Maintaining Student Status & Forms

F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment during each semester they study in the United States. Undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work during the Fall and Spring semesters. Graduate students are expected to complete 9 or more credit hours of course work during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students may be permitted to enroll in fewer than the required credit hours under specific circumstances:

Summer vacation [8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(iii)] During the summer, F-1 students are not required to enroll in any classes when the student is eligible and intends to register for the next term (i.e., summer cannot be student’s first semester). Students admitted in the summer must enroll full-time as specified above.

Graduate students on a teaching or research assistantship [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(H)] Students who have been awarded a Teaching Assistantship (TA) or Research Assistantship (RA) may be considered full-time even if enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours. Requirement: Verification from their Department that the student is an RA/TA and that the department academic policy allows RA/TAs to be classified as full-time while enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours.

Completion of course of study [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C)] Students in their final semester may be considered full-time even if enrolled in fewer credit hours than typically required, provided those courses are sufficient to complete their degree requirements. For example, if an UG student does not need to take 12 credit hours, or a GR student does not need to take 9 or more credit hours to graduate, the Designated School Official (DSO) may still report the student as maintaining full-time enrollment.

Medical problems [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(B)] Students who are compelled to interrupt or reduce their full course of study due to illness or other medical conditions may still be considered in valid F-1 status during the period of illness. Once recovered, the student must resume a full course of study. Requirement: A valid medical excuse must be documented with an official letter from a licensed U.S. medical physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist. The letter must include a brief diagnosis and a recommendation for the student to reduce their course load. In addition, a Medical Reduced Course Load Request must be submitted to the ISSS Office for approval.

Valid academic reasons [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii) (A)]. An F-1 student may be considered to be maintaining full-time staus while enrolled in fewer than the required credit hours if authorized by a Designated School Official for specific, approved reasons.

Initial difficulties with the English Language or reading requirements (only during first semester)
Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods (only during first semester)
Improper course level placement. Generally, this refers to a student not having the proper prerequisites or preparation for a particular class. This is not to be used because the student is poorly performing in the class and is trying to avoid a failing grade.

Enrolling in Online Courses

F-1 International students are permitted to count one online course (up to 3 credit hours) toward their full-time enrollment requirement per semester. This means:

Undergraduate Students must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours of in-person coursework
Graduate Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of in-person coursework. Note, GR Cox Students have different requirements.

by smuisss

Concurrent Enrollment

International students are permitted to enroll concurrently at 51�� and another SEVIS-certified institution under the following conditions and with prior authorization from the ISSS advisor/DSO:

Course credit must be transferable to 51��
Course must apply to current degree level
The majority of courses must be taken at 51��

Enrollment with Approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students approved for a part-time CPT (working less than 20 hours per week) are required to register in courses as a full-time student.

Ph.D. students who are required to work full-time (21 or more hours) to complete thesis and dissertation hours and are enrolled in a course that grants CPT work authorization are not required to enroll in additional courses. Students that meet this criteria must be enrolled in the graduate full-time status course.

Forms:
Reduced Course Load for Academic Reasons (students must talk to an ISSS advisor/DSO to discuss)
Reduced Course Load for Medical Reasons (students must talk to an ISSS advisor/DSO to discuss)
Reduced Course Load for Last Semester
Concurrent Enrollment

Making normal academic progress means that you are enrolling full-time every semester and are making progress towards completing your degree. It also means being in good academic standing with the university. However, sometimes students who are making normal academic progress still need more time on their I-20 to complete their degree. If that is the case, then you will need to apply for a “Program Extension” I-20/DS-2019.

Note: Program Extensions require recommendation from academic advisor, new financial documentation, and student needs to be making normal academic progress. Program Extensions can only be granted for up to 1 year at a time.

Before you begin completing the form:

1. Talk to your ISSS advisor/DSO about your eligibility
2. Have the full name and email address of your Academic Advisor or Faculty Advisor
3. Proof of Financial Evidence for the time requesting the extension

Forms:

U.S. Residence Address

International students are required by law to report an address change within 10 days of moving. Each time a student moves, the residence change must be reported to the ISSS office so the change can be reported to the government.

To update your address, please follow the instructions below:

Login to my.smu.edu
Under “Student Homepage”, click on “Profile”
Under the “Addresses” tab, click on the edit icon next to “Residence”
Update Address and click “Save”

Foreign Address

If students need to update their address in their home country, they must also report this change within 10 days by e-mailing the new address to isss@smu.edu

Phone Numbers

Phone numbers will also need to be updated within 10 days.

To update your phone number, please follow the instructions below:

Login to my.smu.edu
Under “Student Homepage”, click on “Profile”
Under the “Phone Numbers” tab, edit the phone number
Update Address and click “Save”

All students must have an I-20 that accurately reflects their current degree of study. If you are changing majors, you will need to speak to academic advisor to change your major administratively. Once that has been completed, the ISSS office will receive notification and will then proceed in issuing a new I-20.

If you are seeking to change programs to a lower level, you will need to submit the Change of Major or Program. For example, a student was admitted to a PhD program and after one year of study, the student has decided to change level of education to a Masters program. In this case, a new I-20 will need to be issued with a new program end date. *Note: Academic advisors will need to complete the Change of Major or Program form indicating new program details. ISSS will issue a new I-20 upon receipt of this form.

If students need more time to complete program, due to the change of major or program, students need to be aware that they, may also need to complete the Program Extension process.

Forms:
Change of Major or Program

On-Campus Employment

F-1/J-1 students are eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during winter and summer vacation. On-campus employment may include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or student positions at the campus library, bookstore, food/dining services, etc. Students are not eligible to work on-campus after the completion of their degree, unless they have work authorization in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card).

To receive work authorization for on-campus employment, students should complete the following:

For Students in the First Year of Attendance:
1. Complete the International Compliance Canvas course with a score of 100%.

For Current Students:
1. Complete the Maintaining Your Status Canvas course with a score of 100%.

After receiving the job offer from the department supervisor, complete the following:
1. Send Canvas course quiz results with a score of 100% to your on-campus employment supervisor.
2. Complete the Form I-9 with Human Resources (HR).

Off-Campus Employment

F-1/J-1 students may not engage in off-campus employment (including paid and unpaid internships) before receiving proper employment authorization from the ISSS office.

Types of Off-Campus Work Authorization available to F-1 Students:

Employment authorization approved by ISSS for you to engage in an internship or employment opportunity directly related to your field of study and integral to your academic program. Please see web page for more information:
Up to 12-months of employment, authorization approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for you to gain practical experience in your field of study prior to and after completion of degree. Please web page for more information:

Economic Hardship: As an F-1 student, you may be eligible to apply to the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for off-campus employment based on severe economic hardship. This program allows you to work in any kind of off-campus part-time employment while school is in session and full- time during school breaks. You must also maintain a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters.

Eligibility Requirements:

(1) You must have maintained legal status for at least one academic year (nine consecutive months)

(2) You must be in current legal status for at least one academic year (nine consecutive months)

(3) You must have made a good faith effort to find employment on-campus.

(4) You must demonstrate unforeseen severe economic hardship and explain why other employment options are unavailable or insufficient.

A Severe Economic Hardship is an ‘event’ that occurred after your coming to the United States and that was beyond your control as an F-1 student. Examples of such an ‘event’ could be “loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.” Another example would be death of the student’s sponsor. Please note: If you are a transfer student from another U.S. school where you had an Economic Hardship EAD card, you will lose that Economic Hardship work authorization, upon transferring to 51�� or to any other school.

To apply for Severe Economic Hardship, please collect the following documents:

- A letter from you requesting work authorization and explaining the unforeseen ‘event’ that has occurred since your arrival to the U.S. that requires you to seek employment authorization and that other employment options are unavailable or insufficient.
- A notarized letter from your sponsor, explaining the reasons they cannot fully support you at this time and why the situation was unforeseen, if applicable. In the case of death of a sponsor, a letter from another family member or friend explaining this situation must be supplied (original and 2 copies).
- Any other documentation, which supports your case proving that the ‘event’ happened, when it happened, and that it was beyond your control .
- Two passport pictures.
- Recent I20 document, valid passport (including name, picture, and expiration date), visa, andI-94 card arrival information.
- Any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) cards, if applicable.
- Cashier’s check or money order made out to ‘USCIS’: (check current amount).
- Any work without authorization is a serious violation of immigration law.

J-1 STUDENTS OFF-CAMPUS WORK AUTHORIZATION OPTIONS:

Academic Training (AT): Employment authorization that allows J-1 students to gain practical experience directly related to the program of study listed on the DS-2019. The length of time given for AT is dependent on the length of study on the DS-2019, with a maximum time of 18 months. AT is approved by the ISSS office, provided that the student is eligible and submits all required documentation. For more information, please review the forms below.
Economic Hardship: Employment authorization based on severe economic hardship. This benefit would allow any type of off-campus, part-time employment during the semester and full-time during winter and summer vacation. For more information, please see Economic Hardship Work Authorization form.

Forms:
Economic Hardship Work Authorization (book an appointment to get the form)

Volunteering has a very specific connotation when it comes to international students. It refers to donating time with an organization whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian in nature, without remuneration or any other type of compensation. There should be:

No expectation of compensation
Anybody working that position would be a volunteer irrespective of their visa/work eligibility status
The services provided by the volunteer should not be the same services for which he or she was previously paid and/or expects to be hired and paid for in the future

Volunteering at 51��

51�� does not generally follow the practice of permitting students to volunteer on-campus unless it has been formally approved by Human Resources (and Legal Affairs, if applicable). You should request your supervisor to contact 51�� Human Resources to inquire about the process involved in hiring a student worker on as a volunteer on a project.

Volunteering during OPT

If you engage in employment that is not paid while on OPT, it is important to ensure that your voluntary employment does not violate any labor laws. It is also recommended that you keep the following records as it may be requested by USCIS if you are applying for immigration benefits in the future:

Copies of employment agreements or contracts with the employer including start and end dates, training mode (on location, online, etc) and location of the internship/unpaid training for each employer.
Copies of company time and attendance records that document your daily tasks in detail for all employers during the unpaid internship or training

Forms:
Volunteering vs Employment

When Traveling You Must Have:

1. Current I-20/DS-2019 form

Before leaving the U.S. the most current I-20/DS-2019 will need to be endorsed for travel and re-entry by a Designated School Official. Travel Endorsement is located on page two of I-20 (first page on DS-2019) and is valid for one calendar year, or until the completion of your degree, whichever comes first. Travel Endorsement for students on OPT is valid for six months, or until the end date of their OPT, whichever comes first. ISSS will have the endorsement ready within 3 business days, if there are no complications. However, we suggest you submit the request 2 weeks prior to travel in case a new I-20 is needed.

2. Valid Passport

For at least six months into the future at the time of re-entry.

3. Valid U.S. Visa stamp

There are some exceptions for students who are traveling to Canada or Mexico, for less than 30 days. Please see the Automatic Extension of Visa Validity form for more information.

4. EAD card, if on Post/STEM Extension OPT and Employment Letter

If applying for a visa, it is RECOMMENDED to have:

Financial Support Documents
Financial support documents accurately reflect the amount on the I-20 document, and be less than six months old.

Status Verification Letter
Can apply for letter in Letter Requests, processing times are 5 business days.

51�� Transcript
The transcript can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.

Please be sure to check for any additional requirements and for procedures.

Note: Students on academic probation, who’ve been suspended while outside of the U.S. will not be eligible to return to 51�� and any I-20 will be not be valid.

Forms:

Automatic Extension of Visa Validity

F-1/J-1 Students can bring their spouse or children (under the age of 21) as an F-2/J-2 dependent status for the duration of the student’s study, which includes time spent on Optional Practical Training or Academic Training. The F-2/J-2 dependent will need a dependent I-20/DS-2019 to apply for an F-2/J-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of the U.S or to apply for a change of status. To request to add a dependent, please fill out the following "Adding a Dependent" Form.

* Please note: Processing times for such requests are 5-7 business days. This process is only for continuing students at 51��, new students will submit all documentation to their admitting department.

Forms:

If you plan on enrolling full-time at another institution, you can transfer your SEVIS record to your new school, if you are able to enroll for the next available term or within 5 months, whichever is sooner.

If you're requesting to transfer your SEVIS record to 51��, please work with your admitting department and the DSO at your current institution.

If you would like to transfer OUT of 51��, you will need to complete the “Transfer Out Request Form” and submit it to ISSS office, along with a copy of your admission letter to your new school.

*Note: SEVIS records can only be transferred out after the completion of the semester or within the 60-day grace period.

Forms:

If you are already in the U.S. and are interested in changing your visa status to F-1/J-1 or F-2/J-2, the ISSS office can guide you through this process. There are two options for obtaining a change of status:

Apply inside the U.S. for a Change of Status
Leave the U.S. and Re-enter with a New Visa Status

Option 1: Apply inside the U.S. for a change of Status

This option requires adjudication from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) government agency. The application process can take up to 9-12 months or even longer. Current processing times can be found by going to the .

Option 2: Leave the U.S. and Re-enter with a new visa status

This option requires you to depart the U.S., apply for an F-1/J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and re-enter with your new visa. If you are a newly accepted student, who has not attended 51�� before, and would like to study at our university for a future semester, you would receive a new I-20 document or DS-2019 document. You will be asked to submit required documentation to your student portal. However, if you are a current student at 51�� and would like to pursue this option, you will need to submit the following documents:

Change of Status Re-Entry Request Form
Financial Documentation (i.e. bank statement/letter), dated within the last 6 months
Copy of Passport
Letter from Academic Advisor
Copy of Flight Itinerary or Departure Plan

Note: Please note that all students wanting to change status will need to speak to an International Program Specialist/Designated School Office (DSO) before the I-20 document is issued, with the exception of new students traveling to get an F-1/J-1 visa.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY VISA TYPE

F-1 to F-2

Copy of previous I-20, listed as an F1
Official transcripts
Copy of primary visa holder’s documents (passport, visa, I-94, I-20)
Primary visa holder’s official transcripts and letter of good academic standing from academic advisor

Note: You will be required to maintain your F1 status until your application is approved.
When approved, all enrollment and employment authorization must cease immediately.

F-2 to F-1

Copy of previous I-20, listed as F2
Copy of primary visa holder’s documents (passport, visa, I-94, I-20)
Primary visa holder’s official transcripts and letter of good academic standing from academic advisor.

Note: As an F2 status holder, you are allowed to enroll on a part-time basis.

Any part-time enrollment must be approved by the academic department prior to enrolling.

H-4 to F-1

Copy of H4 Approval Notice and/or H4 visa
Copy of H1’s immigration documents (approval notice, visa, passport, etc.)
Employment letter from H-1 sponsor
Official transcripts (only if already enrolled)

Note: You must maintain your immigration status until your application is approved.

You must be enrolled full-time when your application is approved.

H-1B to F-1

Copy of H-1 immigration documents (approval notice, visa, passport, etc.)
Employment letter from H-1 sponsor
Official transcripts (only if already enrolled)

Note: You must maintain your immigration status until your application is approved.

You must be enrolled full-time when your application is approved.

J-1/J-2 to F-1

Official transcripts, if enrolled
Copy of waiver if subject to 212(e)
If a J-2, please include a copy of J-1 immigration documents

Note: You must maintain your immigration status until your application is approved.

E or L to F-1

If a dependent, provide a copy of primary visa holder’s documents (passport, visa, I-94, and letter of employment)

CHANGE OF STATUS OR RE-ENTRY
	CHANGE OF STATUS APPLICATION WITH USCIS	RE-ENTRY WITH NEW I-20/DS-2019
APPROXIMATE COST	Current filing fees can be found at:	Plane ticket Possible visa application fees SEVIS fee
PROCESSING TIME	9-12 months	If student needs a new visa stamp, you need to check the U.S. Embassy for visa processing times. If applicant does not need a new visa stamp, then it depends on visa availability.
TAKING CLASSES	B-1/B-2 cannot study until COS is approved	You must be enrolled in classes. If your departure causes delays, you are responsible for contacting all offices at 51�� regarding a possible withdrawal request. Please note, there will be no refunds.
	F-2 dependents can study on a part-time basis
	H-4/J-2 can take classes full-tine
EMPLOYMENT	You are not eligible to work until your change of status application is approved to a visa category that permits employment.	You can begin on-campus employment upon admissions to the U.S. on your F-1/J-1 student visa.
EMPLOYMENT	Students who apply for a change of status with USCIS may be eligible to apply for OPT work authorization during their final semester, provided they have completed one full academic year of full-time enrollment. This includes time spent under a previous visa status that permitted enrollment.	You must accrue one academic year of full-time enrolment under the program listed on your SEVIS I20 document before you are eligible for CPT or OPT work authorization.
OTHER	J-1 visa holders that are subject to the two-year home residency requirement are not eligible to apply for change their status within the U.S.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: May I begin attending classes before my application has been approved?

A: Applicants may be permitted to begin attending classes after submitting a change of status application to USCIS—provided the current visa category allows for study—while awaiting approval. For example, individuals who entered the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (WT/WB) are not eligible to enroll in classes. F-2 visa holders may enroll part-time with prior approval from their academic department. It is strongly recommended that all other visa holders consult with an immigration attorney to confirm their eligibility to study while their change of status is pending.

Q: May I begin campus employment such as an assistantship while waiting for the change of status approval?

A: No. While your change of status application is pending, you may be eligible to attend classes if your current or requested visa category permits study. However, any form of employment—including assistantships or stipends tied to teaching or research—requires prior work authorization. Therefore, students must wait until their F-1 or J-1 status is officially approved before requesting work authorization through the ISSS office

Q: What happens if my application is denied?

A: If a change of status application is denied, the student may be required to depart the United States on short notice, which could disrupt their academic progress and result in an inconvenient or disadvantageous interruption. It is strongly recommended that students consult with an immigration attorney to understand their options and next steps in the event of a denial.

Q: Can I travel while my application for change of status is pending?

A: No. Leaving the U.S. while an application for change of status is pending is considered abandonment of the petition. If travel is necessary during this period, students must consult with their International Program Specialist to explore available options and understand the potential impact on their application.

Remember: When a change of status is approved within the United States, the visa stamp in the applicant’s passport does not change. U.S. visas can only be issued at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the country. For example, if an individual’s status is changed to F-2 and they later depart the United States, they must obtain an F-2 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad before re-entering.

Note: USCIS now grants F-1 status effective on the date of approval. If approval occurs more than 30 days before the academic program start date, students must not engage in any student-related activities, including employment, until they are within the 30-day window prior to the program start date. Applicants must maintain valid status at the time USCIS adjudicates the change of status application. If USCIS requests additional information, applicants must respond promptly—typically within 30 days. Failure to submit a copy of the application receipt to the ISSS Office may result in cancellation of the I-20 issued for the change of status.

It is your responsibility to remain in compliance with immigration and the university regulations. The ISSS office provides information and services to ensure that you are aware of your responsibilities and are able to remain complaint. The ISSS office has taken steps to provide you this information by creating the “International Student Compliance” Course, which every new student will be required to complete. In addition to our website and the course, the ISSS office hosts seminars and information sessions on various topics throughout the year.

If you do not comply with the regulations, the ISSS office is required to terminate your SEVIS record. Termination of a SEVIS record (I-20/DS-2019) has serious negative consequences for you, as it can end your ability to stay in the U.S. and attend school.

Reasons for the termination of your SEVIS record include:

Unauthorized employment
Unauthorized withdrawal from classes
Unauthorized drop below full course of study
Expulsion and suspension
Failure to enroll in classes
Failure to report OPT employment (automatic action by SEVIS)
Accrual of 90 days of unemployment while on OPT (automatic action by SEVIS

In most cases, the termination of your SEVIS record means that you must make plans to immediately depart from the United States. In other words, there may not be a grace period after a termination.

If your SEVIS record is terminated, you have two options: travel outside the United States with a new I-20 or submit a reinstatement application to regain your status. An International Advisor at the ISSS can work with you to determine your options.

Best ways to ensure that your SEVIS record is not terminated:

Always remain in a full course of study OR request and receive permission from the ISSS office before dropping below a full course of study or withdrawing from all classes
All employment must have WRITTEN work authorization from ISSS or USCIS
Do not break university or U.S. laws
Always check your 51�� email for important reminders
Do not let your I-20 expire

REINSTATEMENT VS RE-ENTRY
	REINSTATEMENT	RE-ENTRY WITH NEW I20
Cost:	I-539 plus Biometrics Fee: Check most recent fees: uscis.gov (approximately $500.00)	Plane ticket to home country Visa application fees (if necessary) $350 SEVIS fee
Processing Time:	Check case processing times at USCIS	Length of time is dependent on how long it takes to travel and obtain a new visa, if necessary. Visa processing without delays can take as short as 7 days. However, with additional security checks and delays, this process could take up to 3 months.
Concerns:	If your reinstatement is denied, your current visa will be automatically cancelled, student will be permanently limited to applying for visas in home country, student may begin accumulating “unlawful presence days” and risk being barred from the U.S., and an official record of violation will be recorded with DHS.	While you may travel to Canada or Mexico to obtain a new F-1 visa if necessary, this process can be extremely difficult if you are not a legal resident of those countries. If you are denied a visa in one of these countries, you may need to return to your home country and reapply for a new F-1 visa.
Employment:	Once approved, time spent before violation will count towards one academic year requirement for CPT or OPT work authorization.	You will have to accrue one academic year on new SEVIS I20 before eligible for CPT or OPT work authorization.
Note:	While the reinstatement application is being processed, students are not eligible for any type of employment.	You will need to reenter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. If you need to delay your re-entry to the U.S., contact the ISSS office immediately.

Forms:
1. Reinstatement to F-1 Status (Book an appointment with advisor to get the form)
2.

There are instances when a student would like discontinue their enrollment at 51��. The university does allow Leave of Absences, however, for immigration purposes there needs to be action taken on the SEVIS record. Therefore, if you are planning to cancel enrollment or withdraw from the university entirely, you will need to submit a request to withdraw, cancel or request a Leave of Absence.

Undergraduate Students: All Undergraduate Students will initiate this request with the Student Success and Retention Office. In the form, you will be asked to provide a copy of your travel itinerary that shows date of departure.

Graduate Students: All Graduate Students will submit two separate forms. You will submit the SEVIS Withdrawal Request to our office through Docusign. In addition, you need to submit a request to your School as well as the University Registrar’s Office.

If you are looking to take time off from school for medical reasons, you have one of two options:

“Withdraw” your SEVIS record, depart the U.S., and possibly return for a future semester
You can reduce your course load to zero credit hours, but you will need to remain in the U.S. to seek treatment.

If you withdraw your SEVIS record, your record will be terminated for “Authorized Early Withdrawal”. If you decide to return to 51��, your next enrollment needs to be within 5 months from your last enrollment to keep the same SEVIS ID. If your next enrollment is more than 5 months after your last enrollment, then you can come back to 51�� with a new I-20, which has a new SEVIS ID (will require a new SEVIS fee payment). Once you are ready to return to 51��, please submit the "Returning After Early Withdrawal" form (link to form below).

*Note: If you make plans to take a leave of absence with the university and do not inform the ISSS office, your SEVIS record will be either be terminated for “Unauthorized Drop Below Full-Time” or “Failure to Enroll”. Having a terminated record for these reasons could have serious consequences for your future in the U.S.

Forms:

for GR students ONLY

As an F-1 student, you have several options after completing your program. As you get ready to complete your program of study, you can:

Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) so you can work in the United States. Applications for OPT can be submitted before your completion date and must be received by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no later than 60 days after the completion of the academic program requirements.
Transfer to a new school. You must request a “Transfer Out” of your SEVIS record, please see “Transferring Schools” section for more information. You have until the end of your 60-day grace period to transfer out and receive a new I-20 from your new school.
Start a new program of study at 51��. You must be fully admitted, and apply for and receive a new I-20 from the ISSS office before the end of the grace period. You will need to apply for a “Change of Education Level or Program” I-20 with your admitting department.
*Note: You will only be able to receive a new I-20 after you have completed your program, but before the end date of your 60-day grace period.
Leave the United States before the end of the grace period. Please be sure to clear of all your holds with the university, before your departure.
Change Status: There are several other visa options that F-1 students can transition to. Please see Immigration Options for International Students for more information about these other visa types. If you do change your status, please be sure to provide the ISSS office with proof of your approved new status.

Immigration Options for International Students

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