Maintaining F-1 Status
Maintaining F-1 status means following the immigration regulations that apply to you as an international student. This generally includes:
- Maintaining a full course of study unless you have been authorized for a reduced course load.
- Making normal academic progress toward completing your program.
- Keeping your I-20 accurate and valid.
- Following employment authorization rules.
- Keeping your passport valid.
- Following the rules for travel outside the United States.
- Completing the required steps when you finish your program, transfer, or change your educational plans.
When in doubt, contact the International Center before taking action.
F-1 students are generally required to maintain a full course of study each semester. At BHCC, this is at least 12 credits. Your exact enrollment requirement depends on your program and academic level. If you believe you need to take fewer credits than required, do not drop a class before speaking with the International Center. Dropping below the required enrollment level without authorization can result in a violation of your F-1 status.
F-1 students may take one online class per term.
Your I-20
The Form I-20 is an important immigration document issued through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Your I-20 contains information about:
- Your name and personal information
- Your academic program
- Your program start and end dates
- Your SEVIS ID
- Your financial information
- Your school information
- Employment authorizations and other relevant information
You should review your I-20 regularly and make sure the information is accurate.
Contact the International Center before your I-20 expiration date if you need additional time to complete your program. Under the new immigration regulations, extensions will not always be granted. Be aware of your expiration date well in advance and discuss this with the International Center.
Contact the International Center immediately. Do not assume that a valid F-1 visa automatically means that you are maintaining F-1 status. Your visa and your F-1 status are different things. The International Center will review your situation and explain what options may be available.
You should keep your current I-20 in a safe place and have access to it when traveling or when you need to provide evidence of your student status. Do not lose your I-20.
Your F-1 visa is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate and allows you to request admission to the United States. Your I-20 is issued by BHCC through SEVIS and documents your eligibility to study as an F-1 student. A visa expiration date and an I-20 expiration date are not the same thing.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on July 17, 2026, ending traditional "duration of status" (D/S) for F-1 visa holders effective September 15, 2026. It replaces indefinite legal stays tied to program compliance with a fixed admission period. More information will be provided as it becomes available. For now, no action is required.
Your Form I-94 is your official record of admission to the United States. Under the new F-1 rules, your I-94 will become especially important because it will show the date through which you are authorized to remain in the United States. If you enter the United States on or after September 15, 2026, you should check your I-94 after every international entry.
The Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94 indicates the date through which you are authorized to remain in the United States based on that admission. Under the new system, F-1 students will generally receive a specific admission date rather than “D/S.” Do not rely only on the expiration date on your visa or the end date on your I-20 to determine how long you may remain in the United States.
Travel
F-1 students may generally travel internationally while maintaining their status. Before traveling, make sure you have the appropriate documents, including:
- A valid passport
- A valid F-1 visa, if required for your return
- A current I-20 with the appropriate travel endorsement
- Any additional documents recommended for your particular situation
International travel is not recommended unless necessary. Contact the International Center before booking international travel.
Travel signatures are valid for exactly one year. While on OPT, travel signatures are valid for six months.
SEVIS
SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is the federal system used to maintain information about F-1 students and their schools. The BHCC International Center uses SEVIS to issue and maintain students' I-20s and report required information about students' F-1 status.
Your SEVIS ID is the identification number associated with your SEVIS record. It appears on your Form I-20. Keep your SEVIS ID available when completing immigration-related forms or communicating with government agencies.
A violation of F-1 status can have serious immigration consequences. Depending on the circumstances, a student may need to work with the International Center and, in some situations, USCIS to determine whether reinstatement or another immigration option is available. Contact the international center immediately if you believe you may have violated your status.
Changing Your Program or Major
Under the new regulation, an F-1 student may not transfer or change educational objectives (majors) during the first academic year of a program of study. This means that students should speak with the International Center before changing majors or educational levels during their first academic year.
Taking a Break or Stopping Classes
F-1 students generally cannot simply stop attending school for a semester. If you are considering taking a semester off, contact the International Center before dropping your classes. Different rules may apply depending on the circumstances.
In certain circumstances, an F-1 student may be eligible for an authorized reduced course load.
Authorization must generally be obtained before dropping below the required course load. Speak with the international center before making any changes to your enrollment
Employment
F-1 students may be eligible for certain types of employment, but employment authorization is required in many circumstances. Common employment categories include:
- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The rules for each type of employment are different, please contact the International Center before engaging in employment.
Most off-campus employment requires authorization from USCIS or must qualify for another specific employment category. Working without authorization can have serious consequences for your F-1 status.
F-1 students may be eligible for on-campus employment. Contact the International Center before beginning on-campus employment if you are unsure whether you are eligible.
Eligible F-1 students may apply for a Social Security number when they have qualifying employment authorization. The process and required documentation depend on the type of employment.
For more information, contact the International Center for complete an SSN request form.
Remember
Your F-1 status is your responsibility. The International Center is here to help you understand the requirements and maintain your status, but students are ultimately responsible for following the rules that apply to their immigration status. When you are unsure, ask before you act.
Important Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. U.S. immigration laws, regulations, policies, and procedures may change. Individual circumstances may affect how immigration rules apply to a particular student.
F-1 students should contact a BHCC Designated School Official (DSO) before making decisions that may affect their immigration status. For complex legal matters, students may wish to consult a qualified immigration attorney.