Maintaining F-1 Student Status
F-1 students are legally responsible for maintaining their own status by understanding and complying with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations. If you are unsure how to maintain your status, consult with your dedicated IS Advisor.
1. Student requests & school issues Form I-20
Students receive invitation to OGS portal via their NetID@georgetown.edu email address within one week after confirming intent to matriculate. Students then upload documentation to establish F-1 eligibility.
2. Student applies to U.S government
Depending on your circumstances, this includes consular application for F-1 visa, admission to U.S. at port of entry, or change of status within the U.S.
Students eligible to transfer active F-1 status may remain in the U.S. to begin their new program.
3. F-1 status granted by U.S. government
Students who travel from outside the U.S. must download their most recent I-94 proof of status to ensure (re)admission as F-1.
4. SEVIS registration
At the start of each Fall and Spring semester, OGS registers the F-1 records of students who have (A) reported their local address, (B) completed post-arrival document review, and (C) attended the applicable Immigration Session or physically checked in at OGS.
5. Full time enrollment
After the course registration add/drop deadline, OGS verifies that all F-1 students are enrolled in the minimum number of credits for their program.
Undergraduate students must take minimum 12 credits each semester. Graduate students must take the minimum full-time number of credits for their program each semester.
Maximum one online course for maximum three online credits may count toward this minimum enrollment.
The OGS Reduced Course Load (RCL) Authorization page details conditions to enroll below these normal full-time minimums.
6. Work/intern within F-1 employment & training rules
See the OGS employment webpages for details on each authorization.
7. Make normal progress to complete program
F-1 status requires timely completion of program requirements. F-1 program extension is possible only under strict conditions and must be approved before your current Form I-20 end date.
To request an extension, email your completed Form I-20 Extension Request Form (PDF) with any required supporting documentation to internationalservices@georgetown.edu in conformity with the OGS processing time.
8. Log each U.S. address in F-1 record
Via GU Experience for current students or via the SEVP Portal for alumni on Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT.
For non-GU housing, only the local off campus address type syncs from GU Experience to your F-1 record. On-campus housing assignments automatically sync with your F-1 record.
9. Return as F-1 if you travel outside U.S.
If you will exit the U.S. mid-program, ensure you have the documents needed for readmission in F-1 status.
10. After graduation
Extend F-1 status for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and maintain F-1 status once approved by USCIS.
Transfer F-1 status for new program of study.
Complete F-1 status by exiting U.S. within 60-day grace period.
F-1 status ends before program completion
Timely notify OGS if you will not complete your Form I-20 program of study in F-1 status; for example, if you are readmitted to the U.S. using a different type of visa.
Non-maintenance of F-1 status
U.S. government penalties for not maintaining F-1 status can be serious and may affect not only a student’s academic goals but also future applications for U.S. visas or other immigration benefits.