The Office of International Services and Study Abroad (ISSA) is committed to providing international students with essential information about immigration laws and regulations. We assist international students in navigating U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes and maintain accurate records in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to support compliance and manage student status.
Responsibilities of F-1 Students
Each F-1 student is responsible for understanding and adhering to USCIS regulations. The primary purpose of holding an F1 visa is to study the United States, and students should not engage in activities that detract from this purpose. It is crucial to review the guidelines provided on page 3 of the I-20 form. For any questions about these regulations or procedural changes, international advisors are available to assist. Updates to regulations will be communicated through the international student newsletter, by email, and our social media channels. For changes affecting student status, please contact the ISSA office.
Key Responsibilities for Maintaining F-1 Status:
Maintain an Updated I-20: The I-20 is a vital document that should be kept securely with the passport. It is required for various activities such as traveling outside the U.S., applying for employment, transferring schools, and obtaining essential services like a social security card or driver’s license.
Full-time Enrollment: F-1 international students must maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units per semester, while graduate students are required to take at least 9 units per semester. Graduate students must also enroll in both sessions of the semester. Only one online class per semester can be used towards full time enrollment. Additionally, international students must be registered for the required number of units at the beginning of each semester and must maintain full-time enrollment throughout the entire semester.
Keep Valid Passport: The passport must have at least 6 months of validity at all times. Passport renewals can be processed through the nearest consulate of your home country.
Monitor Visa Expiration: The student visa is used for entry into the U.S. F-1 students must renew their visas outside the U.S. if it expires while studying. For travel plans, it is recommended to consult with an international advisor to avoid issues with re-entering the U.S.
Travel Documentation: Before leaving the U.S., the I-20 form must be signed by an international advisor on page 2. Travel signatures are valid for one year and are required for travel to Canada or Mexico, regardless of the duration. It the student is on OPT, travel signatures are only valid for 6 months. For travel within the U.S., it is advisable to carry the I-20, passport, and other pertinent documents; however, a visa is not required.
Notify ISSA of Changes: International students must inform the office of any of the following:
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- Failure to register for any reason, including health or financial issues
- Dropping classes that result in falling below the minimum unit requirement
- Receive an incomplete grade for a class
- Changing majors or graduation dates
- Completing the program
- Moving to a new address (update within 10 days and on MyLaVerne portal)
- Needing to extend the program end date
- Planning to leave the U.S. for any reason
- Planning to transfer to another institution
Employment Opportunities
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions and restrictions.
On-Campus Employment: Eligible international students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 28 hours per week during vacations or breaks. A job offer and an endorsement letter from the ISSA are required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Employment must end upon program completion.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Allows participation in academic internships (paid or unpaid) or employment that is integral to the curriculum. International students are eligible to apply for CPT after completing one year in their program.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Available to students who have completed at least 12 months of study and after completing their program. All OPT must be directly related to the student’s field of study. Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before the end of the program or 60 days after the completion of the program. Further details are available from the ISSA.