Maintaining Status

A passport is an official identity document issued by your home country that confirms your identity and citizenship. It allows you to travel to and from other countries.

While studying in the U.S., you should make sure your passport remains valid for at least six months into the future.

If your passport is lost, stolen, or about to expire, contact your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S. for information about replacing or renewing it.

View a list of Foreign Consular Offices in the United States

Your F-1 visa is the sticker placed in your passport by a U.S. embassy or consulate. Its purpose is to allow you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission as an F-1 student. Your F-1 visa must be valid when you enter the U.S.

• If you transfer to SFSU from another school and your F-1 visa lists the name of your previous school, you may continue to use that visa as long as it is still valid. You are not required to apply for a new F-1 visa simply because you transferred to a different school.
• You may remain in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa as long as you are maintaining your F-1 status. However, if your F-1 visa has expired or will expire before you return to the U.S. after international travel, you must obtain a new F-1 visa before re-entering the country.
• In most cases, you should apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You cannot apply for or renew an F-1 visa while you are physically present in the U.S.

Your I-20 is one of the most important documents you will receive as an F-1 student. SFSU issues the I-20 after you have been admitted and confirmed your intent to study at the university.

You will need your I-20 to:

• Apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Request admission to the U.S. as an F-1 student at a U.S. port of entry.

When you enter the U.S. for the first time using your F-1 visa, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your I-20 and other immigration documents before admitting you in F-1 status.

Once you are in the U.S., you will use your I-20 to apply for certain immigration benefits, such as employment authorization.

All F-1 students must carry a printed copy of their I-94 with them at all times while in the United States. 

The I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) proves that you entered the U.S. legally. The I-94 recordshows: 

• When you arrived in the U.S.
• What visa status you were admitted to the U.S. under (for example, F-1), and
• How long you are allowed to stay.

For F‑1 students, there is no fixed end date for your stay in the U.S. Your I‑94 shows “D/S” (Duration of Status), meaning you may stay as long as you maintain valid F‑1 status by studying full time, making normal progress, and following all F‑1 rules.  

Please note that these policies are subject to change, and updated guidance may be issued in the future.

As an F-1 student, you are required by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SFSU to update your mailing address and phone number in Gateway/MySFSU within 10 days of any change. Failure to keep your contact information current may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and loss of F-1 status.

There are four address types in the Student Center:

1. Mailing address
   Your Mailing Address must be your current physical address in the United States. It cannot be a P.O. Box and should be located within the San Francisco Bay Area. If you live in university housing, enter your dormitory address as your Mailing address.
2. Permanent address
   This is your permanent address in your home country and must be located outside the United States. To update your Permanent address, please contact f1@sfsu.edu for assistance.
3. SEVIS Domestic Address
   This is the U.S. address associated with your SEVIS record. You cannot update this address directly. When you update your Mailing address in MySFSU, your SEVIS Domestic Address will be updated automatically within 24 to 48 hours.
4. SEVIS Foreign Address
   This is the foreign permanent address associated with your SEVIS record.You cannot update this address directly. 

• Step 1: Log in to Gateway/MySFSU and navigate to the Personal Information section. Select Mailing Address to update your U.S. address or Home Phone to update your U.S. phone number.
• Step 2: Click Edit and enter your current information. When finished, click OK and then Save to submit your changes.

Having an emergency contact is important in case something happens to you. 

Your emergency contact should be someone who knows you well and should be notified in case of an emergency. Remember to review and update this information regularly. 

Note: Do not list yourself as your own emergency contact.  

We recommend that students provide at least two emergency contacts in the online Student Center:  

• Primary Contact: A family member, relative, friend or partner in your home country. 
• Secondary Contact: A backup contact in case the primary contact cannot be reached. This can be someone within or outside the U.S. who can help reach your primary contact if needed.  

To update emergency contact:  

• Step 1: Log in to the Student Center, scroll to the “Personal Information” section, and click “Emergency Contact.”  
• Step 2: Click “Add an Emergency Contact.” Be sure to click “Save” when you’re finished.  

As an F-1 international student, you must enroll in and maintain a full-time course load every Fall and Spring semester. There are no course load requirements during Summer or Winter breaks.

What is a Full-Time Course Load?

• Undergraduate students: You must enroll and complete at least 12 units in Spring and Fall semester.
• Graduate students: You must enroll and complete at least 8 units in Spring and Fall semester.

To maintain your F-1 status, please keep the following limits in mind:

• Only 3 units of fully online courses may be counted toward the F-1 full-time enrollment requirement.
• Only 3 units of academic coursework from the College of Professional & Global Education (CPaGE) may be counted toward the full-time enrollment requirement. Non-credit Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Open University units do not count.
• Only 3 units of coursework taken at another SEVP-certified school may be counted toward the full-time enrollment requirement.
• You are responsible for ensuring that your course schedule complies with both university and F-1 enrollment requirements each semester.

Examples

Undergraduate Students

These combinations meet the full-time requirement:

• 9 units of in-person or hybrid courses + 3 units of online courses
• 9 units of in-person or hybrid courses + 6 units of online courses
• 12 units of in-person or hybrid courses + 6 units of online courses

These combinations do NOT meet the full-time requirement:

• 6 units of in-person or hybrid courses + 6 units of online courses
• 3 units of in-person or hybrid courses + 9 units of online courses

For Graduate Students:

This combination meets the full-time requirement:

• 5 units of in-person or hybrid courses + 3 units of online courses

This combination does NOT meet the full-time requirement:

• 3 units of in-person or hybrid courses + 5 units of online courses

View the F-1 Enrollment page to learn more about:

• Reduced Course Load (RCL)
• Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) - Graduate students only
• Concurrent Enrollment (If you wish to take classes at other institutions)
• Temporary Leave or Withdrawal from SFSU

What is an online course?

• An online course is a course that does not require you to attend any in-person classes, exams, or other activities to complete the course.
• You may take as many online courses as your academic plan allows. However, only 3 online units may count toward the F-1 full-time enrollment requirement.

What is a hybrid course?

• A hybrid course combines online instruction with required in-person activities, such as orientations, exams, labs, presentations, or seminars.
• All units from hybrid courses count toward the F-1 full-time enrollment requirement.

To meet the full-time enrollment requirement

To maintain your F-1 status, you must enroll full-time each fall and spring semester:

• Undergraduate students: Minimum 12 units, with at least 9 units in in-person or hybrid courses.
• Graduate students: Minimum 8 units, with at least 5 units in in-person or hybrid courses.

Taking too many online classes?

Before registering for online courses, keep the following in mind:

• Check with your academic advisor: There may be limits on the number of online courses that can be applied toward your major, minor, or General Education requirements.
• Final semester restriction: If you only have one course remaining to complete your degree, that course cannot be fully online. For example, if you plan to graduate in Spring 2028 and need only one final course to complete your degree requirements, that course must be offered in an in-person or hybrid format. The only exception is a designated culminating experience course, which may count toward the in-person enrollment requirement even if it is scheduled as an online course.

• A, B, C, D, F, CR (Credit), NC (No Credit) and I (Incomplete)/IC (Incomplete Charged) count towards fulfilling the full-time course load requirement. 
• W (Withdrawal), WU (Unauthorized Withdrawal) and AU (Audit) will not count towards fulfilling the full-time course load requirement. 

Your academic standing at SFSU can affect your F-1 immigration status: 

• If your GPA drops below 2.0 (undergraduate) or 3.0 (graduate), you will be placed on Academic Notice (Probation) and could later face Disqualification.
• You can stay in valid F-1 status while on Academic Notice as long as you stay enrolled full time and follow all F-1 rules.
• If you are academically disqualified, you cannot keep your F-1 status at SFSU. You must transfer your SEVIS record and I-20 to another SEVP-certified school to remain in the U.S. 

Attending CSU/SF State Bilateral Programs

• If you participate in a CSU/SF State Bilateral Program, you may maintain your F-1 status and keep an active I-20 while studying abroad.
• You may re-enter the U.S. using your current I-20, provided your passport, F-1 visa, and travel signature are valid.
• If you study abroad through a CSU/SF State Bilateral Program during your final semester, you will not be eligible for Post-Completion OPT.

Attending Other Study Abroad Programs

• If you participate in a study abroad program that is not sponsored by CSU or SFSU, you cannot maintain your F-1 status while studying abroad.
• Because your F-1 status cannot be maintained, your current I-20 will be terminated.  You will need a new I-20 before returning to SFSU.

A violation of F-1 status occurs when you do not comply with the requirements of your F-1 status and U.S. immigration regulations. Common examples include:

• Dropping below full-time enrollment without prior authorization.
• Receiving a WU (Unauthorized Withdrawal) grade because you stopped attending classes. Check your grades at student center.
• Allowing your I-20 to expire.
• Failing to update your U.S. address within 10 days of a change.

If you violate your F-1 status, the F-1 International Student Advisors are required to terminate your SEVIS record and report the violation to the U.S. government.

Once your F-1 status is terminated, you lose your legal eligibility to remain in the U.S. To regain F-1 status, you must either apply for reinstatement with USCIS or depart the U.S. and re-enter with a new I-20.

If your SEVIS record has been terminated, you must take action right away to regain lawful F-1 status. 

There are two ways to do this: 

• Travel and Re-Entry: Leave the U.S., obtain a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID and re-enter in F-1 status with a valid F-1 visa.
• Reinstatement: File I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status online. You must remain in the U.S. while your application is pending and until USCIS makes a decision.

We can explain the pros and cons of reinstatement vs. travel/re-entry, but we cannot provide legal advice. For complicated or high-risk cases, an immigration lawyer is best suited to advise you. Keep in mind that USCIS policies can change, and approval is not guaranteed. 

Travel/Re-Entry

• Cost: flight ticket, visa application fee (if needed), and I-901 SEVIS fee.
• Visa processing time (if needed): varies by country. 
• Hard to travel mid-semester; not eligible for F-1 employment benefits until you re-enter in F-1 status and maintain full-time study for one academic year.

Filing I-539

• You must file reinstatement within 5 months of your SEVIS termination date.
• Cost: I-539 filing fee, biometrics fee, I-901 SEVIS fee if out of status for more than 5 months. Fees subject to change — see USCIS Fee Schedule. 
• Processing time: about 5.5 months or longer.
• Must stay in the U.S. and pursue full-time study.
• If denied, you must leave the U.S. immediately. 

You may qualify if you are currently, or will soon be, enrolled full-time and have not worked without authorization.  

Important: 

• You must apply for a new F-1 visa if your current visa has expired.
• You will need to complete a new full academic year (two semesters) before you can apply for off-campus work such as CPT or OPT.
  • Example: If you regain status by returning to the U.S. with an Fall 2027 I-20 and graduate in Fall 2027, you will not be eligible for Post-Completion OPT. 

Step 1: Review requirements 

• Make sure you understand your responsibilities and choose the method that works best for you.
• Complete and sign the online Travel Reentry Responsibilities Checklist before requesting your new I-20. 

Step 2: Request an initial attendance I-20 

• Follow the instructions under "Required Documents to Receive an I-20" on the I-20 Information page.

Step 3: Travel and reporting 

Before you travel: 

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online.

Leave the U.S.: 

• You must leave the U.S. to regain F-1 status.
• If your previous F-1 visa has expired, apply for a new F-1 visa in your home country. You do not need to apply for a new F-1 visa if the current one is still valid.

Entering the U.S.: 

• Enter with your new initial I-20.
• You may enter up to 30 days before the program start date on the I-20.
• Email f1@sfsu.edu to report that you have entered the U.S. as soon as you can.
• If you do not report your arrival to F-1 advisors after returning, your F-1 status will be lost again. 

You may qualify if you: 

• Have been out of status for less than 5 months (talk to an F-1 advisor if longer).
• Have not repeatedly or willfully violated F-1 rules.
• Are currently, or will soon be, enrolled full-time.
• Have not worked without authorization.
• Can show that your status violation was due to circumstances beyond your control.
• Will not travel outside the U.S. while your reinstatement is pending (travel cancels your application). 

Additional notes: 

• Reinstatement could be a long and complex process. An F-1 advisor can discuss your eligibility and the risks of denial. In difficult cases, you may be advised to consult an immigration attorney.

Step 1: Review information 

• Make sure you understand your responsibilities and choose the method that works best for you.
• Complete and sign the online Reinstatement Responsibilities Checklist before requesting your new I-20. 

Step 2: Request a reinstatement I-20 

• Follow the instructions under "If You Are Requesting a Change of Status or Reinstatement I-20" on the I-20 Information page.

Step 3: File I-539 online with USCIS 

After receiving your reinstatement I-20: 

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
• File I-539 online.  If you need help, review the I-539 Online Filing Instructions (Link to Google Sheet).
• Check the current USCIS Filing Fees. 

Premium Processing is not available for reinstatement. 

Step 4: Wait for USCIS decision 

Notice of Action (I-797C): 

• You’ll receive a receipt (I-797C) about 3–4 weeks after submitting your I-539.
• Use the receipt number to track your case on the USCIS Case Status page.
• If you don’t receive the notice, contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center. 

Request for Evidence (RFE): 

• If USCIS needs more information, they will send an RFE notice.
• Follow the instructions carefully and submit all documents by the deadline.
• Contact F-1 international student advisor right away if you receive an RFE. 

Biometrics Appointment: 

• USCIS will send you an appointment notice for fingerprinting at your nearest Application Support Center (ASC).
• Attend this appointment as scheduled. 

Step 5: After USCIS decision 

If approved: 

• USCIS will mail students an Approval Notice with an I-94 card at the bottom.  
• The I-94 will have the "F-1" designation and "Valid for Duration of Status (D/S)" remarks on it.
• Email a copy of this approval notice to f1@sfsu.edu.  Failure to do so may result in losing F‑1 status again.  

If denied: 

• You must be prepared to leave the U.S. immediately when your current visa status expires.