Maintaining Legal F-1 Student Status

The F-1 immigration status is available for international students wishing to pursue full-time academic studies and/or language training programs in the U.S.

F-1 students need to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations, which can be found under Instructions to Students on page 3 of the I-20. By following those instructions and the specific information below, F-1 students will maintain legal F-1 status in the U.S. and be able to take full advantage of available F-1 benefits.
The International Student Services (ISS) website provides general information, forms and instructions for specific benefits and procedures, and advising information. Any questions should be directed at a Designated School Official (DSO) in International Student Services (ISS). See Staff Directory.

Credit Hour Requirements

Undergraduate students must enroll in and complete at least 12 credit hours per semester.
Graduate students must enroll in and complete at least 9 credit hours per semester.
Graduate assistants are considered full-time with 6 credit hours.

Important Notes

Audits, withdrawals, and incompletes do not count toward full-time enrollment.
Only 3 online credit hours per semester can count toward full-time enrollment.

Co-Enrollment with Another Institution

Students may co-enroll at another university or community college but at least half of their courses must be at UNK.
Academic advisor approval is required before meeting with a DSO to obtain co-enrollment paperwork.

Maintaining Normal Progress

Students must make normal progress toward their degree, meaning they should advance at the standard rate expected by their academic program.
Incomplete courses from previous semesters do not count as making normal progress. Students in this situation should consult with a DSO immediately.

Summer Enrollment Rules

Continuing students are not required to enroll during summer break.
New or returning students (after a leave of absence) may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before their program start date.
ELI or graduate students beginning their program of study in May must enroll full-time during the summer session.
- Undergraduate degree-seeking students may receive admission to fall or spring semesters only

Dropping Below Full-Time Enrollment

Students must consult with a DSO before dropping a course that would bring them below full-time status.
Dropping below full-time without prior written authorization from a DSO will jeopardize legal F-1 status in the U.S.

Final Semester Enrollment

Students in their last semester of coursework may be under-enrolled but must complete a Reduced Course Load Request by the first week of classes to confirm they will graduate that semester.

Maintain a Valid Passport and I-94

Passport Renewal: Contact your embassy or consulate 6-12 months before expiration to renew your passport. A valid passport is required at all times.
Lost or Stolen Passport: Contact your home country’s embassy immediately for a replacement.
I-94 Form: Download your I-94 record after each return to the U.S. from CBP’s website. Keep a copy with your immigration documents.

Obtain Proper Work Authorization Before Employment

Unauthorized work is a serious violation of F-1 status and can result in deportation.
Do not begin any paid or unpaid work without written authorization from USCIS or a DSO, except for on-campus employment.
Visit the ISS website for detailed F-1 employment options and processing timelines. Consult a DSO before starting any job or internship.

Valid Travel Documents for Re-Entry to the U.S.

Meet with a DSO before traveling outside the U.S. to ensure you have the correct documents.
Ensure your F-1 visa (stamp) is valid and you have a valid travel signature on page 3 of your I-20. Each signature is valid for 5 months.
F-1 students on post-completion OPT should consult a DSO before traveling.

Maintain Good Academic Progress

Enroll full-time (12 credits for undergraduates, 9 for graduate students) each semester.
Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher and earn grades of C or better.
Falling below academic standards may result in immigration consequences.

Do Not Overstay the F-1 60-Day Grace Period

After completing studies or OPT, F-1 students have a 60-day grace period to leave the U.S. Employment is not allowed during this time.
If withdrawing from UNK before the program end date on your I-20 and received permission from a DSO in ISS, your grace period is only 15 days.
- If you have withdrawn from classes without previous authorization from ISS, you have no grace period and must leave the U.S. immediately.
Remaining in the U.S. beyond the grace period without maintaining legal status is a violation of immigration laws.

F-2 Dependents (Spouse/Children) Cannot Work or Study

F-2 dependents may not work under any circumstances.
F-2 spouses cannot study except for avocational or recreational courses.
F-2 minor children may study through 12th grade.

Check Your Loper Email Regularly

UNK offices, professors, and ISS staff communicate through Loper email.
ISS sends weekly updates, including important immigration information.
If you are not receiving emails, notify ISS immediately.

Update Address, Legal Name, or Major Within 10 Days

Federal regulations require F-1 students to report changes in U.S. address, legal name, or major within 10 days.
To update your address, email ISS at iss@unk.edu.
Major Change Process:
- Get approval from your academic advisor.
- Update the change in MyBLUE.
- Bring the Change of Major approval to ISS and request a new I-20.
Legal Name Changes: Consult a DSO to update records for yourself or an F-2 dependent.

Obtain a Program Extension Before I-20 Expiration

To continue studying beyond the I-20 end date (see Item 5 on Page 1), apply for a Program Extension at least 30 days before the expiration date.
Extensions are granted only for valid academic reasons.
Failure to extend your I-20 before expiration will result in out-of-status consequences and may require a reinstatement application.

Transfer SEVIS Record When Changing Schools

To transfer from UNK to another U.S. school, meet with a DSO to discuss transfer plans.
At the student’s written request, ISS will confirm valid F-1 status and release the SEVIS record before the student can enroll at another school.
Complete the F-1 transfer process with the new school’s DSO.

Obtain a New I-20 for a New Degree Program

To start a new academic program at UNK (e.g., bachelor’s to master’s or switching to a new degree at the same level), students must:
- Apply for a change of program.
- Provide proof of admission and financial ability to cover expenses.
- Work with International Admissions and ISS to receive a new I-20.
Consult a DSO for instructions on extending your F-1 study.

Obtain an Updated I-20 if Your Funding Source Changes

The I-20 reflects your current financial support.
If your funding source changes, meet with a DSO and provide new proof of funding to update your I-20.

Get ISS Approval Before Leaving or Withdrawing from UNK

If you plan to withdraw or take a leave of absence, consult a DSO before making official decisions.
Students who withdraw or take a leave of absence have a 15-day grace period to leave the U.S. after receiving written authorization from ISS.
Students who are:
- Dismissed, suspended, or leave UNK for any reason must leave the U.S. immediately after consulting a DSO.
Learn more about grace periods by speaking with ISS.

F-1 students have several options to obtain work authorization in the U.S. under specific conditions and timelines. Each category has different eligibility requirements and authorization processes.

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students can work on campus under three categories:

Work on school premises, employed by the I-20 issuing institution
- Such as Library, Housing, Campus Recreation, Dining Services
Work on school premises, employed by on-campus commercial firms
- Restaurants and stores on campus
  - Starbucks, Subway, Chick-fil-A, Java Notes, The Grid
Work done at off-campus locations, but treated as on-campus
- Campus Bookstore
- Contractually funded research projects

Work Hour Limits

Maximum 20 hours per week while school is in session during th fall and spring academic semesters
More than 20 hours per week on-campus is allowed only during semester breaks, official university holidays, or summer vacation.
Once a student completes their program, no on-campus work is allowed.

Restrictions

Work-study jobs are not available to F-1 or J-1 students.
Employment must comply with F-1 visa regulations and must not interfere with academic progress.

Visit the UNK Student Employment Services for more job listings.

Procedure to Apply for On-Campus Employment and a Social Security Number (SSN) for F-1 Students

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required only for employment. International students cannot apply for an SSN unless they have secured on-campus employment.

F-1 students do not need DSO approval to accept on-campus employment (J-1 students do), but must follow these steps after securing a job.

Steps to Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)

Secure On-Campus Employment
- Must be hired by an on-campus employer
Obtain a Letter from Your Employer
- Must be on official letterhead.
- Must include employer’s federal ID number and a description of the position.
Complete the Request for a Social Security Letter
- Submit the request via iGlobal: https://iglobal.nebraska.edu.
- ISS will contact you once the form is approved to pick you or ISS letter.
Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office in Grand Island
Bring the following documents:
- Letter from employer
- Letter from ISS
- Completed SSA application form (page 5)
- Copy of most recent I-94 (download from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/)
- I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students)
- Valid passport
- Visa
Ask for a Receipt from the SSA to provide proof to your employer that you have applied for an SSN.

Social Security Administration Office Details
Address: 115 North Webb Road, Suite 1, Grand Island, NE 68803
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 877-407-3441 | Toll-Free: 1-800-772-1213
Website: http://www.ssa.gov/employer/

Grand Island is 40 miles east of Kearney on Highway 30. Call ahead to confirm availability.

Employers may accept the SSA receipt letter while waiting for the SSN, but UNK Dining Services does not accept the receipt due to background check requirements.

F-1 visa holders are not allowed to work off-campus unless authorized under one of the following options. Working without proper authorization is a serious violation of immigration status.

F-1: Practical Training (CPT & OPT)
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Work related to your degree, must be approved and authorized by ISS.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Up to one year of work after graduation, authorized by USCIS.
Severe Economic Hardship
- Available only after one full academic year and in extraordinary cases of unforeseen financial hardship. Very limited and can be difficult to obtain.
- F-1 students apply and be approved through USCIS.

Maintaining Legal F-1 Student Status

Maintain Full-Time Enrollment and Progress

Points to Maintaining F-1 Status

SEVIS Reporting Requirements

F-1 Employment Opportunities: On-Campus

F-1 Employment Opportunities: Off-Campus