F-1 Status Maintenance | International Students at Adelphi University

Requirements for international students on how to maintain valid F-1 Status.

While studying in the United States, it is the responsibility of each student to adhere to all rules and regulations associated with their student visa to maintain valid status. Students must ensure that their actions align with the primary purpose for which the Department of State issued their visa.

Failure to fulfill this purpose or to comply with the associated regulations constitutes a violation of F-1 student status. Such violations will result in the loss of eligibility for benefits associated with the student visa and the ability to continue in an academic program.

International Student Support

Consult with your Designated School Official (DSO), located in the Office of International Services.

Student Status Guide

Specific rules and student responsibilities can be found in the Guide to Status Maintenance.

Public Facing Web Page

Specific rules and responsibilities can be found on our website: F-1 Status Maintenance.

Student Responsibilities

Below are actions to take in order to properly maintain your status.

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.

You must report any change in your physical address within 10 days.
To update your address, locate your My Student Profile via your eCampus account.

Attend all your classes. If you are not attending all in-person classes, you are not considered in valid status.
Maintain normal academic progress, meeting all program GPA requirements.
Maintain a Full Course of Study each term. If you cannot study full time, contact your DSO immediately. You may be eligible for a reduced course load in limited circumstances.
Speak to your DSO before dropping or withdrawing from a class.
If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately.

If you have updated your major or added a second major you must obtain an updated I-20 from International Services.

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.

An F student may only work when authorized by a DSO in some cases, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

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. On Campus Employment
You cannot work off-campus (including internships/practicum) without prior authorization from International Services, and in some cases USCIS. Curricular Practical Training
Working off-campus (paid or unpaid) without specific written authorization is a serious violation of F-1 status. Pre Completion OPT
Visit our Employment page for more information.

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.

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.

Students must take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States within the allowed grace period.

Once you complete your program of study and any authorized period of practical training, F students have 60 days after completion of your program (the program end date on your Form I-20) to leave the United States.

Complete Program of Study: 60 days following your program end date
Completing Authorized Post Completion OPT: 60 days after your program end date
Authorized Early Withdrawal: 15 days following termination of SEVIS record.
Academic Dismissal or Other Status Violation: no grace period allowed.