Understanding F-1 Status

As an F-1 student, you are either “in status” or “out of status”.

“Status” refers to following the rules required by USCIS (a branch of the U.S. government).  Students are “out of status” when they do not follow the F-1 regulations and are reported to SEVIS as such.  If you are reported to SEVIS as “out of status” you will need to leave the United States immediately or file for reinstatement. Students are “in status” when they follow their F-1 student visa regulations.

The following are the 10 most important things to do in order to be “In Status” with immigration:

1.   Attend the school that issued your I-20.
2.   Maintain a full course of study each term.
      For College Level Students, this means:
      -Enroll in at least 12 credits per term
                        -Only 3 credits (or 1 class) of on-line or distance learning may count towards
                        the total number of credits required. This means that 9 of your 12 credits must      
                        be regular on-campus classes.
                        -Audits do not count towards your required 12 credits.
      -Earn at least a 2.0 GPA and maintain 80% attendance in all of your classes
      For ESL Students, this means:
      -Register in at least 18 class hours per week (online classes do not count towards your required 18 hours)
      -Show regular progress to higher levels
      -Maintain 90% attendance in all of your classes
3.   Attend school for three terms in a row.  F‑1 students are normally not eligible for a vacation term until the student has attended full‑time for 3 consecutive terms and maintained their status. Summer is an official vacation term at Lane for college level students but not ESL students.  Therefore, college level students who begin in winter or spring and are in status can take a vacation term in summer even though they have not attended Lane for 3 consecutive terms.  If you prefer to take a vacation fall, winter, or spring terms, you must attend 3 terms in a row before and after your vacation term. As long you are out of the country, you are eligible to take a vacation term, but to come back on the same I-20 you must not be out of the country for more than 5 months. 
4.   Limit authorized on‑campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
5.   Do NOT participate in any off‑campus employment without proper authorization through USCIS and your DSO. Working off campus without proper authorization is considered reason for termination.
6.   Apply for an extension of your I-20 before the expiration date on your I‑20.  You must do this one term before your I-20 expires. See Colby Sheldon or Jane Marshall [LINK TO STAFF PAGE].
7.   Keep your passport valid.  You can renew your passport at the Consulate or Embassy of your country. For a current list of consulate and embassy locations in the U.S. go to: http://www.state.gov/misc/10125.htm
8.   Do not get involved in any criminal activity. A felony conviction may lead to immediate termination or denial of visa renewal. 
9.  Maintain authorized health insurance coverage.  Failure to do so will restrict your ability to register for classes, which will result in you being “out of status.” 
10. Keep your address, phone number, and email address current at the International Programs office.  If you do not this may lead to termination.

Above all, ASK QUESTIONS! If there is something you don’t understand about F-1 visa status or immigration regulations, our International Programs staff is here to help you. 
 
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If you receive mail from USCIS or any other immigration agency we encourage you to see us as soon as possible so that we may help you with any items requested by USCIS.

Contact information for USCIS:

Most documents and application forms you might need are available from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization services by calling them at 1-800-870-3676 or online at www.uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm

The closest immigration office to Eugene is:

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
511 NW Broadway in Portland
Call 1-800-375-5283 for 24 hour automated system or visit their
 Website at www.uscis.gov

Most F-1 student processes are not handled in the Portland office and therefore we recommend that you see your International Advisor/DSO prior to going to the Portland office.  ************************