Maintaining Your Immigration Status
To maintain your F-1 status, you need to:
Attend the College full-time each fall and spring semester. Full-time means 12 credit hours or more. Do not withdraw from a class if it leaves you with less than 12 credit hours at the end of the semester. Remember a grade of "F" does not count towards your credit hours. Only successfully completed courses will count towards your minimum credit hours. Also, correspondence courses, audited courses (courses taken without receiving a grade), CLEP tests and distance learning do not count towards this requirement. The College notifies the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service of your registration status at the beginning of each semester. Students who are not registered will have their F-1 visa revoked. There are limited exceptions to the full-time study requirement, all of which require approval by the Director of International Programs. NOTE: You are not required to attend during the summer session.
Maintain a valid passport at all times. It is highly recommended that you apply for a new passport or extension at least six months before the expiration date.
Notify the Director of International Programs of your intention to transfer to another college or university in the U.S. so that the USCIS can be notified. You will need to identify the name of the new institution as well as the date you plan to transfer. To transfer, you will need to be in status. Should you change your mind about transferring before the transfer release date (normally the end of your final semester), please inform the Director of International Programs so that your transfer can be cancelled. NOTE: The start date at the new institution must be within 5 months of your transfer release date.
Do not remain in the U.S. beyond the date authorized under D/S (duration of status) without applying for an extension. As an F-1 holder, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. until completion of your degree. If this takes more time than noted on #5 of your I-20, you must apply for an extension of your I-20 no later than 30 days before the expiration date. If you allow your I-20 to expire, you will lose your student status. You may remain in the country no longer than 60 days after completing your program of study, unless you have applied for practical training prior to graduating. To extend your I-20 see the Director of International Programs no later than 30 days before the expiration date.
Do not work off campus without first obtaining permission from Department of Homeland Security. In addition, you must limit employment to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session, both on and off campus.
Inform the College of any change of address off-campus. The College is required to keep the USCIS current on the address of all international students.
Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week when school is in session.
Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization. To obtain authorization, see the Director of International Programs at least three (3) months prior to seeking employment.
Possess proof of health and accident insurance which includes a medical evacuation and repatriation benefit (either the SUNY mandatory policy or an apaproved comparable policy). The University has arranged for good health insurance for international students and families at a current yearly cost of approximately $800. Students with health insurance may be exempt from this requirement. At a minimum, your existing insurance must cover pre-existing conditions, maternity, repatriation and medical evacuation, as well as carry a $0 deductible per illness and a $100,000 maximum reimbursement rate per illness. If you think you are eligible for a waiver, present a copy of your policy in English and proof of current coverage with dates to the Student Accounts Office upon arrival. Note: any student who requests a waiver MUST purchase the Class 8: MEDEX Medical Evacuation/Repatriation Policy.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in the loss of your status and jeopardize your stay in the U.S. If you lose your F-1 status, you will not be eligible to receive F-1 student benefits unless you apply for reinstatement and receive approval from USCIS.
Loss of status is not limited to these items. They are the most common.
