Regulations and Responsibilities for F1 Students

1
Regulations and Responsibilities for F-1 Students

• Virginia International University
• Fall 2008
• Meg Richmond
• International Student Advisor/DSO

2
Legal Issues F-1 Students

• F-1 Your presence in the United States is to be
  a student
• Responsibility for maintaining your status rests
  on YOU
• Immigration rules are specific if you do not
  follow them, you may have to leave the US

3
Passport

• You must keep your passport valid for at least 6
  Months into the future
• If you need to renew your passport, contact your
  embassy in the US
• If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your
  embassy in the US immediately

4
SEVIS

• Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
• Contains all your personal information
• Updated by Designated School Official (DSO)
• Used by USCIS to determine legal status

5
I-20

• This document is the hard copy of your SEVIS
  information, issued by your school
• Any time your information changes, you must
  notify the DSO so she can update your I-20
• Address, degree program, etc.
• Keep all I-20s forever! They are proof of your
  legal presence in the United States

6
Course Load Requirements

• Make normal progress towards completing your
  program of study.
• Full-time course load
• For graduate programs it is 9 credits/semester
• For undergraduate and certificate programs it is
  12 credits/semester
• For the ESL program it is 20 hours/week.
• If you are taking less than a full course load,
  you must fill out a Reduced Course Load request

7
Change of Address

• Special Registration and Change of Address You
  must contact VIU within 10 DAYS of any change. If
  applicable, comply with Special Registration
  Procedures for Certain Foreign Nationals.

8
Attendance Policy

• You must abide by VIUs attendance policy
• Full-time F-1 students must attend at least 80
  of all classes.
• Vacation All F-1 students, no exceptions, are
  allowed to take vacation only during the official
  school breaks, semester breaks, and summer terms.
• If you leave the US during vacation, you must
  bring your I-20 to the DSO to be signed for a
  travel endorsement.

9
Transfer

• If you decide to transfer schools, you must make
  a timely school transfer
• Inform us about your intention to transfer at
  least 15 days before the new semester starting
  date at VIU. Please note that VIU does not grant
  any transfer certificates when school is
  officially in session.

10
Extension

• If you require more time to complete your program
  than that which is authorized on the VIU I-20
  (see item 5 and complete studies not later than
  date.), you must request a program extension
  through ISS.

11
F-1 Grace Period

• Grace Period refers to the amount of time you
  have to leave the country after completing or
  withdrawing from classes
• 60 days after completing a program or terminating
  studies/practical training
• 45 days after changing to a new visa status
• 15 days after withdrawing from the academic
  program if you have spoken to the DSO
• 0 days after terminating the academic program if
  you have not spoken to the DSO

12
Financial Information

• If there are any changes in your financial status
  and sponsorship information, then you have to
  report it to the DSO within 10 days
• Changing your sponsor
• Receiving financial aid
• Scholarship

13
Out of Status

• If you fail to fulfill these responsibilities,
  you will fall Out of Status
• If this happens, you must complete a timely
  reinstatement application.

14
Resources

• If you need to get any forms, they are available
  on our website (www.viu.edu) under Admissions
  Forms
• Hard copies are available in ISS.

15
For More Information

• For more information about International Student
  F-1 visa rules and regulations, please consult
  with me, Meg Richmond, International Student
  Advisor or Yukari Kunisue, Student and Career
  Counselor.
• Questions?