Maintaining F-1 Status

The U.S. Federal Government regulations state how international F-1 students must maintain legal status.  Failure to follow these regulations could result in your F-1 status being terminated.  The brief outline below provides an overview of the student’s responsibilities for maintaining status in the United States while studying at Houston Community College.

1. During Spring and Fall semesters, F-1 students must enroll in 12 credit hours, of which only ONE (1) class can be 100% online. The remaining classes must be in-person or hybrid classes. If Summer is the initial semester of attendance, F-1 students should enroll in 9 credit hours, of which only ONE (1) class can be 100% online, and the rest must be in-person or hybrid classes.
2. On a daily basis carry with you your I-94 printout, Form I-20, and Real ID.
3. Maintain all F-1 related documentation, including a valid passport for at least 6 month and the Form I-20.
4. Maintain your contact information. Students must update their email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses in the HCC student self-service system within 10 days of the change. 
5. Notify the International Student Office of any change in information, including academic major/program, demographic, and legal information, within 10 days of the change.
6. Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and make satisfactory academic progress toward completing this program by following the HCC degree plan. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
7. Courses audited or graded “W” and “FX” will not count towards enrollment.
8. Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 semester credit hours) unless authorized in advance to take a reduced course load.
9. Only one 100% Online class counts towards the required 12 semester credit hours.
10. The summer semester is considered a vacation semester. However, if the summer semester is the initial semester, the student must enroll in at least 9 semester credit hours in that first summer semester.
11. During summer vacation, students can take as many, as few, or no courses as they want. SEVP considers all study during an annual vacation incident to status.
12. Submit an extension request no later than 45 days before the SEVIS Form I-20 expires if you need more time to complete your program.
13. Depart the U.S. in a timely manner (within 60 days) after completion of your program.
14. Work only with the appropriate authorization. Follow the F-1 Employment guidelines to apply for any employment-related benefits. Work no more than 19.5 hours/week at an on-campus job while enrolled full-time. Any employment without prior authorization is considered illegal.
15. Have a valid travel signature/endorsement on your SEVIS Form I-20 before leaving and re-entering the U.S.
16. If necessary, complete an income tax return per Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations by the filing deadline of every year.
17. Check the International Student Office website regularly for information and updates.
18. Check your F-1 Checklist regularly in the student (self-service) online account.
19. Activate your HCC email account after your initial registration and check it regularly.
20. Once enrolled in classes, be automatically enrolled in and charged the premium for the HCC international student health insurance plan each semester based on the health insurance eligibility requirements.
21. Maintain a GPA of at least 2.00.

 

As an F-1 student, you were admitted to the U.S. for “duration of status” (D/S) (D/S is found on the white I-94 card in your passport or can be printed at cbp.gov/i94). This means you are permitted to stay in the U.S. until you complete your program or until the completion date on your SEVIS Form I-20, even if your F-1 visa has expired. You must have maintained your status by fulfilling the requirements of being an F-1 student.

Keep in mind that there are important differences between an F-1 visa and F-1 status. The visa is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport by a U.S. embassy or consulate, and it is issued for entry purposes only. F-1 status is granted when you enter the U.S. and is regulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Eligible students can apply to change their lawful nonimmigrant status to F-1 or F-2 while in the U.S. 

Even if your visa is valid, you can lose your legal F-1 status if you do not comply with the immigration laws regulating your stay in the U.S. If you fail to maintain your legal status, you will need to file for with DHS, or in some cases, be forced to leave the country (e.g., you must leave the country and make a new entry with a valid visa if you work illegally).

 

On a daily basis, F-1 and F-2 should carry their I-94 printout to comply with INA 264(e). It is also a good idea to carry  Form I-20, a valid State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or Enhanced ID (EID), or EAD card if authorized for employment, or your valid passport. In fact, the I-20 instructions inform students:

"FORM I-20. The Form I-20 (this form) is the primary document to show that you have been admitted to school in the United States and that you are authorized to apply for admission to the United States in F-1 class of admission. You must have your Form I-20 with you at all times. If you lose your Form I-20, you must request a new one from your designated school official (DSO) at the school named on your Form I-20."

In addition to carrying the above, when flying domestically and in other activities, all individuals must carry adequate identification under REAL ID requirements that go into effect on May 7, 2025. REAL ID will require all individuals to have a REAL ID-compliant identification document for the following federal purposes:

1. Entering federal facilities
2. Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
3. Entering nuclear power plants
4. "Any other purposes that the Secretary [of Homeland Security] shall determine."