F-1 Students

F-1 Students

As an international student under F-1 visa, you must comply with all U.S. federal immigration laws and regulations that apply to your status. You are legally responsible for maintaining your F-1 status by understanding and following these requirements. If you are unsure about any requirement, contact OISS immediately.

YOUR I-20 IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. You must ensure that your I-20 remains valid if you need additional time to complete your program or if you change programs at HPU. This includes changes such as:

  • Visiting student → Degree-seeking student
  • One-semester visiting → Two-semester visiting
  • Bachelor’s → Master’s program

Always check the expiration/end date on Page 1 of your I-20. If you need additional time or plan to change programs, contact OISS well BEFORE your I-20 expires. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR I-20 HAS EXPIRED. Failure to take action before the expiration date may result in a SEVIS violation and serious, costly immigration consequences with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Student Responsibility Checklist

  • Maintain good academic standing and satisfactory academic progress. Suspension, dismissal, or similar action may affect your immigration status. Contact OISS if this occurs.

  • Extend your I-20 before it expires if you need more time to complete your program.

  • Notify OISS to update your I-20 promptly if you change your academic program or level.

  • Maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year (Fall and Spring).

  • Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week during the academic year. 

  • Do not work off-campus without authorization. This includes online/remote jobs in your home country while studying in the U.S.

  • Keep your passport valid at all times. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future on the day you return to the U.S. from a trip abroad.

  • Maintain health insurance for yourself and any dependents. Continuing students must submit a health insurance waiver form every semester or academic year to OISS office based on the insurance coverage policy dates.

  • Notify OISS if you leave the program before the end date of your I-20.

  • If your permanent or current address changes, update your address through your MyHPU Portal within 10 business days.

  • Check your HPU email regularly. Read all OISS messages carefully and take required action promptly.

  • Ask OISS if you have any questions regarding your immigration status or regulations.

MAINTAINING LEGAL STATUS
TRAVEL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION