Status maintenance is critical. Violations can result in:
Deportation
Scholarship loss
U.S. re-entry restrictions
Program termination
Six fundamental requirements govern F-1 status maintenance:
1. Maintain Full-Time Enrollment 📆
Requirements:
Undergraduates: Minimum 12 credit hours per semester
Graduate students: Minimum 9 credit hours (some programs: 8 credits; verify with your institution)
Summer enrollment:
Not required unless it's your first or final semester. Summer typically counts as vacation.
Fall and Spring semesters:
Full-time enrollment mandatory.
Dropping courses:
Permitted if you remain above minimum credit requirements. Example: 15 credits → drop 1 class → 12 credits remaining = acceptable.
Prohibited without DSO pre-approval: Dropping below 12 credits (undergraduates) or 9 credits (graduates).
Reduced course load exceptions (require DSO approval):
Medical reasons (requires physician documentation)
Final semester requiring fewer credits for graduation
Initial semester English language difficulty (one-time only)
Academic difficulties beyond student control
For student-athletes:
Athletic practice and training do not excuse reduced enrollment. Full-time enrollment remains mandatory regardless of athletic commitments.
Critical: Consult your DSO before dropping below full-time enrollment for any reason.
2. Maintain Academic Progress 🏫
Requirements:
✅ Pass courses
✅ Maintain minimum GPA (institution-specific, typically 2.0)
✅ Progress toward degree completion
"Academic progress" defined:
Systematic advancement toward degree completion within standard timeframes:
Undergraduate: 4-5 years
Master's: 2-3 years
Enrollment in courses contributing to degree requirements, not random elective courses.
For NCAA/NAIA student-athletes:
You must satisfy both:
F-1 requirements (12 credits, passing grades)
NCAA/NAIA requirements (specific GPA thresholds, percentage toward degree, eligibility standards)
Failure to meet athletic eligibility requirements can result in:
Competition prohibition
Scholarship revocation
Requirement to demonstrate alternative funding sources
Utilize academic support resources when experiencing difficulty.
3. Online Course Limitations 🌐
Maximum online enrollment: One course or 3 credit hours per semester toward full-time requirement.
Example (12-credit requirement):
Minimum 9 credits: In-person campus courses
Maximum 3 credits: Online courses
"In-person" defined: Physical classroom attendance on campus.
Exception: Summer courses may be entirely online. Restriction applies only to Fall and Spring semesters.
Rationale: F-1 status requires physical presence in the U.S. for study.
4. Employment Restrictions 📛
Permitted employment:
✅ On-campus work:
Maximum 20 hours/week during academic terms (40 hours during breaks)
Examples: Dining services, library, fitness facilities, tutoring, research positions
Requires DSO approval before commencing
✅ CPT (Curricular Practical Training):
Internships or employment required for degree completion
Must relate to major field of study
Requires DSO authorization and academic advisor confirmation
✅ OPT (Optional Practical Training):
Post-graduation employment authorization (covered in Section 11)
Requires DSO recommendation and USCIS approval
Prohibited employment:
❌ Off-campus positions (restaurants, retail, services)
❌ Rideshare driving (Uber, Lyft)
❌ Freelancing or self-employment
❌ Business ownership
❌ Any unauthorized off-campus work
For student-athletes:
Athletic scholarships are not considered employment for F-1 purposes
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements require consultation with both DSO and athletic compliance before acceptance
Receiving payment for athletic competition violates both visa status and athletic eligibility
Critical:
Consult DSO and athletic compliance before accepting any compensation.
5. Maintain Current I-20 🪪
Your I-20 lists a program end date.
Extension required before expiration if degree completion will exceed this date.
Extension scenarios:
Delayed graduation
Major change adding time requirements
Failed courses requiring additional semesters
Addition of minor or double major
Extension procedure:
Contact DSO minimum 30 days before I-20 expiration
Explain extension necessity
DSO updates SEVIS and issues new I-20 with revised end date
Additional I-20 updates required for:
Significant major changes
Degree level changes at same institution (Bachelor's to Master's)
School transfers
Passport renewal
Funding source changes
Address and contact updates: Report within 10 days:
Residential address changes
Phone number changes
Major changes
Funding source modifications
6. International Travel Requirements
To depart and re-enter the U.S.:
✅ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
✅ Valid F-1 visa stamp
✅ Current travel signature on I-20 page 2
Travel signature validity:
Continuing students: 1 year
OPT participants: 6 months
Obtaining travel signature:
Contact DSO before booking travel
Provide travel dates and destination
DSO signs page 2 (typically 5-minute process)
Expired visa during studies:
You may remain and study in the U.S. for as long as your I-20 remains valid.
However, departing the U.S. requires obtaining new visa stamp at U.S. embassy before re-entry.
Some students avoid international travel during their programs to circumvent visa renewal requirements.
Status Violation Consequences ⛔
Minor violations:
Official warning
Immediate correction required
DSO assistance available
Major violations:
Out-of-status determination = unlawful presence
Deportation risk
Future visa denials
Re-entry prohibitions
Common violations:
Dropping below full-time enrollment without authorization
Unauthorized off-campus employment
Failure to check in upon arrival
I-20 expiration without extension
Address change non-reporting
Unauthorized leave of absence
If violation occurs:
Contact DSO immediately.
Prompt action increases reinstatement possibility.
Delay reduces resolution options.
Core requirements for status maintenance:
✅ Attend classes regularly
✅ Maintain 12+ credits per semester
✅ No unauthorized off-campus employment
✅ Consult DSO before significant changes
✅ Keep I-20 current
Thousands of international student-athletes maintain compliant status annually.
Your DSO exists as a resource for guidance and clarification.