To maintain F-1 status, a student must:
- Report to the DSO to have his or her SEVIS record Registered in SEVIS in a timely fashion. DSOs must Register the student in SEVIS no later than 30 days after the Program start date (new students in Initial SEVIS status), and each semester thereafter, no later than 30 days after the Next session start date (continuing students).
- For the first entry for initial school attendance, the school listed on the visa and on the I-20 must be the same, and that is the school the student must intend to attend.
- Pursue a "full course of study" at the school listed on the currently valid Form I-20 during every academic session or semester except during official school breaks, or unless approved under a specific exception, in advance, by the DSO.
- Make normal progress towards completing the course of study, by completing studies before the expiration of the program completion date on Form I-20.
- Keep Form I-20 valid by following proper procedures for extension of stay.
- Keep Form I-20 valid by following proper procedures for change in educational levels or programs of study.
- Keep Form I-20 valid by following proper procedures for transfer of schools.
- Abide by the F-1 grace period rules.
- Report a change of address to the DSO within 10 days of the change, so that SEVIS can be updated.
- Abide by rules requiring disclosure of information and prohibition on criminal activity.
- Abide by any special requirements, such as Special Registration requirements.
- Not work, either on or off-campus, unless specifically authorized under the regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9) or 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10) .
- Abide by the aggregate unemployment rules while on post-completion OPT.
- A student should also keep his or her passport valid.
Learn more on Study in the States Website here: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/maintaining-status