While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F student status. Your status relates to the purpose, or reason for why you want to come to the United States. The U.S. Department of State issues you your visa based on your intended purpose.

If the Department of State issues you an F student visa, this means that you are coming to the United States to study. You should not take any action that detracts from that purpose. Maintaining your status means:

• Fulfilling the purpose for why the Department of State issued you your visa.
• Following the regulations associated with that purpose.

Arrival

When arriving to the United States, F students must:

• Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins.
• Immediately contact your designated school official (DSO) when you enter the United States.
• When you arrive at school, you need to contact your DSO again, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20.

Education

While studying in the United States, F students must:

• Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately.
• If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.
• You must take a full course of study each term; if you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
• Do not drop a class without first speaking with your DSO.

F-students must take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States after completing your program of study.

Once you complete your program of study, you have 60 days after completion of your program (the program end date on your Form I-20) to leave the United States. If you wish to extend your stay in the United States, talk with your DSO to learn more about your options.