05-F1-Regulations | JCTC

International

F-1 Student Regulations

The rules regarding F-1 students are numerous.  This is just a summary of some of the main rules you must follow as an F-1 student.  The full government regulations can be seen by going to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and clicking on “Laws and Regulations,” then “8CFR,” then “Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations.” The full regulations are listed under 8CFR 214.2(f).

Maintaining Your Status

The responsibility for maintaining your immigration status is YOURS. There are several requirements you must follow to maintain your status.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Always get written permission from your Designated School Official (P/DSO) before dropping below a full-time course load.

Avoid academic probation or suspension, which can impact your immigration status.

Fall and Spring semesters: Enrollment is mandatory with a full course load.

Summer semester: Enrollment is not required, unless it is your first semester in the U.S.

Immigration & Documentation

Notify your DSO and update your I-20 if there are changes to:
  • Major or degree level
  • U.S. address
  • Financial sponsorship

Ensure it shows:

  • Status: F-1
  • Duration: D/S (Duration of Status)
Your passport must always be valid for at least 6 months into the future.
  • Keep a copy of your Approval Notice (Form I-797) confirming the change to F-1.
  • Your I-20 must reflect your F-1 status and D/S duration.

Employment Rules

  • Allowed up to 20 hours/week during Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Full-time is allowed during official school breaks.
Must apply and receive approval for:
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Never begin off-campus employment without prior authorization. If a position requires a social security number, please follow the procedures below to obtain prior to beginning.

Many roles will require applicants to hold a valid social security number. You will need to follow the instructions below to begin the process of applying for a social security number. 

Effective January 5, 2004, the Social Security Administration (SSA) revised its procedures for verifying the immigration status of F-1 and M-1 student applicants for Social Security Numbers (SSN). For all non-citizen applicants for SSN, the SSA verifies:

  • The applicant's immigration status; and
  • The applicant's employment eligibility.
    • Only students authorized for employment are eligible for SSN. Please see next tab for examples of employment authorization. All other students can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

To apply for a SSN, you must appear in person at the local Social Security Administration Office located at the Gene Snyder Federal Courthouse, 601 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202. Bring the following documents:

  • A completed Form SS-5, Application for Social Security Card.
  • At least two documents to establish your age and identity including a passport, I-94 card, and Form I-20.
  • Proof of Employment Authorization.

Before going to the SSA office, students may wish to have an appointment with the international student advisor to review documents and to obtain a letter from the DSO.

Requirements for proof of employment authorization will differ based on the type of role. Please see below for required documents for each type of employment:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

  • Students applying for a SSN based on CPT must present their Form I-20, properly endorsed by the DSO for Curricular Practical Training.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

  • Students applying for a SSN based on OPT must present their Employment Authorization Document.

Economic Hardship Off-campus Employment:

  • Students applying for SSN based on off-campus employment due to economic hardship must present their Employment Authorization Document.

On-Campus Employment:

  • Students applying for a SSN based on on-campus employment must present: A letter from their DSO; and an employment verification letter on college letterhead from their on-campus employer, to prove that he or she is engaging in, or has secured, specific on-campus employment. This letter must include:
    • Identity of student employee
    • Nature of the job that the student is or will be engaging in.
    • Number of hours the student is expected to work.
    • Employer identification number (EIN)
      Employer contact information, including the telephone number and the name of the student's immediate supervisor.
    • Original signature and signatory's title.

Before going to the SSA office, students may wish to have an appointment with the international student advisor to review documents and to obtain a letter from the DSO.

Do not “volunteer” in a position that would normally be paid; this may be treated as unauthorized employment.

Address & SEVIS Updates

Update both your school and SEVIS with your current U.S. address.
Your Primary or Designated School Official (P/DSO) should be your first point of contact for immigration-related concerns.

Travel & Re-Entry

You must notify the international student advisor BEFORE you travel outside the United States. Your I-20 must be endorsed by the advisor in order to reenter the country. Make an appointment with the International Admissions Office at least 3 days before your travel date and complete a travel request form.

If you are planning on traveling outside the U.S., please be sure to review all of your documents for continued validity. If your visa has expired, then please visit the Designated School Official (DSO, Rosa Escalante) for further instructions, as you must apply for a new visa before re-entering the U.S. If you need to update any required documents, please see the DSO prior to your departure. You may print JCTC schedules and bills from your student self-service account.

  • Valid passport
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • I-20 signed for travel within the past 12 months
  • Recent I-94 travel record
  • A printout of your schedule for the upcoming semester to show your advanced proof of enrollment
  • Current financial documents, copies or originals of your financial support documentation with your I-20
    • It is not required but recommended to bring JCTC bills to show you have successfully paid for your previous semesters
Before traveling outside the U.S., ensure your I-20 has a travel endorsement dated at least three days before your departure, and that your I-20 is active and covers at least one academic year.

Driving & Vehicle Documentation

Keep your driver’s license current; do not allow it to expire. Do not drive without a valid driver's license.
Make sure your car registration and insurance are up to date.
It is recommended to carry your I-20 in the vehicle if you are driving, especially during traffic stops.

Graduation or Program Completion

After completing your program or OPT, you have 60 days to:
  • Depart the U.S.
  • Transfer to another SEVP-certified school
  • Begin a new academic program
  • Apply to change your visa status
  • Use your OPT approval.

Important Note:

This information is not exhaustive and is subject to change at any time.  It is YOUR responsibility to make sure you are following all of the rules at all times.  If you have questions or are uncertain about what the regulations are, contact the international student advisor. PLEASE DO NOT rely on friends, professors, or other staff for advice on immigration matters. While these people mean to help, they usually do not know all of the regulations pertaining to your immigration status and situation. Following bad advice may jeopardize your legal status in the U.S. or may cause you to lose opportunities available to you.