Maintaining Legal F-1 Visa Status

As an F-1 status student studying in the United States, you are required to meet obligations set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. It is the responsibility of the students to understand and follow the following general obligations: 

  • Students must promptly inform their DSO of any corrections or changes necessary to the information on the I-20 and in SEVIS:
    • Report change of address within 10 days
    • At least 15 days before the program end date of page 1 if an extension is necessary to complete the program requirement
  • Have a valid passport at all times
  • Maintain full course load of 12 units or more, each Fall and Spring semester at FCC
  • Only 3 units of a web course will count towards your 12-unit requirement
  • Refrain from off-campus employment without written authorization from USCIS or the school
  • Restricted employment, both on campus and off, to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session
  • Attend the school you are authorized to attend on your I-20. 

Exceptions to the Full Course of Study Requirement

  • Illness or Medical Condition
  • Initial Difficulty with the English Language
  • Initial Difficulty with Reading Requirements
  • Unfamiliarity with American Teaching Methods
  • Improper Course Level Placement
  • To Complete Course of Study in Current Term
  • Part-time Border Commuter Student 

*Note: To be considered for reduced course load, you must complete the appropriate RCL form and submit to the International Student Program Office. 

Other allowable deviations from Full Course of Study Requirement but do not need to file an RCL form:

  • Summer and Winter Sessions are not required of F-1 Students
  • Post-completion practical training. A student on practical training following completion of studies 
  • Concurrent Enrollment. An F-1 status may enroll concurrently at another USCIS approved college provided that through the combined enrollment, the student is enrolled in 12 units or more. The student must obtain permission from the International Counselor and file a Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Possible Consequences of Being Out-of-Status

  • Possible deportation
  • Become ineligible to transfer to another institution
  • May be barred from re-entering the U.S. 
  • Ineligible for practical training
  • Ineligible for employment on-/off-campus
  • Might be denied an extension of stay or reinstatement from the USCIS

Note: Contact the International Student Program Office if you fall out-of-status while attending the college.