Maintaining Your F-1 (Student Visa) Status

It is your responsibility as an F-1 student to maintain your status. You can find more information about how to maintain your status on the second page (instructions) of your I-20, and at USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): www.uscis.gov

Please follow the guidelines listed here to help you maintain your status:

• Attend 18 hours of class per week 
• Attend at least 80% of classes
• Report a change of address to the Director within 10 days of your move
• Attend 2 COMPLETE (15 week) consecutive semesters of class before taking a vacation
  
• Make sure your immigration documents are safe and secure - leave your passport at home and make a copy for your wallet
  
• Keep your passport valid
  
• Know your I-20 expiration date
  
• You may remain in the country up to 60 days after you complete your studies (the last day you attend class)
  
• If you need a program extension, speak to the Director one month BEFORE the program end date on your I-20

If you would like to extend your status, please follow these steps:

• Notify the Director one month before the program end date
• Provide a current financial document that shows a balance of $2400 for each additional month you plan to study
  • $1200 for tuition, $1200 for living expenses
  • Dependents are $400 per month per dependent
    

AIA will try to notify you in advance of your I-20 expiration, date but it is your responsibility to request an extension.