Maintaining Student Status

While studying in the United States, international students must:

• Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately.
• If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.
• You must take a full course of study each term; if you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
• Do not drop a class without first speaking with your DSO.

International students are permitted to work on campus only for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. When school is not in session (vacation periods), students may work on campus for more than 20 hours per week.

International students must take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States after completing their program of study.

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. If you wish to extend your stay in the United States, talk with your DSO to learn more about doing one of the following:

• Transfer to another school.
• Change your education level (e.g., bachelor’s to master’s).
• Apply to change status to another visa status (e.g., H-1B temporary worker; O-extraordinary ability in science, art or business; P-athlete).

You must notify the IPO by email or in person within 10 days if you change your:

• Address
• Name
• Email Address
• Change your major/minor
• Add major/minor
• Apply to change your status