It is extremely important for an F-1 student to maintain his or her status while in the United States. The Office of International Student Programs supports you in this by providing appropriate immigration advice, travel documents, permission to work (Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training recommendation), transfers, and extension of study. In addition, the office assists you with other required U.S. government documentation such as a social security card, Kentucky Driver License, and tax forms.

Maintaining F-1 status: Although maintenance of your student status is principally the responsibility of the student, the Designated School Official (DSO) has certain duties to maintain the student's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, and is charged with understanding the F-1 rules and regulations. To maintain F-1 status, a student must:

1. Report, in a timely manner, to the DSO to have your SEVIS record registered in SEVIS. This must be no later than 30 days after the Program start date for new students. It also must be completed each semester no later than 30 days after the next session start date for those students continuing their study here.
   Download theLWC SEVIS Registration Form.
2. For new first time students, the school listed on the visa and on the I-20 (both must match) is the school you must intend to attend.
3. Attend only the school you are authorized to attend.
4. Maintain a full course of study for each semester.
   • A minimum of 12 credits for undergraduate students
   • A minimum of 9 credits for graduate students
5. Make normal progress towards completion of the course of study. You must complete courses before the expiration of the I-20.
6. Maintain the validity of your I-20 by following proper procedures! (see below) for extending your stay if you cannot complete the program on time.
7. Follow U.S. Department of Homeland Security procedures for moving from one educational level to another (e.g. from BA to Masters), and for transferring from one school to another.
8. Abide by the rules requiring disclosure of information and prohibition of criminal activity.
9. Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
10. Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization.
11. Report a change of address* (see below) to the DSO within 10 days of the change, so that SEVIS can be updated.
12. Keep your passport valid all times. (Your passport must be valid six months into the future to enter the U.S.)

Failure to Comply with Regulations

It is your responsibility to follow all immigration regulations that apply to F-1 students. If you fail to comply with the regulations, you will be "out of status," your SEVIS record will be automatically terminated and you will have to leave the U.S. You will not be eligible for benefits for F-1 students such as work permit (CPT and OPT).

*Change of Address

All of the international students at Lindsey Wilson College must live on campus. However, if you are over 23 years of age, you can live off-campus, but your new address must be reported to the DSO. If you have completed your degree and are pursuing OPT, you must report your address to the DSO by e-mail mcalpins@lindsey.edu or by returning the Change of Address form via regular postal mail.

Extension of Stay

The "completion of studies" on your current I-20 is the date by which you are expected to complete the requirements for your current program. If you are unable to complete it by the date, you must apply for a program extension prior to the expiration date. Failure to do this will be a violation of your status. The program extension request form can be found in our international student office or you can download, complete and drop it off.

For more detailed information on immigration and travel documents, contact Suzy McAlpine at (270) 284-8236 or by e-mail at mcalpins@lindsey.edu.