MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS
As an F-1 student, you are
admitted to the United States in F-1 status for a period known as
"duration of status" (D/S). It is extremely important
for a nonimmigrant to maintain his or her status while in the United
States. Failure to maintain the terms and conditions of nonimmigrant
status is a ground for deportation under I.N.A.§237(a)(1)(C)(i).
As an international student in F-1 status, it is vitally important
that you abide by the Department of Homeland Security regulations
that govern your status. To help you do that, we have summarized
your legal responsibilities as an F-1 student below. Please read
this carefully. You should also be aware that the responsibility
for maintaining your status is yours, and ignorance of the law is
no excuse. The information provided here is given for informational
purposes only. Do not hesitate to contact International Student
Services at 360-596-5233 or e-mail msteele@spscc.ctc.edu
if you have any questions about maintaining your status.
To Maintain F-1
Status, A Student Must:
1. Maintain a valid passport
and I-20 document.
2. Attend the school you are authorized to attend.
3. Remain in the United States for no longer than 60 days after completing
the full course of study, unless prior to that time the student
has followed procedures for applying for practical training, moving
educational levels, or school transfer.
4. Report a change of address by informing the International
Student Services staff in person or via email.
5. Report a change in your legal name or dependent's legal name to
International Student Services within 10 days of this action occurring.
6. Limit on-campus employment to 19 hours a week while school is
in session.
7. Do Not work off-campus without authorization.
8. Pursue a full course of study and make normal progress towards
the completion of the course of study before the expiration of the
program completion date on the SPSCC issued visa document. Full-course
of study and full-time study, except during the summer school breaks,
are defined by South Puget Sound Community College as follows:
Intensive English Level I & II: 18 credits per quarter
Intensive English Levels III: 18 credits per quarter
Intensive English Level IV: 15 credits per quarter
College-Level Courses: at least 12 credits per quarter
Reinstatement
Reinstatement is a process by which a student who falls out of status
due to violations of the regulations governing their F-1 status
may apply to the USCIS to regain that status. The application for
reinstatement must be filed with the USCIS within 5 months of the
status violation. Please contact International Student Services
for instructions.
Very Important: Please note that a student
who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval
of the DSO will be considered out of status.
The importance of notifying the Designated School Official (DSO)
and obtaining permission for withdrawal from classes cannot be overemphasized.
All F-1 students wishing to take a reduced course load MUST see
an advisor in International Student Services BEFORE doing so.
If a student has any special circumstances, always seek the advice
of the International Student Advisor on the maintenance of F-1 status
immediately.
|
