Maintaining F-1 International Student Status
Please review the attached hand out for guidance on maintaining your F-1 statuspdf.
Reduced Course Load
F-1 international students are required by U.S. law to pursue a full course of study each fall and spring semester. A full course of study is defined as carrying 12 credits at the undergraduate level or nine credits at the graduate level. Under certain academic circumstances, you may qualify for a reduced course load (RCL) of six credits for both the undergraduate and the graduate level, or less for an illness or medical condition. For more information, please review the handout on reduced course loadpdf.
Program Extension
US federal immigration regulations require that you finish your program of study by the completion date on your SEVIS I-20. If you will not graduate by that date, you must contact the Designated School Official (DSO) and apply for a program extension at least 30 days before the SEVIS I-20 will expire. There is no fee to apply for a program extension, and no "waiting period" to hear from the USCIS once the necessary paperwork is submitted. The DSO will approve all program extension requests allowable by federal regulations, and notify SEVIS of your new completion date. Please review our Request for F-1 Program Extensionpdf form for more information.
Reinstatement of F-1 Status
As a student in F-1 status, you are expected to comply with immigration regulations. If you fail to comply with these regulations, you will be "out of status". When you are out of status, you are no longer eligible for on-campus employment, practical training, recertification of your I-20 for re-entry to the US, or any other benefits of F-1 status. If you are in danger of losing your F-1 status, please contact the DSO. Review our handout on reinstatement of your F-1 statuspdf.
Contact us
Inga Mezale
Deputy Director of International Student & Scholar Services, Designated School Official & Responsible Officer
646-781-5214
imezale@jjay.cuny.edu