Statement of Responsibility
Under federal laws and regulations, the University of Lynchburg Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Designated School Officials (DSO) must report any student who:
- Falls out of status
- Violates immigration laws
- Changes immigration status
- Fails to attend the school
Maintaining Legal F-1 Status: Student Responsibilities
When you enter the U.S. as an F-1 student, you come under the jurisdiction of:
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
It is crucial to maintain your F-1 nonimmigrant status to avoid serious consequences. Falling “out of status” can make you:
- Ineligible for on-campus employment
- Ineligible for F-1 benefits
- Subject to a ban from entering the U.S. (3-year ban if out of status for over 180 days; 10-year ban if out of status for over 1 year)
Consult with your DSO about any questions you have regarding the following guidelines.
Form I-20
- Your I-20 must remain valid throughout your studies in the U.S.
- Report any changes (e.g., address, major) to your DSO to receive an updated I-20.
- Keep all copies of your I-20 in a safe place.
- Your I-20 is proof of your legal presence and allows you to enroll full-time, travel, and apply for benefits like a driver’s license or Social Security card.
U.S. Port of Entry Documents and Procedures
- Always enter the U.S. with a valid F-1 visa and I-20 (unless you are a Canadian or Bermudian citizen/national, who must still enter with a valid I-20 but does not need an F-1 visa).
- Do not enter on a tourist (B-2) visa or visa waiver.
- Your I-94 record must say “F-1 D/S” (duration of status). If not, see your DSO immediately.
Carry these documents with you:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months into the future
- Financial documentation showing you can cover tuition and living expenses
- Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
Reporting to Authorized School and DSO
- Report to the University of Lynchburg DSO with your I-20, passport, and I-94 upon arrival in the U.S.
- You must arrive by the program start date listed on your I-20 to register your record in SEVIS.
- School Transfers: If you have an I-20 from another school, you must complete the transfer process within 15 days of the I-20 program start date for the new school. Visit your DSO for help.
Passport
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Visit [here](insert link to passport section) to learn more.
Visa
- Your U.S. visa may expire while you are in the U.S., which is fine as long as you maintain F-1 status. Visit [here](insert link) to learn about visa renewal.
Full-Time Enrollment Status at the University of Lynchburg
- Undergraduate: 12 credits per semester
- Graduate: 9 credits per semester
You must have DSO authorization for any exceptions (medical, academic, or final term). You are considered out of status if you drop below full-time without DSO pre-approval.
Traveling Outside of the U.S.
- Get your I-20 signed by a DSO before leaving the U.S.
- If you remain outside the U.S. for over five months, you need a new I-20 to return (unless you are in a Lynchburg-approved study abroad program).
Employment
- On-campus Employment:
- Maximum of 20 hours/week while school is in session
- Up to 40 hours/week during official breaks
- Off-campus Employment:
- Requires proper authorization from USCIS or the DSO before you begin working
- This includes CPT (Curricular Practical Training), internships, practicums, and clinical rotations (paid or unpaid). Always consult your DSO first.
Change of Address
- Report any change of address to your DSO within 10 days of moving.
Academic Suspensions/Withdrawals
- If you voluntarily withdraw and inform the DSO, you have a 15-day grace period to leave the U.S.
- If you are suspended or withdraw without approval, you have no grace period and must leave the U.S.
- You may transfer to another institution or request a change of status if done in a timely manner.
Program Extensions
- If you need more time in the U.S. beyond your I-20 program end date, apply for an extension before your I-20 expires.
- Delays must be due to compelling academic or medical reasons.
- If you are not eligible for an extension, you will be “out of status.”
Completion of Program – Your Options
Once you finish your program of study, you have 60 days from your I-20 end date to:
- Depart the U.S.
- Apply for post-completion OPT (Optional Practical Training). You must start the application process before your 60-day grace period ends.
- Transfer to another U.S. institution (complete the transfer procedure).
- Change to another visa category (consult the DSO for more info).
Note: Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically give you Permanent Resident status.
F-2 Dependents
- Inform your DSO if you plan to bring a spouse or child (F-2 status).
- F-2 dependents may:
- Leave and re-enter the U.S. with proper documentation
- Not work
- Not getting a Social Security Number
- Study part-time at a SEVP-certified school (change to F-1 if full-time)
- Minor children can study full-time
- Need an updated I-20 if your information changes
Transfer Your SEVIS Record
If you want to attend another school full-time:
- Check the transfer procedure at the new school. They may have a form for you and your DSO.
- Submit the University of Lynchburg Transfer Out Form and a copy of your new school’s acceptance letter.
- Determine a release date with your DSO (often the last day of the current term).
- Once that date arrives, the new school can issue your new I-20.
Note: Your work authorization at the University of Lynchburg (on-campus, CPT, OPT) ends on the day your SEVIS record is transferred.
Program Extension
If you’re an F-1 student needing more time past the I-20 “Program End Date,” you may qualify for an extension if:
- You have maintained status
- The delay is for valid academic or medical reasons (e.g., change of major or research topic, unexpected research issues, documented illnesses)
Delays due to academic probation/suspension are not acceptable.
Apply before your program’s end date. Your DSO cannot be extended after that date.
Required Steps
- Registrar Evaluator Approval: Have your Academic Evaluator sign off.
- Business Office Approval: Ensure no outstanding balance.
- Registration and Payment: You must be registered and paid for the needed semester.
- Bank Statement: Show sufficient funds for tuition, fees, housing, etc. If it’s not in your name, include a sponsor letter.
Scholarship Info for Undergraduates:
- Scholarships typically cover 8 semesters only. You may not receive additional scholarships beyond this. Check with Financial Aid about possible extensions.
Apply for a program extension here.
For help, email XXXXX.
Reduced Course Load
U.S. immigration regulations allow a Reduced Course Load (RCL) only under certain circumstances and must be authorized in SEVIS by a PDSO/DSO before you drop below full-time. Reasons may include:
- Illness or medical condition
- Initial difficulty with English language or reading requirements
- Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods
- Improper course-level placement
- Final semester (completing program)
- Part-time border commuter status
If you have a medical condition, submit the University’s Medical RCL form plus documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist.
If your RCL is for academic or final-semester reasons, meet with your DSO to discuss your situation and complete the RCL form.
Important: Dropping below full-time without authorization will make you out of status. Also, having an RCL may lead you to need a program extension later.
To request an RCL:
- Complete the Reduced Course Load Form
- Email XXXXXX with your documentation
- Wait for approval in SEVIS before dropping classes at the Registrar’s Office
