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maintaining f-1 status

Visa Compliance

UNDERSTANDING VISA COMPLIANCE

In the immigration context, maintaining status means following the government's rules for your visa category.  Status violations, including even brief failures to maintain status, may have consequences that include denial of future visas and immigration benefits, and in severe cases, bars from entering the U.S. and/or deportation.

The easiest ways to inform yourself of the rules and stay in status are:

  • Attend International Student Orientation, information sessions, workshops.
  • Read ALL correspondence you receive from OIP.
  • Review our website.
  • Contact us, before you have a problem!

When OIP notifies you of a potential violation, respond to us  immediately.  Waiting to address an issue may mean that we may not be able to help you resolve the matter and your SEVIS record will be at risk of automatic termination, due to government deadlines.

as an f-1 student you must:

  • Maintain a valid, unexpired passport at all times.
  • Report your arrival to OIP within 15 days of entering the U.S. at the start of a new program, when entering with a new SEVIS record, or before classes begin if you are transferring to UTEP or changing degree levels.
  • Enroll full-time each Fall and Spring semester, and maintain full-time enrollment throughout the term, unless you are a Part-Time Border Commuter or have been approved for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). 
  • Remain in good academic standing and make normal progress toward your degree. Follow all UTEP rules regarding student conduct, class attendance, and academic integrity. If you are suspended or expelled, you must either transfer to another school immediately or leave the U.S.
  • Never work without prior authorization from OIP. Unauthorized employment—on campus or off campus—is strictly prohibited.
  • Report any required changes in a timely manner. (See the "Report Changes" section at the bottom of the page.) 
  • Report a leave of absence to OIP if you will not enroll in classes for a semester or if you intend to drop all your classes. Students on a leave of absence may not remain in the U.S. on a student visa.
  • Request a SEVIS transfer if you plan to transfer to another school. (Documentation of admission to the new school is required.)
  • Request an extension of your I-20 if you will not complete your program by the listed program end date. (Requires endorsement from your academic advisor.)
  • Apply for a new I-20 if you are starting a new program at a different degree level or pursuing a second degree at the same level. (Confirmation of admission is required.)
  • Contact OIP near the end of your program to apply for OPT (up to 90 days before your program end date), or report your graduation if the I-20 end date is later than your actual graduation term.
  • Before your grace period ends, you must leave the U.S., apply for OPT, or request a change of status with USCIS.
Stamped passports

change of status

If you entered the U.S. in a status that does not allow full-time study, you may need to change to F-1 status. This can be done by applying within the U.S. or by leaving and re-entering with an F-1 visa. Always consult with an OIP advisor before starting this process.
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Computer and Books

extending a program

Your I-20 has an end date, and you must complete your program before it expires. If you need more time, request an extension at least 30 days before your I-20 expires.

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reduced course load

( RCL )

In certain situations, F-1 students may be approved to take less than full-time enrollment. RCLs are reviewed case by case and must be authorized by OIP before dropping below full-time.

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Passports form the world

travel and re-entry

To travel outside the U.S. and return in F-1 status, you must have a valid I-20 with a recent travel signature and all required documents.
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Port of Entry Santa Fe

BORDER COMMUTER

Students living in Mexico within 75 miles of the U.S. border may study at UTEP as border commuters. Depending on your I-20, you can study part-time or full-time while commuting across the border.

 

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Reporting Changes

  1. Address Changes
    • Submit an Address Change Request through Sunapsis for changes to your U.S. or foreign address.
  2. Academic Changes
    • Major: Submit a Change of Major request through Sunapsis.
    • Degree Level: Submit a Change of Degree Level request through Sunapsis.
  3. Immigration Status
    • Submit a Report Change in Immigration Status request through Sunapsis.
  4. Contact Information
    • Changes to personal email, phone number, or UTEP email should be emailed to global@utep.edu
  5. Legal Name Changes