To maintain F-1 status, students must meet certain requirements, including taking a minimum number of credits, attending in-person classes, and avoiding unauthorized employment.
Complete minimum credits and meet in-person class requirements
-
Credit requirements:
-
Undergraduate students must take at least 12 credits per semester.
-
For Graduate students, credit requirements are lower due to the increased workload per course and potential research or internship commitments. Graduate students usually need 9 credits per semester to be considered full-time, but it depends on the school. Some institutions may only require full-time students to take at least 6 credits.
-
-
In-person class requirements:
-
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regulations, F-1 visa holders (both undergraduate and graduate students) can take at most one online course per semester. The remaining courses must be either hybrid or on-site.
-
The frequency of required on-campus attendance varies by school. Some institutions require attendance for every class session, while others may require students to come to campus only once a month or once per semester.
-
Academic Performance
Students must maintain good academic standing; otherwise, their F-1 status may be revoked in the following situations:
-
GPA below minimum requirements
GPA requirements vary by school and program. Generally, undergraduate students need to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, while graduate students need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
-
Failure to complete the program within the time limit
Most schools set a time limit for degree completion. If you do not graduate within this period, you may lose your student status.
-
Academic misconduct
Engaging in academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism or cheating, can put you at risk of expulsion from the school.
What to Avoid?
To maintain your F-1 status, you should avoid the following situations:
- Unauthorized absence: Leaving school for 5 months or more without permission will be seen as abandoning your F-1 status.
- Working illegally: F-1 students can work legally in the U.S. through CPT or OPT. CPT is authorized by your school, while OPT is approved by USCIS. Both have specific requirements. Failing to meet these requirements will lead to the suspension of your work permit and the termination of your F-1 status.
- Overstaying: Your I-20 indicates a Program Completion Date. After this date, you will enter a 60-day grace period. You must leave the U.S. before this grace period ends unless you have extended your stay through OPT or a change of status.
- Passport expiration: Keep your passport valid. If it is about to expire, renew it in advance.
- Not transferring your SEVIS record when changing schools: Contact your new school's international student office to transfer your SEVIS record before your current status expires. This usually takes 1-2 weeks. You will get a SEVIS transfer notification from your previous school.
- Late enrollment: Once accepted, submit your enrollment forms and pay fees before the first semester starts. Each school has enrollment deadlines. Missing the deadlines can prevent you from enrolling.
- Not updating important information: Promptly notify your school's international student office of any changes to your address, phone number, and employment condition.
- Serious misconduct: Involvement in violent crimes, illegal possession of firearms, or other criminal activities can lead to the revocation of your F-1 status.