Maintaining F-1 Status

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations governing F-1 students and schools can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/schools/reg

Our office intends to ensure your success at SCC by implementing program policies and procedures that follow these regulations.  

Responsibilities of F-1 Students 

• Enroll in a Full Course of Study. 
  • Read “Enrollment Requirements” for details on F-1 student enrollment. 
• Change of Major 
  • If you have updated your major, please request an updated I-20 from the International Student Office. You must report the change of major within 10 days. 
• Keep Your Contact Information Current 
  • If you move to a new address, you must update it on Self-Service and inform the International Student Office within 10 days of moving. This includes any contact information changes, such as email, phone number, and address. 
• Change of Status 
  • If you are approved for a change of status while studying as an F-1 student, you may request to have your SEVIS record terminated due to “Change of Status Approved”. Please report this to your Designated School Official and they can close out your SEVIS record appropriately. 
• Program Extension 
  • If you are unable to complete your studies before the program completion date listed on your Form I-20, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of your I-20 and receive authorization from your Designated School Official. The request must be made and processed before your I-20 program end date expires.  
• Transferring to Another School 
  • If you would like to transfer to another school, you must submit a SEVIS Transfer Request; please include the acceptance letter from your prospective school. Transfers must be completed before your 60-day grace period ends and the start date of your new program must begin within 5 months of your last day of attendance at SCC. 
• Travel 
  • To re-enter the U.S., you may be asked to present the following documents to the immigration service officer: 
    • Current passport valid for at least 6 months after the reentry date 
    • Valid F-1 visa 
    • Valid I-20 with valid travel signature on page 2 (travel signatures valid for 1 year, travel signatures while on OPT valid for 6 months) 
    • Proof of financial support showing funds to cover tuition and/or living expenses 
    • Evidence of attendance such as an acceptance letter, transcript, or recent tuition payment receipt 
    • Proof of paying the I-901 SEVIS fee (which you can print from https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html) 
  • It is recommended that you have these documents readily available and hand-carry them. Take the time to print these documents, so you do not have to pull up the documents on your phone or electronic device. 
  • Email international@sccollege.edu or visit A-203 to request for a travel signature. If you have a printout of your Form I-20, bring it with you when coming to the office. 
• Withdrawing from SCC 
  • If you need to stop studying prior to graduating from SCC, you may request an Authorized Early Withdrawal. This can be a temporary leave of absence or complete withdrawal from the school. Contact your DSO in the International Student Office for assistance.