Maintain your Status - F-1 Student Visa
An F-1 Student must be “maintaining status and making normal progress toward completing his or her educational objective” 8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(i).
The following are legal requirements to maintain your F student visa:
Full Course of Study
“Successful completion of the full course of study must lead to the attainment of a specific educational or professional objective.” 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)
Important: What is a Full Course of Study? >>
Full-Time Requirement
You must take a full course load during the required semesters. You are also limited by the number of online classes you may take. Here are the minimum hours you must take to be considered full-time:
| Level | Minimum # Credits | Minimum # On-Campus Credits | Minimum # Semester-Long In-Person Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate |
12+ |
9+ |
6 |
|
Master |
9+ |
6+ |
3 |
|
Doctoral |
6+ |
3+ |
3 |
IEP students are required to study 4 consecutive terms before qualifying for a break term.
All F-1 students must be enrolled FULL-TIME. Contact us before dropping a class!
Graduate On-time
You must graduate by the expiration date listed on your I-20.
Work
On-Campus Work: Limited to 20 hours/week while enrolled, 40 hours/week during breaks.
Off-Campus Work: Must receive authorization from a DSO
Read more about F-1 Work Options >>
F-2 visa holders are not eligible to work in the U.S. | J-1 Students must receive authorization from ISSS
Even one day working without authorization is a serious immigration violation. Please check with a DSO before you start working.
Reporting Requirements
Change happens. Notify a DSO with any changes including:
Report the following changes within 10 days (email dso@dbu.edu):
- Contact Information Changes such as Address, Phone, Email
- Major or Degree Level Changes
- Name Change in your Passport
Report the following changes before they happen:
- Immigration Status Change
- Graduating or Ending Studies
- School Transfer
Timing of Documents
NEVER let your immigration documents expire while in the U.S.*
Carry your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, and any change of status documents with you at all times. If you lose any of these documents, visit us immediately to begin the replacement process.
*F-1 Visa Stamp Exception– The F-1 visa stamp in your passport is the one document that can expire while you are in the USA. It is ok to remain in the USA with an expired visa as long as you keep your I-20 active.
Stay in Touch
Check your DBU email regularly. This is how we share important information. We’re here to help!
Immigration Advising Hours: Monday - Friday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Office Location: Global Missions Center, 2nd Floor, International Admissions Office
Email: dso@dbu.edu
Phone: (214) 333-6905
Immigration Information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security >>
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – US government agency that processes requests for a change in immigration status and work authorizations. Part of the Department of Homeland Security
Department of Labor (DOL) – US governmental department that deals with occupational work standards and requirements.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Government agency that tracts earnings and taxes. Part of the Department of Treasury
Social Security Administration (SSA) – Government Agency that manages and issues Social Security Numbers
Human Resources (HR) – Office of a company or organization that takes care of hiring paperwork
Optional Practical Training (OPT) – F-1 benefit that allows practical training, usually post-graduation
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – F-1 benefit that allows practical training required for a student’s curriculum (course work).
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – Document that provides you legal work authorization
Social Security Number (SSN) – Tax ID number that you need in order to report your earnings to the US government. You will need this number to begin working. Note: this is different from an EAD. This is just a government ID number for reporting earnings. The SSN does not give work authorization.