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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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  1. How do I maintain status as a student?
    You are subject to immigration laws imposed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). You must keep your basic documents valid. If you entered the United States as a student, you must maintain that status by enrolling in a minimum number of credit hours (12 hours for undergraduate students and 9 hours for graduate students). Failure to maintain status will result in a loss of all F-1 benefits and may provide the INS grounds to begin deportation proceedings.
  2. Can I work while I am in school?
    On-campus employment may be an option for students with an F-1 visa if jobs are available. The Human Resources Department (Administration Building Room 214) maintains a list of jobs on campus available to students who are seeking employment.
  3. Can I work off-campus?
    Some students may be eligible for off campus work authorization. You should see the international student advisor for more information. In order to apply for this work authorization you must have been in the US with F-1 status for a period of at least 9 months and be full-time status.
  4. How many hours can I work per week?
    The U.S. Immigration Service does not object to your working on campus and their approval is not necessary. All F-1 students are automatically eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full time during summer vacation and other school holidays.
  5. What must I do when my passport expires?
    Your passport allows you to leave and enter the country. You should have it renewed at least six month before it expires. You should contact your home country's embassy for specific instructions.
  6. What if my visa expires? Must I return home or otherwise renew it?
    A visa is a stamp in your passport that allows you to enter the United States. Your visa tells you what type it is and how many times you may enter the country. If your visa expires while you are a student you may or may not need to renew it while you are a student in the US. Typically, the determining factor is whether or not you plan to travel outside of the US. In the case your visa has expired and you plan to travel outside the US, you may need to return to your home country to apply for a new student visa. If your visa has expired and you have no plans to travel outside of the US, then it will not be necessary to obtain a new visa provided that you are maintaining your status as an international student.
  7. What should I do if my I-20 expires or I need to extend it to complete my studies?
    The I-20 form shows that you are a college student in the United States. The dates for school attendance should be current. If a you would like to extend the I-20 to allow more time to complete your studies, you should do this at least thirty (30) days before the expiration date. Please contact the international office for more details.
  8. Is there anything special I must do if I want to travel outside the US?
    When you travel outside of the United States including to Canada and Mexico, be sure that your documents are current and valid. Check with the International Student Office to ensure that you will not have a problem re-entering the States. You will generally need your passport, I-94, I-20, and a visa allowing you to re-enter the U.S. Before you depart the U.S. the international student advisor must sign page 3 of your I-20 to show that you are maintaining your status as a college student.