Maintaining Your F-1 Student Status

F-1 Student Status

(adapted from  NAFSA Professional Practice Workshop: F-1 Regulations)



Report to the Designated School Official (DSO) for Students Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) registration upon arrival at Monroe University.

Please visit Office of International Student Services at the start of each new semester so that we may confirm your registration in SEVIS, the shared database which the U.S. government and colleges & universities use to track international students.

If you have a Form I-20 issued by Monroe University, you must be attending Monroe University. Keep in mind, excessive absences in your classes mean that you are not attending and are thereby jeopardizing your status.

Maintain full-time enrollment

You must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits for undergraduates and at least 9 credits for graduate students) unless you have been approved by the Office of International Student Services for an authorized semester off or you are on full-time OPT. Any exceptions must be approved by the Office of International Student Services in advance.

Each semester you are expected to maintain a minimum GPA in accordance with the college's policies.  Failing grades, repeated withdrawals, poor attendance and similar issues may jeopardize your status.

Apply for a timely extension of stay

Check the end date on the first page of your Form I-20. If you will not complete your degree by this date, you must apply for an extension from International Student Services at least one month in advance.

You have to get a new I-20 form for a change in your academic program, funding or level of study. Many students don't realize that they must also apply for a new Form I-20 if their original source of funding for tuition & expenses has changed. This regulation emphasizes the importance of communicating with your sponsors and planning ahead.

Transfer procedures

If you intend to transfer to another school, let the International Student Services Office know your intentions well before you plan to leave so that we may provide you with the necessary paperwork to transfer your SEVIS record to your new school.

Abide by the F-1 grace period regulations

Don’t assume that the expiration date on your visa gives you legal standing in the U.S. for the duration of your visa. When you complete your program of study or OPT, there is a 60 day grace period before your status is completed. You must maintain your F-1 status at all times.

Notify the change of address

Report any changes of address or phone number to Office of International Student Services within 10 days. If we attempt to reach you, you must respond.

Special Registration — NSEERS

Some students may have special requirements they must follow which are set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

If your passport will expire, apply for a new one from your country’s consulate in the U.S. at least six months in advance of your passport’s expiration date.  

Do not engage in unlawful employment

All F-1 student employment must first be authorized through International Student Services before beginning any type of employment.

Depart the U.S. in a timely manner

Do not overstay your legal status . Doing so may jeopardize your ability to return to the U.S. on any type of visa in the future.

• Failure to attend the authorized school.
• Failure to notify the ISC of an address change within 10 days of the change.
• Unauthorized employment.
•  Failure to enroll for a given academic term.
• Interrupting studies before the completion or remaining in the U.S. after terminating.