International Student (F-1 Visa)
Information Session
MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS
September 2012
New F-1 Students…
Welcome to
CHU and
the USA!
Colorado Heights University
Always Remember…
Living in a
foreign country is
difficult work!
Colorado Heights University
Success Strategies
Culture Shock Can Be Managed
Fun activities make stress easier!
• Join a CHU club
• Find your new favorite restaurant
• Travel around Colorado
Technology is great! …but remember too much
and it can make you more sad and homesick!
Colorado Heights University
Success Strategies
Culture Shock Can Be Managed
Good things to remember…
• Success here means success with any challenge!
• Because CHU is a diverse community, everyone
understands!
• Do not give up! We are here to help you!
Colorado Heights University
Always Remember…
Understanding
your visa means
less stress!
Colorado Heights University
The U.S. Government
…is Alphabet Soup
DHS – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• All the following organizations are part of DHS
USCIS – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Formerly INS
CBP – Customs and Border Protection
• Law enforcement when you enter the USA
ICE/HSI – Immigration and Customs Enforcement / Homeland Security Investigations
• Law enforcement when you are in the USA
SEVP – Student and Exchange Visitor Program
• ICE Office responsible for managing SEVIS
SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
• Online database for F, M, and J visa holder information
Colorado Heights University
What is F-1 “Status”?
Status = Nonimmigrant category granted by the immigration
officer when you entered the US
In Status = You are in the U.S. legally
Out of Status = You did not follow all requirements
Examples:
1.Working without authorization
2.Not going to the school
3.Conviction of a serious crime
Does your visa give you status?
Colorado Heights University
Important Documents
4 Most Important Documents for F-1 Visa Holders
Passport
• Minimum 6 month validity to enter the USA
• May not expire while you are in the USA
Visa
• Allows you to travel to the USA
• Renewal not required unless you plan to depart USA and return
Form I-20
• Used to apply for an F-1 visa and enter the USA
• Lists current school, level, and major
Form I-94
• Card completed when you enter the USA and stapled into your passport
• D/S (duration of status) means you may stay in the USA if maintain status
• $320 fee is required to replace a lost, stolen or damaged I-94
Colorado Heights University
Important Documents
US law requires visa holders always
carry registration documents
CHU suggests you carry copies of the documents.
Originals should always be kept in a safe location.
Also keep photocopies in another safe location.
**If you are traveling outside Denver, you should carry the original documents with
you. If you are traveling by air, train, bus or ship, you may be required to produce
these documents before boarding.
Colorado Heights University
Always Remember…
Maintaining your
immigration status is
your responsibility
You agree to maintain status your
Form I-20 and entering the US
Help us assist you!
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 1
Check your CHU email daily!
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 2
Maintain a Full-Time course load!
BA: Minimum 12 credit hours per active semester
MBA: Minimum 9 credit hours per active semester
ESL: Full-time attendance during the entire 12 months of study
**Less than a full course load requires PRIOR authorization from
International Student Services (ISS)
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 3
Do not start employment
without authorization!
**Information sheets, information sessions, and
individual advising appointments are offered by Student Affairs
to help you understand what is authorized employment**
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 4
Keep your passport valid!
**F-1 visas can expire while you are in the U.S. - but not passports!**
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 5
Keep your Form I-20 valid!
**Make certain the expiration date (item 5 on page 1)
matches your intended graduation date!**
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 6
Attend the school that
issued your Form I-20!
**Normal progress toward completing your program of study is
required for F-1 visa holders!**
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 7
Report address changes
within 10 days!
**Mailing and location addresses**
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 8
Report travel or extended
interruptions to your
program of study!
**Examples include: Medical problems, vacations,
and transfers to a different school **
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 9
Report degree and/or financial
sponsorship changes!
**Your Form I-20 must be updated if you
change programs or financial sponsors**
Colorado Heights University
How to Maintain Status
Tip # 10
Only use the Student Affairs Office
to answer F-1 visa questions!
** Do not rely on advice from a friend or student; they are not
qualified to give you an appropriate answer**
Colorado Heights University
Pop Quiz!
1. My visa expired two months ago, am I out of status?
NO
2. I attend only 50% of class time because I have work authorization and must work
during the other 50% of class time. Am I maintaining status?
NO
3. I am a BA student and dropped one of my classes because I didn’t like the subject.
Now I am only enrolled in 9 credit hours, am I maintaining status?
NO
4. I changed my program from IETP to MBA and never received an updated Form I-20, am
I maintaining status?
NO
5. In July my Form I-20 expires but I do not graduate until December, am I maintaining
status if I just keep attending school and earn good grades?
NO
6. Last month I changed where I live but my mailing address is still the same so I didn’t
notify CHU, am I in status?
NO
7. I started a job this week because I will receive CPT authorization soon, am I out of
status?
YES
8. I never check CHU email but I do everything required for my F-1 visa, am I in status?
????
Colorado Heights University
Questions??
Colorado Heights University
Don’t wait if you have questions!
Student Services
Administration Building, Room 214
303-937-4280
Studentservices@chu.edu
International Student Services
Administration Building, Room 214C
303-937-4576
Registrar@chu.edu
Thank You!
Colorado Heights University