An F-1 student is admitted to the United States in F-1 status for
a period known as “duration of status” (D/S). It
is vital the student maintain his or her status while in the U.S. Failure
to maintain the terms and conditions of your F-1 status causes serious
consequences, up to and including deportation from the U.S.
Checklist – to maintain F-1 status, a student must:
Pursue
a “full course of study” at Concordia College during every
academic semester except during official school breaks. This
means taking and completing at least 3 course credits each semester. Exceptions
are few, and very specific, and must be approved in advance by your
International Student Advisor.
Make
normal progress towards completing the course of study, by completing
studies before the expiration date on your I-20.
Keep
your I-20 form valid by following the proper procedures for:
Extension
of stay
Change
in educational levels or programs of study
Transfer
of school
Change
of major
Remain
in the U.S. for no longer than 60 days after completing the full
course of study, unless prior to that time you have followed procedures
for applying for practical training, moving educational levels, or
transferring schools. If you stop attending before completing your full course
of study, you have 0 or 15 days to depart the United States, depending
on the circumstances – see your International Student Advisor in this case! You are NOT ALLOWED to remain in the United States
if you take a semester off or withdraw unless it is specifically approved.
Keep
a valid passport at all times, unless exempt from the passport requirement.
Report
a change of address to your International Student Advisor within
10 days of the change. You may notify the International Student
Advisor of address changes via email.
Not
work on campus for more than 20 hours per week. (except during
winter and summer semester breaks)
Not
work off campus without prior authorization from your International
Student Advisor or USCIS.
If you have any questions about maintaining lawful F-1 status, please contact Concordia College's International Student Adviser, Angela Seewald-Marquardt.
