Requirements For Maintaining F-1 Status:

1. Student must attend the school, which has been authorized on his or her I-20.
   
2. Student must pursue a full course of study (12 credits for undergraduate and graduate students).
   
3. Student must not accept off-campus employment of any kind without prior written permission from either Designated School Officer or the United States and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Students who are employed within CUNY need a verification of their continuing F-1 status.
   
   

Transferring to other Schools

• You MUST attend the school listed on your I-20 at the time of initial entry into the United States for at least one semester. For example, you can not enter the United States with an I-20 that states Hunter College and having been accepted to Baruch College; begin attending classes at Baruch College without ever attending Hunter College. Should you choose to attend Baruch College, you MUST attend Hunter College for at least a Semester or you will be in violation of your F-1 status. Remedying the situation will cost you both time wise and financially.
  
• At the time of transfer, you MUST make the international Students Office at your current school aware of your intentions to transfer. They will HAVE TO TRANSFER your I-20 to your new school. DO NOT assume that our systems are interconnected and thus we shall automatically know what is happening with your record.
  
• DO NOT destroy previous I-20s. Make photocopies of ALL I-20s and keep them on file at whatever school you are currently attending.
  
• Keep track of your I-94 card (the little white card stapled to your passport at the airport). Should you lose it, you must apply for a replacement.
  
• Always, Always, Always check with the International Students Office when making decisions regarding school transfers, semester course loads, internship and employment opportunities as well as travel within or across US borders.
  
  When in doubt, contact your International Students Office.
  
  

Travel

You should always come to the International Students’ Office before you leave The United States. This way we can make sure that International Student Advisor endorses your I-20 for the current semester and that your travel documents are in order.

Visa Renewal

If you are planning to travel and your visa is expired you need to come to the International Students’ Office. We will assist you with preparing the necessary documents for the renewal of your visa.

Change of Status

According to new Immigration and Naturalization rules, individuals are not allowed to attend educational institution unless their status permits them to do so. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services considers change of status on a case-by-case basis. You should visit our office to determine whether the change of status is necessary and whether you are eligible for it.

Program Extension

If you need more time to complete your studies than is indicated on I-20 or DS2019 form, you have to request program extension. We require that you bring a letter from an advisor at your department stating how much more time you need. All other necessary forms are available at our office.

Social Security Card

All students who are eligible for work (see below) can obtain the Social Security Card. For that purpose you need to request a letter and an application from our office.