The last thing you want is to have your studies interrupted by an immigration issue. Learn how you can maintain your F-1 Student Visa status and study in the US.
You can remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain your F-1 visa status. You may remain
in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa if your passport is valid, and your F-1 visa
status is active by following all F-1 visa rules and regulations. If you fall out
of status, speak with our office immediately regarding eligibility for reinstatement.
Students may be eligible to apply for reinstatement within five months of falling
out of status. Complete at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester to keep your full-time student status. You are not
required to register for summer sessions, unless you are coming here for the first
time for summer school. If you need to drop a class or fall below full-time status
for any reason, contact International Student Services for help right away and prior
to making any class changes. As an F-1 visa student, you are eligible to work part-time on-campus for up to 19.5
hours a week. Please visit International Student Services or Career Services for more information Some F-1 students in approved programs are eligible for practical
training such as internships or clinicals. Please visit International Student Services
for more information.
You should only attend the school listed on your Form I-20. If you would like to transfer
to or from San Jacinto College, you will need to contact International Student Services
at San Jacinto College and/or the international office at your future institution
to follow the international admission transfer in/out process to ensure you are maintaining
your F-1 status. Once you complete your degree or practical training, you have 60 days to decide on
your plans for the following semester. You can begin a new program at San Jac, transfer
to another institution, return to your home country, or change your Visa status. It’s your Designated School Official’s (DSO) job to help keep your F-1 status valid
so you can reach your educational goals. To avoid any Visa violations, please report
any changes to your personal contact information within 10 days of the change.8 Steps to Keeping Your F-1 Visa Status
Understand the details of your F-1 status
Be a full-time student
Get authorization for employment or training
Keep your documents current
Carry your documents with you
Keep your school records current
If you would like to concurrently enroll in more than one school, you will need to
obtain a concurrent letter from your current institution and complete the concurrent
enrollment process for international students at the institution you plan on attending.Plan for the future
Stay in touch with International Student Services