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Maintaining F-1 / J-1 Status - Columbus State University

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Center for Global Engagement

Maintaining F-1 / J-1 Status

  • I must take a full course load Fall and Spring semesters at CSU. I cannot drop below full-time (18 hours ELI, 12 semester hours undergraduate student, or 9 semester hours graduate), unless I have received prior approval from a DSO (Designated School Official). Online courses can only be taken for 3 of the required credit hours. A report is generated at various times during a semester to verify that students are in full time status. If I drop below a full course load or enroll in too many online credit hours as described above without prior approval I will be considered out of status and this may result in the termination of my I-20 or DS-2019.
  • I do not have to take classes during the summer (unless my program start date is for summer) and can remain in the United States as long as I plan to return to school for the Fall semester.
  • I must attend classes as required by the professor of each class. The professor will give me a "course syllabus" at the beginning of each semester, and the syllabus will clearly explain the professor's attendance requirements. If I do not follow the attendance rules, the professor can drop me from the class without my permission. If the professor drops me from class for not following the attendance rules I will be considered out of status and this will result in the termination of my I-20 or DS-2019.
  • I understand that I cannot just stop attending classes or decide not to return to Columbus State after completing a semester. I must contact a DSO and inform them of my decision.
  • If I decide to transfer to another school I must contact a DSO in order to have my SEVIS record transferred to the new school.
  • I cannot work in the United States outside of the CSU campus unless I get permission from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I cannot work for money even if I work for my family or my sponsor. I will contact the International Student Coordinator for information about working in the US. If I work for money in the United States without approval, I will be considered out of status and this will result in the termination of my I-20 or DS-2019.
  • I may apply for on-campus positions at CSU but cannot work more than 19 hours a week when enrolled in classes.
  • If I move or change my address, my name or my major I must inform a DSO within 10 days. I must also notify a DSO if the address or name of a dependent changes. I understand that if I do not notify a CSU DSO of any of the above changes, I will be considered out of status and this may result in the termination of my I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Cheating or plagiarism on my academic work or helping another person cheat on their academic work is a very serious breach of CSU academic rules. If I get caught cheating on my academic work, or helping another person cheat, then I can be suspended from the university and will be considered out of status which will result in the termination of my I-20 or DS-2019.
  • If I have any questions about my F1 or J1 status, or if I do not understand something completely, I will ask the International Student Coordinator or the International Admissions Counselor for assistance. I WILL NOT ASK MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY FOR ADVICE. It is critical that you acquire accurate information from a knowledgeable source. I understand that International Student Services will not accept "My friend told me..." as a reason for falling out of status.
  • I understand it is my responsibility to check my program end date on my I-20 or DS-2019. I must make an appointment with a DSO at least two months prior to the program end date on my I-20 or DS-2019. If I let my program end date expire, I will be out-of-status and will have to return to my home country.
  • I understand that I must exit the United States within 60 days of completing my program if I do not plan to enroll in another program. J-1 Students must exit within 30 days of their program end date.
  • I understand that CSU will automatically report to the USCIS if I fall out of status for any reason.
  • I understand that International Student Services will follow the law 100% of the time, and that they cannot do anything illegal to help me if I fall out of status.
  • I understand that if I fall out of F1 or J1 status CSU will have no choice but to terminate my I-20 or DS-2019 and I will need to depart the United States immediately.
  • I understand that I should always talk to a DSO before taking any action that may endanger my Visa status.

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