Immigration Laws and Regulations: Student Role and Responsibilities as an International Student

It is critical that international students in F1 status maintain their legal status in the United States and understand the regulations set forth in the U.S. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES (USCIS), the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS is a web-based system that provides real-time, up-to-date information on nonimmigrant students. SEVIS allows participating schools to collect, manage, and report information on international students.

What does SEVIS Collect?

Lake Superior State University must report:

  • Any student who has failed to maintain status or complete his or her program.
  • Whether the student has registered at the beginning of every semester.
  • The end date of the student’s current semester.
  • The start date of the student’s next semester.
  • Any changes of address or legal name.
  • Any changes in program of study including extension of study.
  • Any changes in sources of financial support.
  • Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of the student being convicted of a crime.
  • Any student who has graduated early or prior to the program end date listed on the SEVIS Form I-20.
  • Any On Campus employment or CPT (Curricular Practical Training).

Maintaining Status

To maintain F-1 Status, students must do the following:

  • Attend the school they are authorized to attend.
  • Pursue a full course of study when required.
  • Make normal progress towards completing their course of study.
  • Apply for extensions of program BEFORE the expiration date on the current I-20.
  • Follow all USCIS procedures for changing from one program or educational level to another.
  • Follow procedures for transferring from one school to another.
  • Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time on-campus employment is permitted during vacation periods such as summer as long as the student is enrolled full-time the following semester).
  • Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization. Limit off-campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
  • Report change of address or name to a Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of the change. The DSO must report the change to SEVIS within 21 days.
  • Within 60 days of completing the course of study and any authorized practical training, depart the United States, apply for a change of status, or transfer to another school.
  • Maintain a valid passport.

What does "Fail to Maintain Status" Mean?

Failing to maintain status would require that Lake Superior State University terminate the student status within 21 days of the student falling out of status. Examples that would call for termination of a student’s status would be:

  • Unauthorized withdrawal
  • Unauthorized employment
  • Unauthorized drop below full course of study
  • Expulsion
  • Suspension
  • Failure to enroll
  • Extension denied

Am I Eligible for Reinstatement?

Upon being terminated, reinstatement procedures must take place. To be eligible for reinstatement, the student must:

  • Not have engaged in unauthorized employment.
  • Not be in deportation proceedings.
  • Not have been out of status for more than five months (unless due to exceptional circumstances).
  • Establish that any violation was due to circumstances beyond the student’s control or as an error on the part of the designated school official.