These updates are for international students who are currently in the United States on an F-1 or M-1 student visa or who intend to be in the near future! The importance of maintaining your visa status during your study in the United States has been updated by the Department of Homeland Security. Violating these revised regulations may result in immediate expulsion from the United States and future bans.
In this post, we will simplify these updates.
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Table of Contents
What are the Updates to the F-1 and M-1 Student Visa?
While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F or M student status. Your status relates to the purpose or reason for why you want to come to the United States. The U.S. Department of State issues you your visa based on your intended purpose.
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If the Department of State issues you an F or M student visa, this means that you are coming to the United States to study. You should not take any action that detracts from that purpose.
F-1 and M-1 students share the same primary purpose for coming to the United States; however, F-1 students enroll in more traditional academic programs, while M-1 students enroll in vocational programs. Because these two types of programs are different, the types of benefits an international student may be eligible for and how long they may remain in the country depend on whether they are an F-1 or M-1 student.
Below are actions to take to properly maintain your status.
How to Maintain Your US Student Visa Status
#1. Arrival
When arriving in the United States, both F and M students must:
- Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins.
- Immediately contact your designated school official (DSO) when you enter the United States.
- When you arrive at school, you need to contact your DSO again no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20.
#2. Education
While studying in the United States, both F and M students must:
- Attend all your classes and maintain normal academic progress. If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately.
- Maintain a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
- Speak to your DSO before dropping a class.
- Talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension if you do not think you will complete your program of study by the end date listed on your Form I-20. Note that an extension must be requested before your program end date.
#3. Annual Vacation for F-1 Students
F-1 students must complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school to be eligible for annual vacation. Additionally, students must intend to register for classes in the academic term following their annual vacation.
Please note that during an annual vacation, students can take as many, as few or no courses as they want. SEVP considers all study during an annual vacation incident to status.
#4. Work and Practical Training for F-1 Students
An F student may only work when authorized by a DSO. If you choose to work without authorization, you will be forced to leave the United States immediately, and you may not be able to re-enter the United States at a later date.
F students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) at either the undergraduate or the graduate level during the program of study. CPT employment must be an integral part of an established curriculum, and the position must directly relate to your major area of study. Your DSO can give you the school’s policy on this option.
F students are also eligible for optional practical training during or following the program of study. OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to your program of study.
#5. Practical Training for M-1 Students
M-1 students are not eligible for employment during their program of study but may obtain authorization for practical training employment. You may participate in practical training employment after the completion of your vocational program.
If you want to participate in practical training employment in the United States, talk with your DSO about your options. Practical training employment requires your DSO’s recommendation and authorization from USCIS.
If you choose to work without authorization, you will be forced to leave the United States immediately. You may not be able to re-enter the United States at a later date.
#6. Upon Program Completion
F and M students must take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States after completing their program of study.
Once you complete your program of study and any authorized period of practical training, F students have 60 days after completion of your program to leave the United States. If you wish to extend your stay in the United States, talk with your DSO.
Note that M students have 30 days after completion of their program (the program end date on your Form I-20) to leave the United States.
#7. Talk with your DSO First
If you are an F or M student studying in the United States, your DSO should be the first person you talk with if you have any questions regarding the legal requirements of your stay in the United States. Your DSO can assist in answering your questions or help you find someone who can help.
F-1 students should speak with their DSO if they are planning to do any of the following:
- Change your major, program, or degree level.
- Change your education level.
- Transfer to a new school or take a leave of absence.
- Take a break from school.
- Travel outside the United States.
- Move to a new address.
- Request a program extension.
M-1 students should speak with their DSO if they are planning to do any of the following:
- Take a break from school.
- Travel outside the United States.
- Move to a new address.
- Request a program extension.
Finally, if your DSO is unable to help or you would prefer to ask someone else, both F and M students can email SEVP at sevp@ice.dhs.gov.
Announcement: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/maintaining-status.
