F-1 Regulations
Maintaining Valid F-1 Status at the University of Oregon
While studying at the University of Oregon, you must maintain valid F-1 status. This means knowing and following mandatory F-1 visa rules and regulations at all times, including the following:
- Study full-time each term (full-time study is 12 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits)
- Enroll in at least 8 in-person credits each term (6 for graduate students)
- Attend and pass all your classes
- Complete your program by the program end date listed on your I-20, or talk to an international student advisor about an I-20 extension before the I-20 expires
- Speak with an international student advisor any time you want to drop below full-time or withdraw from classes in a term
- Maintain an unexpired passport valid for at least six months into the future at all times
- Do not engage in unauthorized employment (work) without permission from an international student advisor or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services
International Student Advising
You should speak with an international student advisor in International Student & Scholar Services if you are planning to do any of the following:
- Change your major, program, or degree level
- Change your education level
- Transfer to a new school or take a leave of absence
- Take a break from school
- Travel outside the United States
- Move to a new address
- Request an I-20 extension
Valid Passport
Your passport must have an expiration date at least six (6) months into the future when entering and studying in the US. If your passport is going to expire in less than one year but you need more time to complete your academic program, please contact your home country's embassy or consular office to renew your passport.
Valid I-20
The program end date on your I-20 should always be in the future while you are pursuing a degree in the US. If you need more time to complete your academic program, you will need to request an extension of your I-20 program end date with ISSS.
International Travel
The first time you travel after starting your program requires that you get a travel signature on page 2 of your I-20. You cannot re-enter the U.S. from international travel without a valid travel signature verifying that you have been enrolled and maintaining legal F1 status.
Completing or Stopping Study at the UO
You must meet with an international student advisor if you plan to stop studying at the UO or if you are completing your program of study at the UO. Once you complete your program of study at the UO, you have a 60-day grace period to prepare to leave the US, apply for Optional Practical Training, transfer your I-20, or to request a new I-20 to start a new program. Your ISSS advisors will advise you every step of the way.
Consequences of Failing to Maintain Status
Failure to maintain F-1 status may lead to serious immigration consequences. You may be required to apply for reinstatement to F-1 status; or you may be required to depart the US and re-enter on a new I-20. If you fail to maintain status, you cannot receive F-1 immigration benefits, such as travel signatures, employment, transfer, or I-20 extensions. Common reasons for failing to maintain status include: failing to extend an I-20 before it expires, under-enrollment (studying part-time), and unauthorized employment.