You have been given permission to live and study in the United States. Your I-20 and F-1 Visa provide proof of this privilege. In order to be allowed to remain in the United States as a student you are required to stay in legal status. (See the glossary of terms for definitions.)

Staying in legal statues means:

• You have a current I-20. To be considered current it must be signed by the International Student Advisor at the end of each semester after you have pre-registered for classes for the upcoming term.
• The date for completion of studies must not have passed or the I-20 is considered to be expired and not valid. If you know you will not graduate before the expiration date on your I-20 see an International Student Advisor for information about receiving an extension. You will need to request an extension in writing. If you lose your I-20 you need to see an International Student Advisor immediately for a replacement.
• You must be enrolled full time for fall and spring semesters or have special permission from your International Student Advisor to enroll for less than 12 credits. It is important that you receive pre-authorization before dropping a class or pre-registering for less than 12 credits for an upcoming term.
• Please Note: Recent changes in regulations now only allow part-time study for border commuting students from Canada and Mexico if they attend a school within 75 miles of the border. If you plan to commute you must see an advisor each semester as you will be required to be issued a new form I-20 each semester that you attend as a part-time commuter. Your form I-20 will be date certain meaning it is only valid for the dates you attend classes during the single term.
• You do not accept employment without proper authorization.This includes employment on-campus, employment off-campus, paid practical or curricular training. You must see an advisor to apply for this authorization before you accept such employment.
• You attend class regularly and maintain satisfactory academic progress toward your degree.
• You have to file a yearly tax return only if you earn income in the United States. Forms are available from the IRS web site. Only employed students may apply for a Social Security Number. If you need to file a return for any other reason you may apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number. Forms are filed with the Social Security Office downtown. Click here for an application for a Taxpayer Identification Form W7. (PDF format)
• If you are not a Canadian citizen you may not cross the border into Canada without a Canadian visa if one is required for residents of your country. To determine if you need a visa, click here for a list of countries needing a visa to enter Canada. To apply, complete the application found at Canadian visa applications.

Important End of Semester Information

If you are a full time student returning next semester:

• After you have registered for next semester courses you must have page three of your I-20 signed by John or Bonnie to verify you will be attending classes next semester.
• You must be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours for the next term.

If you are a part time or Non-degree commuter student returning next semester:

• You must receive a new I-20 for each semester you attend part time. Please come to the South Hall information desk to complete an Information and I-20 request form.
• You will have to process your I-20 at the border when you begin the next semester.
• Only commuter students are allowed to attend part-time.

If you are currently a full time student and need less than 12 credits next semester to complete your degree:

• You must receive pre-authorization to enroll for less than 12 credits. Please see John or Bonnie to have your SEVIS I-20 record authorized for part time study.

If you are planning to do student teaching next semester:

• You must enroll for 15 credits of student teaching for the next semester.
• You must also have page three of your SEVIS I-20 signed before you leave campus.

ALL STUDENTS:

• Upon returning to campus next semester come to the South Hall information desk to check-in and to verify attendance by completing an updated International Student Registration Form.
• If you are student teaching or doing particle training, please complete this registration form before you leave campus.

See an International Student Advisor for more detailed information or if you have questions about any of the above requirements.

Updated July 18, 2007