Maintaining Visa Status
While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F student status. Your status relates to the purpose, or reason for why you want to come to the United States. The U.S. Department of State issues you your visa based on your intended purpose.
As an F-1 student, you are admitted to the U.S. for "duration of status," (D/S found in your passport where CBP stamped near your visa). This means you are permitted to stay in the U.S. as long as you maintain your status by fulfilling the requirements of being an F-1 student. F-1 status is granted when you enter the U.S. and is regulated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Your International Student Officer/DSO (ISO/DSO) is here to help you, but you are responsible for knowing and following the regulations. If you have any questions or concerns you must contact your ISO immediately.
F-1 students should speak with their ISO first if planning to do any of the following:
- Change your major, program, or degree level.
- Change your education level from ESOL to Associate or Associate to Bachelors
- Transfer to a new school
- Take a break from school - Leave of Absence
- Travel outside the United States.
- Request a program extension - extend your I-20
- Graduating prior to I-20 end date
- Dropping below the required 12 credits
F-1 visa basic regulations
1. Enroll in a full course of study (12 credits) during fall and spring semesters.
F-1 International students must be enrolled in and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. An actual grade (A, B, C, D, or F) must be earned in each of the 12 credit hours and does not include withdrawals (W). Students must consult their ISO/DSO before withdrawing from a course. Only 3 credit hours of online coursework per semester can be applied to the full course of study requirement.
Students in the ESOL program are required to take all their classes in-person. No hybrid or online classes are allowed.
Students cannot count 2nd 8-week classes toward their full-time enrollment unless approved by the ISO/DSO.
SUMMER ENROLLMENT is not required unless it is your first semester at Lone Star College
2. Make Satisfactory Academic Progress towards degree completion:
F-1 International Students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students should only take classes that are part of their academic plan. Academic probation and or suspension may result in loss of status.
Faculty members have the authority to withdraw students from courses for missing classes and violating the attendance policy. Please make sure to attend all of your courses. Faculty withdrawals and dropping below the full-time requirement will result in the termination of a student’s immigration status.
3. Meet the health insurance requirement every semester:
Lone Star College (LSC) requires that all international F-1 visa students, with a Lone Star College (LSC) issued I-20, maintain health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment. To avoid registration delays, F-1 students on a LSC I-20 should see the SHIP webpage for more information on how to meet the requirement.
4. Maintain a valid I-20 at all times. Do not allow it to expire
Students should pay attention to the program end date on the I-20. If you are unable to complete your program by the given end date you can request a program extension for additional time to complete your degree. Contact your ISO/DSO for more details.
5. Do not engage in unauthorized employment
F-1 International students must follow specific rules in regards to employment in the U.S. and should not begin any employment without speaking with your ISO/DSO. Unauthorized employment will result in the termination of status.
6. Maintain a valid passport at all time during program of study
Passports must remain valid at all times and must not expire during a student’s time in the U.S. In order to enter the U.S., a passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
7. Keep your information current- Report address and contact information changes to your ISO/DSO within 10 days of change
F-1 International students are required to have a valid local U.S. address on file at all times. The address must be the student’s physical address and cannot be a P.O. Box. Any change in address must be reported to your ISO/DSO within 10 days. All addresses and contact numbers in iStar should be updated by the student.