International Students and Scholars (ISS)

Maintaining F-1 Status

As a student, you must be familiar with requirements related to your immigration status. Following the guidelines below will help you avoid unnecessary problems.

Basic Guidelines

• Keep your passport valid for at least six months.
• Keep your local address updated.
• Keep your mailing address, billing address, phone and email updated through CougarNet. You must use a U.S. address for mailing and billing.
• Maintain full-time enrollment. In most cases,
  • Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.
  • Graduate students must enroll in 9 credit hours per semester.
• Obtain your SIUE international advisor’s approval before withdrawing from classes. This approval is required.
• Keep your I-20 valid at all times.
• If you need more time to complete your program of study and the completion date on your I-20 (box #5 on the I-20) will expire within the next 30 days:
  • Request a letter from your academic advisor stating you need more time to complete your program.
  • Provide this letter with your I-20 extension request.
  • Request a new I-20 if you change your major or your degree level, e.g. Master's.
• When traveling outside the U.S., request a signature on your I-20 (page 3) for re-entry to the U.S. from your SIUE international advisor before departing from the U.S.
• Request and obtain employment permission.
  • On-campus employment
    • Employment limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
    • Employment may be full-time in the summer and vacation periods.
    • No special work permit is required.
  • Off-campus employment
    • Special permission is required to work off-campus.
    • Work permission for F-1 students must be granted by your SIUE international advisor and USCIS.

Request for Replacement I-20

• Contact the local police to file a report before requesting a new I-20. Make sure to obtain the police report number.
• Submit New I-20/DS-2019 Request Form.