Our Blogs

June 20, 2025

How to Maintain Your F-1 Student Visa Status in the U.S.

Studying in the United States on an F-1 visa is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with responsibilities. As an international student, it’s your job to make sure you stay in legal immigration status. That means following certain rules, keeping your paperwork updated, and checking in with your Designated School Official (DSO) when anything changes.

Below, we’ll walk you through the essentials of maintaining F-1 status so you can focus on your education without worrying about your immigration status.

Why Does Maintaining F-1 Status Matter?

Your F-1 visa lets you study legally in the U.S., but if you break the rules, whether intentionally or not, you could lose your status. That might mean losing work authorization, facing a bar on future visas, or even having to leave the country.

However, staying in status is completely doable if you know what’s required.

Keep Your Immigration Documents Up to Date

One of the most important things for you to do is always keep your documents current and accessible. You’ll need these if you travel, apply for work, or are ever asked to prove your legal status.

Here’s what you need to have on hand:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future. If it’s expiring soon, contact your country’s embassy to renew it.

• Form I-20: This is your Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It must be current and reflect your correct program info (like major, funding, and end date).

• I-94 Record: This online document proves your entry into the U.S. and should say “F-1” and “D/S” (Duration of Status). D/S means you can stay in the U.S. as long as you maintain status and complete your program, including OPT if eligible, plus a 60-day grace period afterward.

Stay on Track Academically

Your main purpose for being in the U.S. is to study. That means you must be enrolled full-time and making normal academic progress.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements:

• Undergraduate students must take at least 12 credit hours per semester
• Graduate students need 9 credit hours minimum
• Only one online class (3 credits) per term counts toward your full-time requirement

Thinking about dropping a class? Don’t do it without checking with your DSO. You must get permission in writing before dropping below full-time, and only for specific approved reasons (like medical or academic hardship).

Keep Your Grades Up

Your school has a definition of “good academic standing.” If you fall below that (academic probation, suspension, etc.), it can affect your visa status. Always stay in communication with your academic advisor and DSO if you’re struggling.

Update Your Program Info When Things Change

Your Form I-20 needs to reflect your current student status. If something changes, you have 10 days to report it to your DSO so they can update your SEVIS record.

Be sure to report:

• A change of major or degree level
• New financial support or funding source
• Name, phone number, or address change (yep, even if it’s just your dorm)

Need more time to finish school?

If your program is taking longer than expected, extend your I-20 before it expires. Don’t wait until the last minute—it’s much harder to fix once you fall out of status.

Know the Rules About Working on an F-1 Visa

Yes, F-1 students can work in some situations, but there are strict rules. Unauthorized work is one of the fastest ways to lose your F-1 status, so be careful.

On-Campus Employment

• You can work up to 20 hours per week during school and full-time during breaks
• Jobs must be on-campus or directly related to your school (like a research assistant)

Off-Campus Employment (CPT & OPT)

CPT – Curricular Practical Training

• Must be tied to your major (like an internship)
• Requires approval from your DSO and an endorsement on your I-20
• You can’t start work until CPT is officially approved

OPT – Optional Practical Training

• Lets you work in your field of study for up to 12 months
• You can use it during or after your program (most use it after graduation)
• You must apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before you begin working

STEM OPT Extension

• If your degree is in a STEM field, you can apply for a 24-month extension of OPT
• Your employer must use E-Verify and meet specific requirements

Severe Economic Hardship

If something major and unexpected affects your finances (like currency devaluation or loss of sponsorship), you may qualify for off-campus work. You’ll need to apply through USCIS and show proof of hardship.

Traveling While on an F-1 Visa

Planning a trip home or a vacation? Before you go, make sure everything is in order.

Before You Leave the U.S.:

• Your SEVIS record must be Active
• Your I-20 must be signed in the Travel Endorsement section by your DSO (within the last 12 months)
• Don’t travel if you have a pending OPT or CPT application—you may not be allowed back in

Re-Entry Documents You’ll Need:

• Valid passport
• Valid F-1 visa
• Signed I-20
• EAD card (if you’re on OPT)

At the U.S. port of entry, you may be subject to inspection, including questions about your program and even a search of your phone or laptop. Be prepared and respectful.

F-2 Dependents: What They Can and Can’t Do

If you have family here on F-2 visas (your spouse or children), they must also maintain their status.

• F-2 dependents can study part-time but cannot work
• If they plan to change status or study full-time, they’ll need to switch to their own visa category

Report Address Changes Quickly

You’re required to report any change of address within 10 days. Notify both your DSO and USCIS so your SEVIS record stays updated. Even short-term address changes (like a new apartment) count.

What Happens If You Lose F-1 Status?

Losing your status can happen if you:

• Drop below full-time enrollment without approval
• Work without proper authorization
• Let your I-20 or passport expire
• Fail to report changes to your DSO

Visa Revocation & SEVIS Termination

Your visa could be revoked while you’re still in the U.S. This doesn’t automatically make you undocumented, but it can affect future travel. If your SEVIS record is terminated, you may be subject to removal or detention.

If This Happens to You:

• Gather all your I-20s, I-94, and any EADs
• Print your travel history and passport pages
• Contact a qualified immigration attorney immediately
• You may need to sign privacy release forms (FERPA & ICE Waiver) to get legal help

Final Tips for Staying in Status

• Stay enrolled full-time and talk to your DSO before making academic changes
• Keep all your immigration documents organized and backed up digitally
• Leave the U.S. within 60 days after your program ends—unless you’re transferring schools, applying for OPT, or changing status

Need More Help with Your Student Visa?

Your DSO is your first point of contact for all F-1 matters. But if your situation is complex, or you’ve accidentally fallen out of status, contact the immigration attorneys at Sidman Law Group today.