Maintaining Immigration Status

Your Immigration Responsibilities

While in the United States, it is your responsibility to maintain your status as an F-1 student.  Failure to maintain your status as an F-1 student can result in termination of your I-20.

Immigration Related Responsibilities

• Upon arrival, check in with the International Student Services Office in the main building at OCCC.
• Please bring your Passport/Visa, signed I-20 and copy of your I-94.
• Attend your mandatory International Student Orientation.

Report Address Changes

• U.S. federal regulations require F-1 students to report a change of address and personal information within 10 days.

Passport

• You must maintain a valid passport at all times, with 6 months of validity recommended.

I-20

• I-20 must be valid. Apply for an extension before your I-20 expires. It is not possible to extend this document after it has expired.

Visa

• Students may remain in the United States if the original visa expires as long as you maintain status. The visa is an entry document.
• To obtain a new visa, you will need to leave the USA and visit a consulate or embassy.

I-94

• Check your I-94 status every time you enter the USA.
• Upon entry, make sure the CBP officer stamps and writes F-1/DS on your passport.

Enrollment Requirements

• F-1 degree seeking students must enroll in and complete a full course load each fall and spring semester.
• You must be enrolled in 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester, of which 9 hours must be in-person on campus. If summer is your first semester, you must be enrolled in 6 credit hours; otherwise, it is optional.
• U.S. immigration regulations limit international students to only ONE online/distance course per semester (the equivalent of 3 credit hours) to count towards their minimum full-time enrollment requirement. You can take more than one online course, but only 3 credit hours can count towards the full-time enrollment requirement.
• Classes taken for audit (AU) or withdrawn/administrative withdraw (W/AW) will NOT count towards full-time enrollment.
• If you are enrolled in your FINAL semester, you cannot be enrolled in online courses only. You must also be enrolled in at least one in-person course on campus.

Full-time Enrollment Exceptions

• If you are enrolled in the final semester of your program.
• If you, personally, have a medical condition that requires reduction of course load. A letter from a doctor is required for this exception.