Immigration Advising


F-1: Maintaining Legal Status

In order to maintain legal status as an F-1 student, you must:

  • Keep passport valid (at least 6 months into the future);
  • Always carry I-94 card;
  • Complete 12 hours each semester if undergraduate; 9 hours if graduate student;
  • Always visit with an ISSS advisor BEFORE dropping any classes;
  • Request an extension PRIOR to current I-20 expiration date in item #5 of I-20;
  • Get a new I-20 for any change in major or degree level;
  • Report any change of address to PeopleSoft-KU Enroll & Pay and to ISSS;
  • Do NOTwork off campus without authorization;
  • Do NOT work on campus more than 20 hours per week while school is in session;
  • Meet with an ISSS advisor if you plan to transfer out;
  • Get an ISSS advisor signature if traveling outside the U.S.;
  • After you finish your degree, leave the U.S. within 60 days;
  • Follow Special Registration requirements, if applicable;
  • and ALWAYS read emails from ISSS (International Student Electronic News).