F-1 Status Maintenance
Requirements for international students on how to maintain valid F-1 Status.
While studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa, it is the responsibility of each individual student to follow all rules and regulations associated with their student visa to maintain valid status. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining full-time enrollment, reporting any changes in address or academic status, adhering to employment restrictions, and keeping immigration documents up to date.
Failure to comply with these rules and responsibilities will result in a violation of status. This will trigger the termination of the student’s SEVIS record and associated F-1 status, meaning the student is no longer eligible for any benefits associated with F-1 status. In such cases, the student must depart the United States immediately.
International Student Support
Students are encouraged to consult with the International Services office for any questions or concerns related to their status to ensure they remain in compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Student Status Guide
Visit our Student Status Guide to ensure you are prepared to maintain status.
Student Responsibilities
Keep Your Passport and I-20 Valid at All Times
You must have a valid passport (valid at least 6 months in the future) along with a valid I-20, and an I-94 record that reflects “D/S” and “F-1” status.
Report Address Changes within 10 Days
To update your address, please locate your My Student Profile via your eCampus account and update your address within 10 days of moving.
Registration, Attendance, & Course Load Requirements
F-1 students must register and maintain a minimum number of credits each Fall and Spring semester. In some cases, students are required to enroll during the summer term. Any drop, withdrawal, or change to course modality which affects the required number of credits (in-person courses) may be considered a violation of status. Visit our Full Course of Study Requirements page for more information.
Change of Major or Adding a Minor
If you have updated your major or added a second major you must obtain an updated I-20 from International Services.
Change of Degree Level
If you are changing education levels, you must request a new I-20 via the International Services Portal at least 30 days prior to the last day of classes for your current program. Visit our Steps to Request Your I-20 page for more information. You should not begin studying in your new education level without obtaining the updated I-20 first.
Program Extension
If you are unable to complete your studies before the program completion date on the I-20, you must apply for an extension via the International Services Portal at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of your I-20 and receive authorization from your academic advisor. Visit our Program Extension page for more information.
Duration of Status (D/S)
As an F-1 student, you are admitted to the United States for “duration of status” (D/S), which refers to specific time periods linked to your student activities and immigration status. D/S includes the time during which you are actively pursuing a full-time course of study at Adelphi University, any authorized period of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following your studies, up to 60 days following the completion of your academic program or any authorized post-completion OPT to prepare for departure from the United States, and up to 15 days following an authorized early withdrawal approved by International Services. International students who fail to maintain status are not eligible for a grace period.
Employment
F-1 students may work on-campus, no more than 20 hours per week, while school is in session and enrolled in a full course of study. You cannot work off-campus (including internships/practicum) without prior authorization from International Services, and in some cases USCIS. Working off-campus (paid or unpaid) without specific written authorization is a serious violation of F-1 status. Visit our Employment page for more information.
Transfer Out
If you would like to transfer to another school, you must submit a Transfer Out request via the International Services Portal, including the acceptance letter from your prospective school. Transfers must be completed before the 60 day grace period ends and the start date of your new program must begin within 5 months after the completion of your Adelphi program. Visit our Transfer Out for more information.
