Maintaining F-1 Status

It is essential to remember that you must take full legal responsibility for maintaining your status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). That is, you are responsible for finding out, knowing, and following pertinent regulations. 

The first step to understanding how to maintain your status is to attend the mandatory International Orientation. There, you will meet the International Student Counselors, and learn about your immigration obligations as an F-1 student.

If you take time when you first arrive to familiarize yourself with your obligations to USCIS, you should find it easy to maintain your legal status. If, however, you allow yourself to fall "out of status", it may be extraordinarily difficult to reinstate your F-1 status with USCIS. The process of reinstatement requires a lot of paperwork, and is expensive, and there is no guarantee that your status will be reinstated. If it is not, you could be required to leave the United States!

The best resource to assist you in maintaining status are the International Student Counselors in the Counseling Office (A-118) at BCC.   Every effort has been made to provide reliable and accurate information on the rules that govern student immigration classifications. When regulations change - as they often do - the International Student Counselors will have current information.  Therefore, be sure that BCC ALWAYS has your up-to-date local address, phone number and email.

A Few Words of Advice for Students

If have any questions or concerns about your status, check with one of the International Student Counselors immediately. Students who do not meet the full-time or normal progress requirements may have problems restoring their status. Therefore, if you believe your circumstances warrant extraordinary consideration, it is extremely important that you make an appointment with your International Student Counselor. We are here to help you and advise you.

 How to Stay in Status:

1.      Maintain a Full Course of Study Each Semester. U.S. federal regulations [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)] require you to pursue a full course of study each Fall and Spring semester until completion of your degree.  (Regular BCC students – 12 credits, ALP Students – 15 credits per semester.)  If you cannot register full time, you must see an International Student Counselor before classes begin.  There are very limited exceptions to the full course of study rule, and you must obtain PRIOR authorization from an International Student Counselor.  Failure to comply will result in a violation of your F-1 status. You do not have to take classes during the summer sessions.

*Note the completion date listed under #5 on your I-20.  If you cannot complete your studies by this date, you must make an appointment with an    International Student Counselor before this date to file for an extension.  Failure to do so is a violation of your status.

2.   You may NOT, under any circumstance, receive an E grade. An E is an unofficial withdrawal, which means that you were not attending your class. This brings you below your full time requirement!

3.   Abide by U.S. Federal Employment Regulations. Click here for more information on your employment options. Bring your SEVIS I-20 to a counselor AT LEAST two weeks before you plan  to  outside of the United States (if you are leaving for the summer, you must first be registered for the following fall semester before we can sign your I-20.)

Students should make an appointment to see an International Student Counselor in order to have his/her I-20 signed for travel for a travel endorsement (signature on page 3 of your I-20).  It is OKAY to have an expired F-1 visa in your passport if you remain in the U.S. and do not travel abroad.  A valid F-1   visa is only required for re-entry into the U.S.

4.   Keep Your Passport Valid at All Times
      You must have a valid passport in your possession. For information on renewing  your passport, visit the web site of your country's embassy or consulate in the United States.

5.   Report Address Changes within 10 days to registration in room A-129, and come to the counseling office in A-118 to get an address change form that you must send to USCIS.  

6.   Only change your Major with an International Student Counselor
 If you want to change your major, see an International Student Counselor, as you will need a new I-20. However, if you are applying for any of the Allied Health  majors, make an appointment with an International Student Counselor ONLY   after you are accepted into your Allied Health program.            

7.   Depart the U.S. within the 60 Day Grace Period
Students in F-1 status must depart the United States within 60 days of the I-20 ending date (no. 5 on your I-20) OR their program end date, whichever is earlier.  The exceptions to this rule include those who have applied for optional  practical training, are transferring to a new school, or have applied for a change of status with the United States of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

 Important Note
This information may change without notice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your legal status in the United States, please make an appointment to see an International Student Counselor