International Student Center
321 East Chapman Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
USA

Phone: 1.714.992.7078
Fax: 1.714.992.9927
email: isc@fullcoll.edu

maintaing f-1 status

We are here to help you! Before you make an academic or immigration decision, get information from us first. The 4 Basics of maintaining your F-1 student status are:

  • Complete a minimum of 12 units in fall and 12 units in spring
  • Make academic degree progress towards your major
  • NO unathorized employment
  • Report to the ISC any changes in your name, address, telephone, major, dependents, and/or graduation date.

 

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Passport must be valid
  • Keep original immigration documents (passport, visa, I-20, I-94) in a safe, secure place.

How is my Immigration Status different from my Visa?

Your visa indicates that you are eligible to enter the US in a specific immigration status. A US border official will review your eligibility and authorize your requested immigration status by issuing the Form I-94 (sample card to the left) to show that you have been granted permission to be in the U.S. This small white card is your arrival/departure document and indicates your immigration status and the length of time you may remain inside the United States.

F visa holders will see the notation "D/S" on their form. D/S stands for "duration of status" and refers back to the expiration date on your I-20 immigration document.