Studying in the United States on an F-1 visa opens doors to academic achievement and career opportunity, but it also comes with strict requirements that international students must follow. At the Law Offices of Joseph Urso, we assist students and their families with understanding and maintaining legal immigration status. Here’s a detailed guide on how to protect your F-1 visa status while studying in the U.S.

1. Stay Enrolled Full-Time

Maintaining full-time enrollment is a cornerstone of F-1 visa compliance. Undergraduate students typically need to take at least 12 credit hours per semester, while graduate students may have different requirements depending on the program. Dropping below full-time status without prior authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) can lead to a violation of your visa status.

2. Do Not Work Off-Campus Without Authorization

F-1 students are only allowed to work under certain conditions and with proper authorization. On-campus employment is generally permitted up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Any off-campus work—including internships, training programs, or freelance work—must be authorized through Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), or other programs approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

3. Maintain a Valid Passport and Visa

Ensure that your passport is valid at all times, typically for at least six months into the future. While your visa may expire while you are in the U.S., your I-20 form and legal F-1 status are the more critical documents to keep current. However, if you leave the country and your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa before re-entering.

4. Keep Your I-20 Form Updated

Your I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and any significant change—such as changing majors, reducing your course load, or transferring schools—must be reflected in this document. Always communicate with your DSO before making any changes to your academic plans.

5. Report Address Changes Promptly

F-1 students are required to report any change of address to their DSO within 10 days. The school will then update the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) accordingly. Failing to report a change of residence can result in a violation of visa status.

6. Follow Grace Period Rules

After completing your program, you have a 60-day grace period to leave the U.S., apply for a change of status, or begin a new program. Planning your next steps during this time is critical to avoiding overstaying your visa.

Legal Help When You Need It

Maintaining legal status is essential for international students to avoid removal proceedings or future immigration complications. If you are unsure about your visa responsibilities or have concerns about a possible violation, the Law Offices of Joseph Urso can provide trusted legal guidance. We offer support for F-1 visa issues, change of status requests, and other immigration concerns affecting students.