The F-1 student is admitted to the United States for "duration of status," defined in the INS regulations as the period during which the student "is pursuing a full course of study at an educational institution approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for attendance by foreign students, or engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies, plus 60 days to prepare for departure from the United States. The student is considered to be maintaining status if he or she is making normal progress toward completing a [full] course of study." [ 8 CFR 214.2(f) (5) (i) ]

How do I maintain my F-1 status?
In order to be eligible for F-1 status benefits such as Practical Training (OPT and CPT), on-campus employment, program transfer, change of status such to H-1, etc, you must maintain your immigration status. In order to maintain your status, you must:

1. Attend the school you are authorized to attend on your I-20. You must follow ICE, and not only university transfer procedures to attend a new school.
   
2. Leave the United States by the anticipated completion date on your I-20. If you must remain in the U.S. past your I-20 completion date, follow extension procedures with the International Programs Office.
   
3. Receive a new I-20 when transferring from one level to another or from one degree to another at the same university.
   
4. Have a valid, un-expired passport.
   
5. Refrain from unauthorized employment.
   
6. Notify ICE and your foreign student adviser of any change in residence or mailing address within 10 days of the change. Visit the International Student Advisor or email new address to aaustin@txwes.edu.
   
7. Maintain a full-course of study: Undergraduates: 12 credit hours per semester, Graduates: 9 credit hours
   Note: You do not need to be enrolled during the summer vacation unless it is your first semester and you have been admitted to begin school in the summer.
   

The International Program's Office is available to help you meet the requirements of INS. It is imperative that you meet with the International Student Advisor before an anticipated change. If you have questions about the above requirements during your period of study at Texas Wesleyan University, or if you at any time anticipate a problem in complying with any of the requirements, please make an appointment with the International Student Advisor as soon as possible for consultation.

If status is not maintained, you will be "out-of-status" and must apply for reinstatement with USCIS