F-1 Immigration Regulations

  • Check-in with the Designated School Official (DSO) within ten days of your initial arrival in the U.S. This tends to be the last day of the Add/Drop period for the semester. F-1 students are required to complete the check-in in order for the university to register your F-1 SEVIS immigration record. New students will receive more information about this requirement via email.
  • Maintain valid immigration documents at all times. Apply for updates or renewals of these documents in a timely manner.
    • you must keep your passport valid at least 6 months into the future at all times while you are in the U.S
    • request an I-20 program extension to continue your studies at least one month before the current document’s program end date
    • request update to I-20 with changes to your degree program (major), degree level, or funding source before making the change
    • after every entry to the U.S. in F-1 status, make sure your I-94 record is marked “F-1 D/S”
  • Meet the full-time enrollment requirements each semester.
    • Undergraduate students: full-time is 12 credit hours, at least 9 hours must be in face-to-face classes.
    • Graduate students: 9 credit hours, at least 6 credit hours in face-to-face classes.
      • Some exceptions apply. You must receive approval from DSO and your academic advisor before dropping below full-time enrollment.
  • Maintain good academic standing with USJ and make normal academic progress towards your degree program. The definition of “good academic standing” is determined by university policy.
  • Do not work more than the hours permitted by the specific type of authorized employment.
    • F-1 students can work up to 19 total hours per week during the academic year. Students may work on campus up to 29 hours per week during the summer.
    • The number of weekly hours permitted for off-campus employment (CPT, OPT) varies by employment authorization. Contact your DSO to confirm the number of hours you are permitted to work.
  • File federal and state tax return forms each year you earn income in the U.S., or a Form 8843 for each year you are in the U.S. but have not earned income.
  • Report any changes to your U.S. address to university within 10 days of moving.
  • Obtain a travel signature on the second page of your Form I-20 before leaving the U.S. if you plan to return to the U.S. in F-1 status. Travel signatures are valid for one year.
  • Within 60 days of completing your degree program, you must:
    • File an application for Optional Practical Training (OPT) with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), transfer your F-1 SEVIS record to another school, or depart the U.S.
    • Students are not permitted to work or study during the 60-day grace period.
    • Travel within the U.S. is permitted during the grace period. However, if you leave the U.S. during the 60-day grace period your F-1 status will end and you will not be permitted re-entry in F-1 status.