Maintaining your F-1/J-1 Student Status

• Attend the school and degree program indicated on your I-20 or IAP-66 form. Request a new form if there is any change in your degree level or major.
• Carry a full course of study (9 credit hours for graduate students). Exceptions can be approved ONLY by the International Student Advisor-Designated School Official.
• Keep your I-20 or IAP-66 form valid at all times. Check the expiration date in item #5 to make sure that it is still valid. Request a new form if any major changes occur in your situation (changes in source of funding, marital status, major, degree program, etc.)
• Follow the required procedures (with the help of the Designated School Official/International Advisor) when
  • applying for extension of stay
  • transferring to or from another school
  • applying for off-campus work authorization (practical training, COOP)
• Limit employment, both on and off-campus, to a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session.
• Refrain from off-campus employment without INS or school authorization. Off-campus work permission is approved ONLY by INS in case of an extraordinary circumstance. It is illegal to work without authorization and you are subject to deportation.
• Keep your passport valid at all times, unless exempt from the passport requirement.