If you have questions about maintaining your immigration status contact the Registrar's Office. The Designated School Official, Lynn Rivers, is here to help with any other questions you may have.
In order for you to stay temporarily in the U.S. as a lawful F-1 student, you must comply with specific regulations of Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which are listed below is referred to as "maintaining status" or "being in status."
- Enrolled full-time (12 credits, maximum online 3 credits online during fall and spring semesters) at CSI. Classes taken for 'audit' do not count toward the full course of study.
- Students may be eligible for annual vacation in summer. If not, please consult with the Designated School Official to determine the number of hours you need to complete.
- For students beginning study at CSI in the summer, the condensed summer schedule requires students to enroll in 6 hours for summer semester for F-1 eligibility. All summer hours must be taken in person. Online summer credits may be selected, but do not count toward summer enrollment for F-1 eligibility when a student begins their studies at CSI in the summer semester.
- Keep your passport valid at all times.
- Complete your degree or request a program extension prior to the program end date specified on your I-20.
- Comply with required procedures for a school transfer.
- Obtain a new I-20 for change in educational level, major or source of funding.
- Obtain an appropriate employment authorization for any work and do not be employed on-campus for more than 20 hrs/week while school is in session.
- Update your current residential U.S. address via MyCSI within 10 days of any change.
- Depart the U.S. within the 60-day period following completion of your program; depart the U.S. within 15 days if you cancel enrollment in the middle of a semester or depart without completing your program of study.
- Disclose fully and truthfully all information requested by DHS.
- Obey all federal and state laws that prohibit the commission of crimes of violence.
If you fail to comply with any of the above regulations, you will be considered out of status. Subsequently, your status violation will be reported to DHS via SEVIS, and you will be ineligible for any immigration benefits.