Maintaining F-1 status involves more than enrollment and employment authorization.
Throughout your academic program, you may need to update your immigration record,
report changes to your personal information, travel internationally, request documents
for family members, or address unexpected situations that affect your status. This
section provides guidance on a variety of immigration-related topics, including travel,
address and funding updates, name changes, dependent requests, changes of status,
replacing lost documents, and options for regaining F-1 status. Understanding these
requirements will help you keep your immigration record accurate and remain compliant
with federal regulations.
Hidden main title
Travel
Understand when and how you can travel within and outside the U.S., including required
documents, travel signatures, and re-entry rules to maintain your F-1 status.
Learn how to update your on-campus, local, and foreign addresses to stay compliant
with federal reporting requirements. You must report address changes within 10 days
to maintain your F-1 status.
Understand when and how to update your financial information on your Form I-20. This
page explains required documentation and how to report changes in your funding source
or amount.
Find out what to do if your immigration status changes (such as H-1B or permanent
residence). Learn how to report your new status and understand how it affects your
SEVIS record.
Learn how to update your legal name on university records and immigration documents.
This page outlines required steps to ensure your Form I-20 matches your passport.
Learn how to request immigration documents for your spouse and children, apply for
F-2 status, and understand what dependents can and cannot do while in the U.S.
Learn how to change to F-1 student status from another visa, including eligibility
requirements, application options (within the U.S. or through travel), and key timelines
to plan your transition.
Understand your options if you fall out of status, including reinstatement and travel
and reentry, along with the risks, requirements, and steps needed to return to valid
F-1 status.
