| Immigration Responsibilities - F1 | ||||||||||||
| As a student in F-1 status, you may be eligible to work legally in the United States with written permission from the U.S. Immigration service and/or International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Below is a brief summary of the different types of work for which you may qualify. Please consult an advisor in ISSS for more information. The United States Immigration service places responsibility on the student to understand and comply with immigration laws. Below is a summary of the immigration responsibilities for F-1 students. If F-1 students do not fulfill any one of these responsibilities, they may jeopardize their eligibility for immigration benefits, including employment on- or off- campus.
1. Register for and successfully complete a full course of study each semester. Following are the minimum credit hour requirements for F-1 students to maintain full time registration:
Exceptions: Under certain circumstances, F-1 students may be authorized to enroll for less than a full course of study and still be considered full time. However, an ISSS advisor must review the case with the student to determine if a valid academic or medical reason exists before approving the request. Failure to speak with an ISSS advisor and receive approval will jeopardize the student's immigration status. This requires that you fill out a Reduced Course Load form. Summer : F-1 students are not required to register during the summer vacation, except if summer is the first semester of admission. 2. Obtain U.S. Immigration service approval before changing universities or degree programs. F-1 students must obtain a new I-20 each time you transfer schools or change academic level* (i.e., bachelors to masters). *If you are applying for a new program at American University, please submit a new Personal and Immigration Information Request Form and financial documents (no more than one year old). * Transfers must be completed no later than 15 days after beginning classes. 3. Complete your program before your I-20 expires. F-1 students have permission to study in the United States up to the expected completion date in item #5 of the I-20. However, once students have completed their program, they have 60 days to either:
To qualify for a program extension, students must demonstrate that the additional time is needed because of compelling academic reasons or a documented medical illness. F-1 students who require additional time to complete their academic program must pick up a Program Extension form at ISSS to extend the I-20. It is important to submit the form to ISSS at least 30 days before the current I-20 expires. Follow the Program Extension Procedure according to your location. 4. Always obtain Employment Authorization before you begin working Students must ALWAYS obtain written employment authorization from ISSS and/or U.S. Immigration service before beginning any employment, including on- and off-campus employment. This includes department internships, Cooperative Education, or course work for which you receive any compensation (including salary, tuition, books, supplies, food, or transportation). F-1 Students interested in employment should refer to the ISSS handout A Summary of Employment Eligibility for F-1 Students to learn about the many ways for F-1 students to qualify for work authorization. Refrain from working off-campus unless you have specific written permission from ISSS or the U.S. Immigration service; F-1 students may, however (with ISSS permission), work on-campus up to 20 hours total per week during the school year, and full-time on-campus during summers and vacation periods. Please see an International Student Advisor if you have questions concerning on- or off-campus work permission. 5. Keep your passport valid at all times. Maintain a valid passport unless you are exempt from the passport requirement. U.S. Immigration service will not approve applications for employment or other immigration benefits unless your passport is valid or in the process of being re-validated. 6. Notify International Student and Scholar Services of any address change. Inform International Student and Scholar Services of your address change through your International Student Profile on my.american.edu. ISSS will update your SEVIS record with your change of address. 7. Leave the US within 60 days after completing your program Once you complete all requirements for your program, even if your I-20 has not expired, you have only 60 days to either:
Although you were admitted to the United States for "duration of status" (D/S on your I-94), each academic program you pursue has a time period in which you are expected to complete that program. This time period may or may not correspond to the American University departmental degree period limitations. If the completion date indicated on your I-20 form (see section 5 on I-20) will pass before you can complete your studies, you must apply for an extension. U.S. Immigration service regulations require that you apply 30 days prior to the date of expiration on the I-20. Extension Process Requirements: You are eligible for an extension if the following apply:
Procedure: If the cause of the delay is academic, please follow the procedure below according to your location: Students Extending Their Program Within the U.S.
Students Traveling Outside the U.S. During the Application Period
If the cause of the delay is a documented illness, please make an appointment with the International Student Advisor. You will need to bring your old I-20, documentation of the illness from a doctor, and evidence of financial support. If you have questions about program extensions please contact ISSS at 202 - 885 - 3350 or by email: iss@american.edu.
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