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Maintaining Status

Maintaining Status

While studying in the United Status, it is vital that you maintain your legal F-1 student status. The primary purpose of an F-1 visa is to pursue an academic course of study. 

 
Poster about how to maintain F-1 Status

 

 

In order to maintain your F-1 status, you MUST comply with ALL of the following: 

Register each semester

Each semester, students will be asked to complete a registration form and appear in person to the MISP Office. It is extremely important that you complete this form and appear in person to the Intercultural Office in a timely manner. F-1 students must be registered in SEVIS each semester in order to maintain status. Students who are studying abroad must also complete and return the registration form with a signature from their program advisor. Failure to be registered in SEVIS within 30 days of the Current Session Start date will result in a termination of your F-1 visa. 

Maintain a full course load 

F-1 students are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. To discuss potential exceptions to the 12 credit requirement, please schedule an appointment with the DSO.

Make normal progress towards your degree

On your I-20, you will notice a Program Start Date and Program End Date listed. Upon applying to Messiah University, it was determined how long it is expected to take for you to complete your degree. It is important that you are taking the appropriate amount of classes and completing degree requirements within the indicated time frame. 

Keep your passport valid

You must have a valid passport at all times. It is best practice to have a passport that will be valid for at least six months into the future. Passports can be renewed by your home country’s consulate or embassy.

Get an updated signature on your I-20 before traveling

Each time you intend to travel, you should plan to have a DSO sign your I-20. It is recommended that students make an appointment 2-3 business days prior to traveling to obtain their travel signature. 

Report changes to your major

Any time you change or add a major, you must report this change to the DSO. The DSO will then update your SEVIS record and provide you with a new original I-20 that will list your new/additional major. 

Notify a DSO with any changes in your address

You must update a DSO with your address within 10 days of any move, even if it is only temporary.

Obtain special permission to work 

F-1 Students are able to work in the United States under a few limited circumstances:

  • On campus for Messiah University through the Office of Student Employment (no approval needed)
  • On campus for Messiah University through an internship experience (CPT) (approved by a DSO)
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (approved by a DSO)
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) (approved by USCIS)

It is your responsibility to make sure that any employment you engage in is authorized; if you engage in unauthorized employment, you could be considered in unlawful status, which could lead to the termination of your visa and a requirement to immediately leave the U.S. A termination of visa could impede your ability to be approved for any immigration status in the future.

When in doubt, contact a DSO!

  • Are you thinking of working off campus? 
  • Do you want to learn more about Optional Practical Training (OPT)? 
  • Have you lost your passport? 
  • Are you planning to study abroad or do a cross-cultural course? 
  • Do you need your I-20 signed? 
  • Have you changed your major? 
  • Are you now a US permanent resident? 
  • Have you recently gotten engaged to a US Citizen? 
  • Are you wondering if you are allowed to start your own business or make money on the side? 
  • Do you want to volunteer regularly off campus? 
  • Have you been placed on academic probation? 
  • Are you considering taking time away from Messiah? 
  • Do you need to take an online course during your last semester? 
  • Are you planning on applying for a Social Security Card or Driver's License? 

These are all questions that could impact your ability to maintain your status. When in doubt, contact a DSO! 

The following topics may affect your ability to maintain status in the United States and result in the termination of your SEVIS record: 

It is important to note that when a student’s SEVIS record has been terminated:

  • The student loses all on-and/or off-campus employment authorization.
  • The student cannot re-enter the United States on the terminated SEVIS record.
  • Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents may investigate to confirm the departure of the student.