How to Avoid Losing F-1 Status
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      1. The White Paper for F1 Students
      2. F-1 Visa and Status
      3. How to Avoid Losing F-1 Status

      Common Reasons for Losing F-1 Status

      This article discusses common reasons leading to the termination of F-1 status, helping you maintain your F-1 status.

      There are two scenarios that can lead to the loss of F-1 status: “status expiration” and "status termination":

      • Status Expiration: This occurs when a student completes their studies, which leads to the automatic expiration of their F-1 status. Upon the status expiration, students will have a 60-day grace period during which they can apply for a SEVIS transfer or change of status to remain in the U.S. legally.

      • Status Termination: This happens when a student's SEVIS record is terminated by the school's DSO for specific reasons during their study period, which is an abnormal situation. Typically, this is due to a student violating F-1 regulations, leading the DSO to terminate their F-1 status. In this case, the student will not have the 60-day grace period and must leave the country immediately to avoid the consequences of unlawful presence.

       

      Common Reasons for Losing F-1 Status

      1. Completion of Studies

      After graduation, your F-1 status will expire.

      2. Change of Status

      • If you submit a change of status application to USCIS and it is approved, your F-1 status will end automatically.

      • However, if you fail to maintain your F-1 status during the application process, such as not meeting the basic requirements for F-1 students, a denial of the new status can result in the immediate loss of your F-1 status.

      3. Leave of Absence

      Leaving the U.S. for more than 5 months will result in the termination of your F-1 status. To reactivate your status, you must apply for a new I-20 from your school.

      4. SEVIS Termination due to Violation of F-1 Regulations

      • Failing to meet the minimum requirement for full-time enrollment (12 credits per semester for undergraduates; 9 credits for graduate students).

      • Low GPA.

      • Violating school policies, such as cheating and excessive absences.

      • Leaving the U.S. for more than 5 months without authorization can result in the automatic termination of your F-1 status.

      • Engaging in unauthorized employment, such as not updating CPT authorization or not complying with OPT requirements.

      • Another reason is not updating important information promptly. If you do not notify the International Students Office after changing schools, funding sources, or addresses, it could lead to problems. During OPT, students must regularly update their DSO with their employment status. During the STEM OPT extension, students are required to submit evaluation reports. Failure to update your employment status or submit reports on time may result in warnings from the DSO and even SEVIS termination.