Maintaining F-1 Status

It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with the immigration requirements related to their immigration status. Failure to maintain F-1 status may result in the termination of your F-1 SEVIS record and the immediate loss of valid F-1 status. Following the guidelines below will help you to maintain your lawful F-1 Status while in the U.S.

Note: Students will not be eligible for any F-1 related benefits without a valid F-1 Status.  Below is a summary of basic guidelines, for more detailed information or for specific questions related to your status please email your ISO advisor or schedule an appointment.

Basic Guidelines for Maintaining F-1 Status

Report to the International Services Office Listed on Your I-20

  • Attend International Orientation.
  • Complete the Initial F-1 SEVIS Registration through the ISO Gateway.
  • Maintain valid local U.S. address through both the ISO Gateway and My.tcu.edu Portal.

Maintain a Valid Passport

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6-months into the future unless exempt by country-specific agreements. Contact your country’s embassy in the U.S. for information about renewing or extending your passport while in the U.S.

Carry Documentation Verifying F-1 Status and Maintain a Valid I-20

  • Regulations require that the student carry their I-94 at all times. Individuals should review their I-94 record each time they re-enter the U.S. to ensure their I-94 reflects the correct class of admission (“F-1”) and admit-until date (“D/S”). Students should retrieve their electronic I-94 here, print a copy, and carry it with your immigration documents, as required by immigration law. If your I-94 contains incorrect information, contact the ISO for guidance on how to get this corrected.
    • Note: Most individuals sponsored by TCU for their nonimmigrant visa who have an I-94 should already meet the federal registration requirement and likely do not need to take any further steps. Some Canadian citizens and families with children or dependents who have turned 14 while in the U.S. may need to take action. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website has more information about these requirements
  • Carry a copy of your I-20 at all times. Your I-20 should accurately reflect your major and degree level, program start and end dates, and the source of your financial support. Any changes to personal, academic, or funding information should be updated by submitting the request through the ISO Gateway.
  • If the student is authorized for employment with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), the ISO recommends carrying the USCIS issued EAD card.
  • It is always recommended to carry a valid government-issued ID to further establish your identity.

Keep Your Physical Address Up to Date

  • Students on the F-1 visa must update their address within 10 days of moving.

Attend The School Noted on Your I-20

  • You must have a current, valid I-20 with the school you are attending. If you are transferring from another school to TCU, the transfer process must be completed before your academic program begins.

Maintain Full-Time Enrollment

  • If you are an F-1 visa holder, you must register for and maintain enrollment in a “full course of study” as defined by U.S. Federal regulations. Students must register and maintain enrollment each semester for the number of credits specified below:
    • Undergraduate students: At least 12 credits (9 credits must be in person)
    • Graduate students: At least 6 credits (3 credits must be in person)

Get a Travel Endorsement

  • Students should request a travel signature for re-entry from an ISO advisor through the ISO Gateway prior to your departure from the U.S. The Advisor will review and sign page 2 of the I-20 and you will be able to download the I-20 through the ISO Gateway.
    • Note: If you are a current student, the travel signature is valid for one year. If you are on OPT or OPT STEM, the signature is valid for six months.

Do Not Engage In Unauthorized Employment

  • You must receive proper work authorization before engaging in any on-campus or off-campus activity that does not fall under the F-1 on-campus employment guidelines.

Grace Period After Program Completion

  • F-1 students have a 60-day grace period following the end of their program. The 60-day period begins after your I-20 program end date. Your I-20 may have an estimated end date. Your program end date is generally on the last day of classes in your final term of enrollment or end date as listed on your authorized post-completion OPT. You may not continue your program during the grace period and must choose one of the following actions:
    • Begin a new course of study at TCU at the next available semester.
    • Transfer to a new school or new program sponsor within the U.S. for the next available semester.
    • Apply for F-1 Optional Practical Training in order to gain practical work experience directly related to the degree or academic program you just completed.
    • File for a change of status to another visa category.
    • Depart the U.S.