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Maintaining an F-1 status is critical for all international students studying in the United States, since it keeps you eligible for many other F-1 benefits. In order to maintain your F-1 status, international students must:
- Enroll full-time (at least 12 semester credits) during fall and spring semesters (and at least 3 credits) during January term at R-MC.
- Keep your passport valid at all times.
- Have your I-20 signed by the Office of International Education if you plan to leave the United States.
- Complete your degree by the date specified on your I-20. If you are unable to finish your degree by that date, see program extension below.
- Comply with required procedures for transferring process.
- Obtain a new I-20 if there is any change in educational level, major or source of funding.
- Obtain an appropriate employment authorization for any work. Do not be employed on-campus for more than 20 hrs/week while school is in session. Students can work up to 40 hrs/week during school breaks and vacation.
- Update your current residential address in the U.S. if there is any change.
- Depart the U.S. within the 60-day period after completion of your program or a regular semester/session; depart the U.S. within 15 days if you cancel enrollment in the middle of a semester.
- Disclose fully and truthfully all information requested by DHS.
- Obey all federal and state laws that prohibit the commission of crimes of violence.
Report to the Office of International Education if there is any change in your current address in the U.S.
Information on SEVIS Fee
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that can track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system.
Suspensions/ Withdrawal
If you are suspended or withdraw from Randolph-Macon College, you should transfer to another institution and comply with the I-20 transfer procedure; change your status; or depart from the U.S. immediately. Students who fail to take one of these actions are “out of status.”
- If you voluntarily withdraw with the Office of International Education’s prior approval , you have a 15-day grace period in which to depart from the U.S.
If you are suspended from the College or withdraw , you have no grace period, and cannot remain in the U.S. with your I-20. You must obtain a new I-20 from us before you return to Randolph-Macon College.
Program Extensions
If you need to remain in the U.S. longer than the period of time specified on your I-20 , you must apply to the Office of International Education for a program extension before the program end date on your I-20 form. Program extensions can only be granted if the delay in completion of studies is due to compelling academic or medical reasons. A student who is unable to complete the program within the time listed on the I-20 and who is ineligible for extension is considered “out of status.”
Completion of Program
Once your program of study is complete, you have four options. You can:
- Depart the U.S. within 60 days after your program completion date (May grads – date of Commencement; December grads – last day of Fall Term final exams; Feb – last day of January final exam).
- Apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) before your program completion date. You must submit your OPT application to the Office of International Education at least 2 weeks before your program end date.
- Complete the transfer procedure to enroll as an F-1 student at another U.S. institution.
Requesting a Visitation Letter
- The Request for Visitation Letter form is used if you would like us to prepare an Invitation Letter for people coming to visit you in the United States (especially for graduation) who will be applying for a visitor visa for that purpose. Print out the form, fill it out, and bring it into the office (or fill it in and send it by email to JaneNucup@rmc.edu).
- Click here to access this form.
Useful links
Below are some useful resources that international students can consult in regard to the immigration issues and policies in the United States: