Maintaining Your F-1 Student Status

As an F-1 student at St. Norbert College, you are required to follow U.S. federal immigration regulations to maintain your student visa status.

  • Full-Time Enrollment

    • Enroll full time each fall and spring semester: minimum 12 credits
    • Reduced Course Load (RCL) may be approved in advance for:
      • Medical reasonsAcademic hardship
      • Academic hardship
      • Final semester of study

    Always obtain approval before dropping below full time.

  • Online enrollment

    Only three credits of online course work per semester can count towards the full course of study requirement.

    Example:

    • If 12 credits are required for full-time enrollment, 9 credits must be in-person.

    If you exceed the number of permitted online courses during a semester, it is a violation of status.

    It is NEVER possible for an F-1 student to take all online courses during a required semester and still maintain status. If you exceed the number of permitted online courses during a semester, it is a violation of status.

  • I-20

    • If 12 credits are required for full-time enrollment, 9 credits must be in-person.
    • Maintain a valid and accurate I-20
    • Request updates for changes to major, degree level, or program dates
    • Maintain a valid passport (Must be valid at least 6 months into the future for re-entry)
    • Renew documents (student visa, passport) early to avoid travel or status issues

    I-20 Travel Signatures

    • F-1 students are required to have valid travel signatures on their I-20 form when returning to the U.S. to continue their study or employment.
    • Travel signatures are required for re-entry.
    • Current SNC students - travel signatures are valid for 12 months.
    • Students on OPT/STEM OPT - travel signatures are valid for 6 months.
    • The travel signature is required to return to the U.S. It is not required to depart the U.S.

  • Report Changes (Within 10 Days)

    Report all updates to the Center for Global Engagement, including:

    • Change of major
    • Legal name change
    • New physical address
    • Program extension request (must be submitted one month before I-20 end date)
    • Addition or removal of F-2 dependents

  • Employment Regulations

    On-Campus Employment

    • Up to 20 hours/week during fall and spring semesters
    • More than 20 hours/week allowed during official breaks (winter/summer)

    Off-Campus Employment (Authorization Required)

    • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
    • Authorized by CGE

    Optional Practical Training (OPT) (Authorization Required)

    • Authorized by CGE and USCIS
    • Up to 12 months (plus possible 24-month STEM extension)

    Working off campus without authorization is a serious violation and may result in loss of F-1 status.

  • International Travel

    • Ensure your I-20 has a valid travel signature
    • Maintain current passport (must be valid at least 6 months into the future)
    • Confirm your F-1 visa is valid for re-entry
    • Review CGE travel guidance before departing the U.S.

  • Tax Requirements

    • File required U.S. tax forms each year, even if you did not earn income

  • After You Complete Your Degree (60-Day Grace Period)

    Within 60 days of your program end date, you must do one of the following:

    • Apply for Post-Completion OPT
    • Transfer your F-1 record to another U.S. institution
    • Apply for a change of immigration status
    • Depart the United States

    Once you leave the U.S. during the grace period, you may not re-enter in F-1 status.

  • While on Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT

    • Report employment and personal changes within 10 days
    • Do not exceed:
      • 90 days of unemployment on OPT
      • 150 days total on OPT + STEM OPT
    • Comply with all STEM OPT reporting requirements

  • Violations of F-1 Status

    Failure to comply with these requirements is a violation of your F-1 status, which may result in serious consequences, including the termination of your SEVIS record, and your inability to re-enter the U.S., arrest, detention and deportation from the U.S. Students who fall out of status may need to pursue reinstatement or travel and re-entry.

    St. Norbert College is required to terminate SEVIS records for students who violate F-1 regulations.

    Common violations include:

    • Failure to complete OIE check-in
    • Dropping below full time without approval
    • Unauthorized employment
    • Working over 20 hours/week on campus
    • Failure to report required updates