Overview

Review the information below for an overview on maintaining F-1 status. For more information on specific F-1 student requests, please see the F-1 Students page. 

Entering the U.S. and Orientation

  • Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program start date.
  • Complete electronic check-in and attend International Orientation upon arrival in Ames, no later than your program start date.

Enrollment

  • Enroll full-time every Fall and Spring Semester, or be approved for a Reduced Course Load (RCL).
  • Summer is a vacation period and enrollment is not required unless it is your first or final semester. If summer is your first or final semester, you must enroll full time or be approved for a Reduced Course Load (RCL).  

Full-time Enrollment Definition

  Undergraduate Graduate without
Assistantship		 Graduate with 
Assistantship
Fall/Spring 12 credits 9 credits Determined by department
Summer
(If Summer is first or last semester at ISU)		 6 credits 4.5 credits Determined by 
department

Summer
(If continuing student)

 Enrollment is not required Enrollment is not required Enrollment is not required by regulations; Check with Graduate College for their policies, if on assistantship
  • If you cannot enroll full time because of academic, medical, or other reasons, speak with your faculty/academic advisor and International Student Advisor BEFORE dropping classes. 
  • Only one online course, not to exceed 3 credits, can count toward full-time enrollment. 
    • During summer, if you are a continuing student, you can enroll in as many online courses as you want. If summer is your first or final semester, you must be enrolled full time (see chart above), and only one course, not to exceed 3 credits, can count toward your full-time enrollment.
  • Make normal progress toward completing your degree, avoiding academic probation, suspension, or dismissal.

Employment

  • Do not work more than 20 hours on-campus, except during breaks. 
    • F-1 students are authorized to work on-campus starting their first semester at ISU.
  • Do not work off-campus unless you have authorization from ISSO.
    • F-1 students are eligible to apply for off-campus work permission after completion of one academic year.

Passport and I-20

  • If you will be unable to complete your degree by the end date on your I-20, speak to your International Student Advisor about a program extension BEFORE your I-20 expires.
  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months into the future while you are in the U.S.

Travel

  • If you plan to travel outside the U.S., make sure your visa is valid and that you have a current travel signature on your I-20. Travel signatures expire in one year from the date signed (six months for OPT).
  • Carry copies of your immigration documents (valid passport with visa page, I-94, I-20, and an EAD if applicable) while in Ames. Carry the originals when you travel. 

Leaving the University/After Program Completion

  • Inform ISSO if you plan to:
    • Transfer to a new school
    • Take a leave of absence
    • Take a break from school
    • Change educational levels at ISU
  • After completing your degree, your I-20 will be shortened: 
    • Undergraduate students will have their I-20 shortened to the end of their final semester.
    • Non-thesis/creative component graduate students will have their I-20 shortened to the end of their final semester of coursework.
    • Thesis/creative component graduate students will have their I-20 shortened to the end of the semester in which they defend.
      • Academic and immigration program completion dates are often very different—speak with an International Student Advisor if you have questions about your immigration status.
  • Summer Graduates
    • If you will complete your degree requirements during a summer semester, please be aware of the following requirements:
      • You must be enrolled in at least one course that is considered on campus.
      • You must be enrolled full-time unless you have an approved Reduced Course Load form.

Reporting to the University

  • Inform ISSO of important changes within 10 days, including:
    • Address (update in AccessPlus)
    • Major
    • Program
    • Degree level
    • Phone number

Other

  • Avoid all potential criminal activities.
    • Arrests and convictions can lead to a visa revocation, which may require a mandatory medical examination by a consulate-affiliated physician before being able to receive future visas. Please contact ISSO for further information on visa revocation.
    • A person must be 21-years-old or older to legally drink alcohol or smoke in the United States.
    • Marijuana is illegal on a federal level, regardless of individual state laws.
Disclaimer: This Frequently Asked Questions is intended for general information and guidance. As this information can quickly become outdated or may not apply to your situation, please consult with an International Student Advisor in the International Students and Scholars Office regarding your individual questions.