International Information

Maintaining Legal Status

Guide to Maintaining your F1 Status

(See also http://www.ice.gov/sevis/SEVISFactSheet.htm)

Once admitted to the United States with F1 status, you must meet the following obligations in order to remain in legal status:

  • Have a passport dated six months beyond your intended stay.

  • Make sure that the date on item #5 of the I-20 remains valid. If an extension is needed, see your International Students Advisor at least 30 days before the expiration date. You have only 60 days after this date in which to depart the U.S.

  • Attend Simmons College as authorized and carry a full course of study. Do not seek employment off-campus until you have been in the United States in F1 status for a total of 9 months (one academic year) and have obtained written authorization from your International Students Advisor.

  • Do not accept unauthorized employment, and limit employment on campus to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session. Report each change of address or phone number within 10 days of the change to Immigration by informing the Dean for Student Life as soon as you move in order that the information may be updated electronically in SEVIS within the allotted 10 days.  

  • Make formal application 30 days before the second date on item #5 of the I-20 for program extension, practical training, or a permissible study transfer within/without Simmons College.

  • Report any planned trips outside the U.S. to your International Student Advisor in advance, to have the I-20 properly signed.

  • Cooperate with INS and the International Student Advisors by furnishing any requested information.

  • Maintain insurance coverage for yourself and family members throughout your studies at Simmons College.

  • Do not be convicted for a crime requiring a possible jail sentence of one or more years.

  • While enrolled at Simmons College you may only take courses at another institution if you do so during a semester break (summer or winter) and do not take a full course load.  You must contact the PDSO before enrolling in a course at any other institution.