Navigating F-1 visa regulations is an essential part of your experience as an international
student in the United States, and maintaining your legal status requires careful attention
and ongoing awareness. The Office of International Education is committed to supporting
you by providing timely updates, clear guidance, and helpful resources.
This page outlines key regulations and expectations, helping you understand your responsibilities
and avoid common pitfalls. By staying informed and proactively following these guidelines,
you can ensure a successful and compliant academic journey at PennWest.
F-1 Visa Regulations
As an international student, it is your responsibility to maintain your legal status
while studying in the United States. The Office of International Education is here
to support you and will keep you informed of any updates to immigration regulations
as they become available. Please check your PennWest email and this webpage regularly for important updates.
To remain in compliance with U.S. immigration law, you must follow all rules that
apply to F-1 students. The Department of Homeland Security holds each student accountable for understanding and following these regulations.
Violations due to lack of awareness will not be excused by the U.S. government.
Common F-1 Student Visa Regulations:
Check-In Upon Arrival:
All F-1 students must check in with the International Education Office when they arrive
in the U.S. and when they arrive on campus.
All F-1 students must also respond to the SEVIS registration email within 30 days
of the start of the Fall and Spring semesters. This allows the university to activate
your SEVIS record and notify the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that you are
an enrolled student.
Travel Signature Requirement:
Your I-20 must be signed by a Designated School Official (DSO) at least once every
12 months.
This “travel signature” is required each time you leave the U.S. and plan to return.
Failure to have a current travel signature may result in you being stopped from reentry
to the U.S. at the border.
Reporting Changes:
You must report any changes to your name, address, or contact information to the International
Education Office within 10 days of the change.
Update your changes through the Student Self-Service link in your myPennWest portal.
You must leave the U.S. within 30 days of the program end date listed on your I-20,
unless you have taken steps with the International Education Office to extend your
stay legally (e.g., OPT, transfer, or a change of status).
Permanent Residence Abroad:
You are required to maintain a permanent residence outside the U.S. that you intend
to return to after completing your studies.
Legal Compliance:
You must follow all U.S. federal and state laws, including laws prohibiting driving
under the influence (DUI) and carrying weapons.
Undergraduate Students - are required to register for at least 12 total credits. Out of those 12 credits, at
least 9 credits must be in-person.
Graduate Students - are required to register for at least 9 total credits. Out of those 9 credits,
at least 6 must be in-person.
On-campus Hours: F-1 students can work on-campus part-time during the academic year. The on-campus
employment must be no more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Students
can flex up to 40 hours per week during break periods (Winter, Spring, and Summer)
as long as they are not enrolled in coursework. If students are enrolled in coursework
during break periods, they will remain limited to 20 hours of work per week.
Social Security: F-1 students must obtain a social security card to work on campus. All F-1 students
must obtain prior work authorization before applying for a social security number from the International Education Office.
Off-Campus Work: F-1 students can only work off campus if they are eligible and authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) in advance. All other work (paid or unpaid) is unauthorized and a violation of F-1
student status. Engaging in unauthorized off-campus work is grounds for termination
of a student’s SEVIS record.
Unlawful Presence Policy Update
Stricter Penalties for Violations of F-1 Visa Regulations
Effective Date: August 9, 2018
Recent changes by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have significantly
increased the consequences for international students who violate the terms of their
F-1 visa. Under the revised unlawful presence policy, even unintentional violations
can result in deportation and long-term bans from reentering the United States.