It is very important that international students maintain lawful non-immigrant status in the United States and be well informed and knowledgeable about U.S. Immigration rules. International Student Services provides information and advice on Immigration-related issues, but it is important to remember that it is your responsibility as a student to maintain your status.
The consequences of not following U.S. Immigration rules could result in:
- loss of eligibility for any F-1 benefits, including employment authorization;
- an inability to remain in the United States;
- problems obtaining any U.S. visas or entering the United States in the future.
To maintain F-1 status, a student must
Report Arrival
Upon arrival to the United States, new F-1 students are required to report to the school listed on the visa and I-20. Reporting to LSU, specifically to International Student Services, is necessary so that your F-1 Immigration record is activated in SEVIS. A Designated School Official (DSO) at International Student Services must activate your SEVIS record within a 30-day time frame specified by U.S. Immigration regulations.
Special note about SEVIS transfers: F-1 students who transfer to LSU from another U.S. school must report to a DSO at LSU within 15 days of the LSU I-20 program start date.
Enroll in a "Full Course of Study"
F-1 students must pursue a "full course of study" (enroll full-time) to maintain the F-1 status. F-1 students also must "make normal progress" toward completing their course of study. Full-time enrollment is required during:
- Each major semesters -- Fall and Spring.
- The summer semester -- only if you have been admitted to LSU for the summer semester. Full-time enrollment for summer is 6 credit hours.
Being considered full time depends on your program
| Program Level |
Full-time Credit Hours (fall and spring) |
| Undergraduate |
12 credits |
| Graduate |
9 credits |
| Professional Program |
Check with your program. |
Keep a Valid I-20
Your I-20 must be valid and accurate at all times, and you must follow proper procedures to request:
- An extended program end date on your I-20 if you need more time in your program.
- A change in education level or program of study.
- Your SEVIS record is transferred to another U.S. school where you have been admitted.
Report Address Changes
Immigration rules require that all non-immigrants report their address in the United States. While most visa holders use USCIS Form AR-11, F-1 students at LSU use their myLSU portal to update their "Local Street Address" field. Your address information is then electronically transferred into the SEVIS database and thus reported to U.S. Immigration. Please see our article Report Your Local Address for the steps to complete.
You must update your address in myLSU within 10 days of any move, even if you move temporarily (e.g., for a summer vacation, internship, etc.).
Keep a Valid Passport
Passports serve as the basis for your student status, demonstrate permission from your country to be in the United States, and are a legal document indicating your identity and country of citizenship. Your passport must remain valid while you are in the U.S. for your lawful stay and work authorization. When traveling internationally, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months in the future.
If your passport will expire during your stay, you should contact your Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. about 3-6 months before the passport expiration date to complete the passport renewal requirements.
Work Only with Authorization
All F-1 students must have work authorization from International Student Services and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) before starting employment.
Abide by Grace Period Rules
F-1 students have three different types of "grace periods" that determine how far in advance of the commencement of classes a new student can be admitted to the United States, and how long a student can remain in the United States following the completion of studies or practical training.
An F-1 student:
- May be admitted to the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the Initial Form I-20.
- May remain in the United States for up to 60 days beyond:
- the completion of the program of study; and
- the completion date of any authorized post-completion Optional Practical Training.
- Granted an "authorized early withdrawal" by a DSO, may remain in the United States for up to 15 days following the withdrawal noted in SEVIS, to prepare to depart the United States.