Maintaining Legal Status in the United States for F-1 Visa Degree Seeking Students

It is very important that you ensure that you remain in good status throughout your tenure at Longwood University.  If you do not maintain legal status, then your visa may be terminated and you will be forced to leave Longwood University or suffer other consequences which include, but are not limited to:

• ineligibility for on-campus employment
• ineligibility to apply for or pursue Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• ineligibility to transfer your SEVIS record to a new school
• ineligibility to apply to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for a change of visa status

The key to ensuring you remain in good status is to be knowledgeable about your visa regulations. We will diligently strive to educate you and answer any question that you may have. However, you are responsible for learning these policies.  Our website will provide the basic knowledge that you need to remain in compliance with your visa regulations. Remember that you should always contact us if you have any questions.

We have complied an easy to use checklist and timeline that describes concisely the basic responsibilities of an international student.  

Change of Address

If your address in the United States changes, you must notify the DSO within 7 days.

Employment 

 You may not work in the United States without proper authorization. You are allowed work on-campus with authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) and a valid social security number (SSN). More information about how to receive on-campus employment authorization can be found on the international student employment and internship opportunities webpage.  Off-campus work is allowed only in special circumstances.  To work off-campus you must either be authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or apply for Economic Hardship. Any unauthorized employment will result in the loss of legal status. More information can be found on the internship and work opportunities website.

Travel Documents

You are responsible for ensuring that you keep your travel documents up to date.  Remember that you must keep a valid travel authorization signature on page 3 of your I-20.  Typically, the travel authorization signature is valid for one year, however, if you are participating in OPT, it must be signed every six months.  You must also keep passport that is valid at least six months into the future during your tenure at Longwood.  An expired passport will prevent you from entering or reentering the United States.  More information can be found on the travel information website.