How to maintain your F-1 Status
In order to remain in active F-1 status, you are required to do the following:
- Enroll Full Time Every Semester: Each semester you are required to complete an amount of studies that is considered legal to be full-time. For undergraduate students, full-time enrollment means completion of at least 12 credit hours per semester. Only one online class per semester may be counted towards full-time. Audited courses (AU grades) are not counted toward F-1 full-time status.
- Summer sessions are not required
- Receive DSO Permission Before Dropping below Full Time: A student may drop below 12 credits for only the reasons outlined below.
- The student needs less than a full course load to complete the degree program at the end of this term.
- Medical /psychological reason to be registered less than full time.
- Student was placed in an improper course level (may be used once, uncommon)
- Student is having initial difficulty with English Language, Reading Requirements, American Teaching Methods (may be used once in the first year)
- Remain at the College Unless Given Permission: F-1 students must remain at the college unless they request in writing to transfer to another college/university or officially withdraw from the college.
- Only work with authorization: F-1 students may work in specific situations as a benefits of their immigration status.
- On Campus Employment: International students may work on campus immediately upon starting at the college.
- Curricular Practical Training: F-1 students may work or intern in a position related to their field of study with authorization from their DSO. CPT must be authorized each semester. Students become eligible after completing two semesters in valid F-1 status.
- Optional Practical Training: Typically after students graduate, OPT is a year of work experience after a program is completed.
- Know your I-20 end date: You are responsible for your status and make sure you know when your I-20 ends. You must contact Global Education before your I-20 expires to extend it and must information Global Education if you finish your program early.
- End of Status: Upon completion of a program, F-1 students are eligible for a 60 day grace period. Students must do one of the following:
- Apply for Optional Practical Training
- Transfer to another college/university
- Return home
- Be accepted into another program at WCTC
- Have a change of status approved
- ​Report any Changes within 10 Days: F-1 students are required to update DSOs with the following information:
- Address changes (including home country address, phone number, and email address)
- Name changes
- Program changes (academic program, program dates)
- I-20 Information (financial information, nationality, legal status in US)
- Maintain Health Insurance: All WCTC F-1 students are required to have health insurance.
