F-1 Status - The Basics

If you were issued an I-20 form in order to obtain your U.S. visa, you are on an F-1 visa. Any accompanying family members will be on an F-2 visa, unless they are full-time students as well. The following is a very brief overview of the F-1 regulations.

Duration of Status

Form I-94 should have a "D/S" written on it. Duration of status is defined as the period of time necessary to complete a full course of study in any educational program plus any authorized period of practical training following completion of that program plus 60 days in which to depart the United States. The term "duration of status" is not an indication that you can stay in the United States indefinitely as long as you are enrolled at a university.

Maintaining Status

The responsibility for maintaining your visa status lies with you. Being out of status can have serious consequences for your academic plans. There are several important things you must do to maintain your status:

Keep your passport valid. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six (6) months into the future. Addresses of embassies and consulates are available from the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Do not work off campus without WPI or USCIS approval.
Obtain extensions as needed. Allow ample time for WPI to assist you with any application for extension of stay.
Maintain full-time enrollment and normal progress towards your degree. To remain in status, you must carry a full course of study every semester, except the summer term. You can be allowed to carry a reduced course load for valid educational or medical reasons. Only the international student advisor can approve this exception. Permission must be obtained prior to enrollment for a reduced course load.

Dependents

Your spouse and/or children may enter the United States on an F-2 visa provided they have evidence of adequate financial support. A person on an F-2 visa may not be employed under any circumstances and may not engage in study for credit. A separate I-20 form must be issued for the spouse/child.

Transfer

If you are considering transferring to another university in the United States, you need to inform the international student advisor. Once you have decided to transfer, WPI needs to enter a "release" date into SEVIS and indicate the school you are transferring to. If you are a transfer student starting at WPI, you need to make sure your SEVIS record from you previous school has been released and you must register within the first week of class.

F-1 Student Employment

The basic requirement for all types of employment is that you must maintain lawful F-1 status. The USCIS defines employment as work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, room and/or board, or any other benefit.

On-campus Employment

You can work on campus provided you are maintaining your F-1 status. On-campus employment must not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. During vacation periods, you can work full time. In some situations, you can work off campus at a location which qualifies as on-campus employment. You need to obtain an on-campus employment authorization from the international student advisor before starting any employment on campus.

Off-campus Employment Based on Severe Economic Hardship

If you are experiencing severe economic hardship based on unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible to apply for Employment Authorization from the USCIS. You should see the international student advisor before applying.

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular practical training is defined as work experience directly related to the student's field of study. Curricular practical training is the employment authorization used for F-1 students on co-op or graduate students on internship. You apply for curricular practical training work authorization from the international student advisor.

Optional Practical Training

Optional practical training is defined as work experience related to your field of study. You have 12 months of OPT for each degree level (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.). The term optional refers to your option as when to use part or all of your practical training. For more information on how and when to apply, see the handout on Optional Practical Training available from the Office of International Students and Scholars.

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Last modified: Aug 03, 2004, 12:28 EDT