to UFIC and the federal government within 10 days of any move.
• Have a valid, unexpired passport
• Attend the school listed on the Form I-20
• Refrain from unlawful employment
• Make normal progress towards completing a course of study
• Have a valid I-20 and apply for extensions in a timely manner
• Follow SEVIS transfer procedures when changing schools
• Request a new I-20 for a change of major or degree program level
• Be a full-time student and adhere to online credit limitations

Avoid Status Violations

If an F-1 international student violates the requirements that govern his/her immigration status, the ability to remain in the United States as a student would be jeopardized. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to the following:

• Failure to enroll by the start of classes each semester.
• Failure to maintain a full course load without prior authorization for a Reduced Course Load.
• Engaging in unauthorized employment.
• Participation in practical training activities without having Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approval.

• Failure to request a timely I-20 Extension. If the student cannot complete the program by the end date listed on the Form I-20, the student must request an extension of the I-20 before the current expiration.

• Failure to leave the United States following completion of the student’s academic program or conclusion of Optional Practical Training (OPT/STEM OPT) employment.

Please note that this is not a complete listing of potential status violations. Consult with an International Student Advisor for more information before taking any action that may result in a change to your enrollment or before commencing any work-related activity. 

Issues Affecting Enrollment

International students must be aware of all F-1 Registration Requirements and follow the enrollment guidelines provided therein each semester.

If there is a need to drop or withdraw from courses within the semester, the student must seek approval from UFIC before dropping or withdrawing any credits. An International Student Advisor (ISA) must authorize a Reduced Course Load (RCL) or Leave of Absence (LOA) and update SEVIS prior to the student reducing his or her course load. If a student drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the ISA, the F-1 student will be out of status. If an F-1 student falls out of status for reasons beyond their control, the student may be eligible to apply for a Reinstatement of status. International students must work with an ISA to determine if reinstatement is an option.

Dependent Spouse or Child

Employment Authorization

Students and dependents are eligible for employment as indicated below:

NOTE: Students should contact the UFIC before any employment that occurs off campus (paid or unpaid) and before accepting payments from any United States sources.

Grace Period

F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after the date of graduation (or OPT end date, if applicable). During the grace period, the student may remain in the United States while making preparations to depart the U.S. before the grace period ends. The student may also either apply for a change of visa status or request a SEVIS transfer to attend another school; both of these cases require action to be taken before the grace period ends.

However, if the student departs the U.S. during the grace period, the remainder of the grace period is forfeited; that student may NOT re-enter the United States in F-1 status any longer using the I-20 from the program that was just completed. If an international student leaves and later needs to re-enter the United States to pick up his/her belongings, the student should consider the possibility of entering the United States on a tourist visa.