F-1 Visa Information

THINGS YOU MUST ALWAYS DO AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AT UMASS DARTMOUTH

• maintain full-time registration (12 cr. undergraduates and law school students, 9 cr. graduate students) every semester; no more than one on-line course is allowed each semester; if you have only one course to complete your program, it cannot  be an on-line course
• get passing grades (average of C (2.00 GPA) or better for undergraduates and law students; B in each course or better for graduate  students) in your courses; make progress towards completing your program or degree
• keep your passport current
• keep your I-20 paperwork current; this means a program of study in which you are currently enrolled or an approved post-study program such as Optional Practical Training
• accept only authorized employment, and for a maximum of 20 hours a week while enrolled in classes
• tell us immediately if you change your address – or within 10 days at the latest, even in the summer
• tell us immediately if you change your name
• come to the office immediately if you are not doing any of the above; you may be eligible for reinstatement

THINGS YOU MUST NEVER DO AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AT UMASS DARTMOUTH

• work anywhere off campus without permission
• let your passport or I-20 paperwork expire
• stop going to class or drop a class without telling us; we must authorize any changes in your enrollment
  enroll in more than one on-line class per semester; your full-time status will be invalid.
• forget to report change of address

WHEN MUST I LEAVE THE U.S.?

• After the “date of completion” on your current Form I-20, including any program extensions you may have received; or when you complete your authorized academic program requirements, whichever comes first.
• Students who are approved for authorized employment (Optional Practical Training, OPT) after they complete their academic program may remain until the end of the training period.  OPT includes a 60-day grace period when you may not work but may travel inside the U.S. and prepare to return home no later than 60 days after the end of your training period/employment.