F-1 Immigration Responsibilities

As an F-1 student, you are subject to many rules and regulations related to your immigration status. Advisors at ISS are available to assist you and answer your questions about your immigration status, but it is your responsibility to know and abide by the law in order to maintain valid legal status.
  • Possess a passport that is valid at all times. It is recommended that you keep your passport valid at least six months into the future.
  • Attend the school/institution you were authorized to attend.
  • Be registered full-time for each academic semester during which enrollment is required. For undergraduate students, this means registration for, and completion of, at least 12 credits per academic semester (fall and spring semesters), and for graduate students, this means registration for, and completion of, at least 9  graduate-level  credits per academic semester.  NOTE: You are not required to be registered for classes during the summer unless you have been admitted to FAU for the summer term or completing degree by end of summer term.
    • Students starting their studies at FAU in the summer term  are required to register as per their degree level as follows:
      • Undergraduates  starting in summer are to register for 12 credits if starting in May (Summer terms I & II) or 6 credits if starting in June (Summer term III).
      • Graduates  starting in summer are to register for 6 credits if starting in May (Summer terms I & II) or 3 credits if starting in June (Summer term III).

  • Register for no more than three (3) fully on-line credits as part of your required full time enrollment. Undergraduate students may enroll for no more than 3 of their required 12 credits each term. Graduate students may enroll for no more than 3 of their required 9 credits each term.
  • Maintain good academic progress towards completing your degree (which includes completion of at least 12 credits each fall or spring semester for undergraduate students and at least 9 credits for graduate students).
  • Follow appropriate procedures to notify USCIS if you transfer schools or if you change from one educational level to another. Transfer procedure must be completed within 15 days from start of term.
  • File for a Program Extension prior to the expiration date of your I-20 if you need additional time to complete your program
  • Check your documents to be sure they are valid (not expired or getting close to expiration) and in order before leaving the U.S., even for a brief trip, and be sure to have the proper documents to re-enter the U.S. and valid travel endorsement on your I-20. 
  • Engage in employment only with proper authorization. Working without proper authorization constitutes illegal employment, which is a serious violation of your immigration status).
  • If you are out of status, file for reinstatement in a timely manner and refrain from any employment if you are out-of-status.
  • Notify ISS if you change your address, name, program of study, source of funding, or any other information listed on your form I-20.
  • For further clarifications about any of the above, or if you wish to make sure you are maintaining legal status in accordance with your visa classification, make an appointment to see an ISS advisor. At the appointment, make sure to bring your passport, I-94 and I-20 with you.