F-1 STUDENT STATUS
F-1 students must follow United States law in order to keep their student status. Please read the following information carefully.
Studying in the United States
After arriving in the U.S.,
you:
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Must be a full-time student.*
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Must not work without prior approval by the ALCI and USCIS.
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Must not let your I-20 expire.
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Must not let your passport expire.
* To be a full-time student, you must attend all classes and show progress in your language learning. You can show progress by passing your classes. If you have too many absences or do not show progress in your classes, you will lose your F-1 student status.
Travel Abroad & Re-entry
Before traveling outside of
the United States (including day trips to Mexico or visits to Canada),
you must have a:
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Valid passport.
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Valid F-1 student visa stamp in your passport.*
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Valid I-94 card.
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Valid I-20 with a current signature from ALCI
* It is legal to say in the U.S. with an expired F-1 student visa as long as you are in status and you have a valid I-20. However, if you leave the U.S. with an expired F-1 student visa, then you cannot reenter the U.S. without applying to renew your F-1 visa. This can only be done at a U.S. Consulate OUTSIDE the United States.
More Information
If you have any questions
about maintaining your F-1 student status or other immigration issues,
please come to the ALCI office in Academic Hall 111.