Maintaining Status
Benefits of F-1 Status
As an F-1 Student in good standing you may:
- Obtain employment
- Request dependents to join you
- Travel outside the US
- Change your program of study
- Extend your stay, if needed, to complete your degree
- Transfer to another school
- Change degree level
- Change immigration status
Eligibility for Benefits
To maintain your F-1 status you must:
Maintain you immigration documents
Ensure that all of your documents remain accurate and valid.
Obey Dept. of Homeland Security Regulations
Follow all rules and regulations related to your status, such as those involving employment and enrollment.
Report Changes to ISSS
Keep International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) up-to-date on all changes related to your status including your address, phone, degree program, financial support, etc. Most changes must be reported within 10 days. Address and phone changes can be reported on-line through the PSU BANWEB system.
Maintain Full-Time Enrollment
See below for detailed enrollment guidelines.
For information in Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, or Spanish please see Dept. of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Enrollment Guidelines
International students must successfully complete a full-time class load every term. Full-time is a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduate students. Only one online or distance education course (3 credits) may count toward your full-time enrollment per term. Speak with your international student advisor before withdrawing from any course if it will result in a drop below full time credit!
Post-baccalaureate students:
- A minimum of 12 credit hours if pursuing a second undergraduate degree.
- A minimum of 9 credit hours if pursuing a graduate degree, at least three of which must be at the graduate level (if you are pursuing a graduate degree but you are required by your department to enroll in preparatory undergraduate coursework only, you must enroll in 12 credits).
The following grades are acceptable for maintaining your status: A, B, C, D, and P (Pass).
The follow grades are NOT acceptable for maintaining your status: AU (Audit), W (Withdraw), X (No basis for grade).
If you receive an F (Fail) a NP (No Pass), or an I (Incomplete) grade, it is advisable for you to talk to your international advisor about how this grade might impact your status.
Failure to complete the full-time credit requirements may jeopardize your immigration status! Contact ISSS with any questions concerning enrollment requirements.
Click here for information about add/drop deadlines, class changes, and withdrawals.
Co-Enrollment
International students may be simultaneously enrolled at two USCIS approved institutions. Co-enrolled students must carry at least half of their credits at PSU. You must provide proof of enrollment from the other institution during the first week of the term and an unofficial grade report at the end of each term. Before co-enrolling it is advisable that you speak with an international advisor.
Change of Level
If you have completed a degree and are accepted into another degree program at PSU, you must obtain a new I-20 form from ISSS within 60 days of completing your first degree. When requesting a new I-20 you must bring new financial statements demonstrating your ability to pay all living expenses and tuition for one year. Failure to obtain your new I-20 in a timely manner may jeopardize your immigration status.
Reduced Courseload
Full-time enrollment (12 credits for undergraduates; 9 credits for graduates) is mandatory for F-1 students. If you are having difficulty successfully completing a full-time class schedule, talk with an ISSS advisor immediately! Under-enrollment may be authorized in the following exceptional circumstances:
Academic Reasons
One term of under-enrollment may be authorized by an ISSS advisor for compelling academic reasons. You should receive authorization before the 4th week of the term, and you must resume full-time enrollment the following term. You may not drop below full time until your international advisor has authorized you to do so in SEVIS.
Medical Reasons
ISSS advisors may authorize up to 12 months of under-enrollment for medical reasons documented by a medical doctor, osteopath, or licensed clinical psychologist. Alternative medical providers and social workers are not authorized to provide documentation. Medical issues related to F-2 dependents are not valid for course reduction for the F-1 student. If you are experiencing serious medical or psychological issues, speak with your ISSS advisor.
Final Term of Study
You may be under-enrolled during your final term of study. You must notify ISSS by the end of the first week of your final term using the Reduced Courseload Form.
Graduate Thesis/Dissertation/Project
After completing all necessary coursework for your graduate degree program, graduate students may enroll for just 1 credit per term while completing thesis, dissertation, comprehensive exams or graduate project requirements. You must submit a Reduced Courseload Form signed by your academic advisor to ISSS by end of the first week of each term.
Extension of Stay
If you will not complete your degree program within the time period indicated on your I-20, you are required to apply for a program extension before the completion date on your I-20 form. To receive a program extension you must demonstrate that you are maintaining your immigration status, show financial documentation, and have legitimate academic or medical reasons for the delay. Acceptable reasons may include change in major, unexpected research problems, documented illness, or transfer to a different school. If approved, ISSS will issue a new I-20 form and notify the Department of Homeland Security of the change.
If you are unable to demonstrate valid academic or medical reasons for the delay, you will be considered in violation of your immigration status and must apply for reinstatement to F-1 status. ISSS can assist you with this process.