Ibrahim Gardner
International students are a boon to the US economy, contributing billions of dollars to public universities, creating jobs, starting new businesses, and raising wages for US-born workers. They also help America compete on the world stage and attract the world's most promising talent. However, international students must navigate strict visa regulations to maintain their F or M student status while studying in the US. These regulations govern various aspects of their stay, such as attendance, academic progress, travel, and any changes to their program or personal situation. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to visa cancellation and deportation. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to understand and adhere to these requirements to ensure they can remain in the country legally and benefit from their educational opportunities in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa types | F or M |
| Who to contact for questions about legal requirements | DSO |
| Who to contact if DSO is unable to assist | SEVP |
| What to do if changing major, program, degree level, education level, school, taking a break, travelling, moving, or requesting an extension | Speak with DSO |
| What to do before travelling internationally | Check in with DSO, ensure record in SEVIS is up-to-date and in Active status, get DSO to sign Form I-20, ensure DSO contact information is up-to-date |
| Time allowed to stay in the US after completion of program | F students: 60 days; M students: 30 days |
| What to do to extend stay in the US | Transfer to another school, change education level, or apply to change status to another visa status |
| Requirements while studying in the US | Attend all classes, maintain normal academic progress, maintain a full course of study each term |
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What You'll Learn
International students' contribution to the US economy
International students make significant contributions to the US economy, and their presence has a positive impact on American students' global competence and communities. During the 2023-2024 academic year, international students contributed approximately $44 billion to the US economy, supporting more than 378,000 jobs. This economic activity is the highest ever recorded, surpassing the previous peak of $41 billion in the 2018-2019 academic year.
The economic impact of international students is felt across various sectors, from education to real estate, restaurants, and local businesses. States with high concentrations of universities benefit significantly from the spending of international students. For instance, in Texas, nearly 90,000 international students contributed $2.5 billion to the local economy. Similarly, in Massachusetts, 82,000 international students contributed an estimated $3.9 billion, while California, the state with the highest number of international students, saw a contribution of $6.4 billion.
International students also play a crucial role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in the United States. They contribute significantly to the American research enterprise, particularly in STEM fields. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report, more than half of international students pursued STEM fields, with a significant number studying math, computer science, and engineering. This talent pool helps advance cutting-edge research and development, fill job openings in critical STEM sectors, and enhance US economic competitiveness.
The presence of international students also has indirect benefits for the US economy. International students tend to pay higher tuition fees, and their willingness to study in the US attracts top talent from around the world. This talent pool contributes to the country's intellectual capital and can lead to the development of new startups and businesses. The long-term effects of international students' contributions are challenging to measure precisely, but their overall impact on the US economy and society is undoubtedly significant and multifaceted.
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Maintaining F or M student status
International students with an F or M visa must take action to maintain their legal status while studying in the United States. Here are some guidelines for maintaining F or M student status:
Before Arrival
When admitted to a SEVP-certified school, international students must receive a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. They can then apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa at a US consulate or embassy. F and M students must enter the US no more than 30 days before their program of study begins.
Upon Arrival
Designated School Officials (DSOs) are the primary point of contact for international students. Upon entering the US, students must immediately contact their DSO. They must also contact their DSO again when they arrive at school, no later than the program start date listed on their Form I-20.
During Studies
F and M students must maintain normal academic progress by attending all classes and maintaining a full course of study each term. If students encounter difficulties or need to reduce their course load, they should consult their DSO immediately. Any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the DSO and USCIS. F-1 students must complete at least one full academic year to be eligible for annual vacation and must intend to register for classes in the following term.
After Studies
F students have 60 days after completing their program and any authorized practical training to leave the US, while M students have 30 days. To extend their stay, students can transfer to another school, change their education level, or apply for a change of visa status.
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Travel outside the US
International students holding an F-1 visa are allowed to travel outside the US, but they must comply with US immigration regulations to maintain their student status. Students should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling. The DSO generally works in the international student office.
Students travelling outside the US will need a valid passport, a current SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for travel by the DSO, and a valid visa. The DSO needs to be able to verify that the SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date. Students should also carry financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Students with an expired visa and a terminated record are advised not to travel outside the US until their SEVIS record shows they are in Active status. If they do travel, they may not be able to renew their visa or return to the US. Students with pending practical training applications are also advised not to leave the US, as they may not be able to send the required documents to USCIS.
Students travelling to Mexico, Canada, or an adjacent island in the Caribbean may be permitted to re-enter the US with an expired F-1 visa, provided the travel duration was less than 30 days, and they have an unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature, a valid passport, and an unexpired I-94 Admission/Departure record. This process is called Automatic Revalidation. However, Automatic Revalidation does not apply to travel to Cuba, or if the student has applied for a new visa that has not yet been issued.
Students should be aware that they may face additional screening by US immigration when returning from abroad. They should also check the visa requirements of the country they are visiting, as some countries require a visa, and a transit visa may be needed for countries where they are making a connecting flight.
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DSO's role
The Designated School Official (DSO) is a critical role for international students, and they are often the biggest resource for F and M students. DSOs are responsible for assisting and overseeing enrolled international students, and each campus must have at least one DSO. They work with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) portal to manage international student registration and mandated documentation.
DSOs are responsible for registering students on the SEVIS system, and they must do so within 30 days of the student's arrival on campus. They must also update and maintain SEVIS records for nonimmigrant students in F and M visa categories. DSOs are also responsible for terminating student records if a student does not enroll or fails to arrive on campus.
International students must stay in contact with their DSO to maintain their valid immigration status and to receive guidance on visa requirements. DSOs provide resources and advisory services to help international students understand their obligations while in the host country. This includes guidance on changing addresses or names, applying for a driver's license or Social Security number, and any changes to their course of study. DSOs can also advise on work authorization and travel signatures.
DSOs also play a role in monitoring academic progress and compliance with SEVP requirements. They can authorize reduced course loads for specific exceptions, such as academic difficulty, medical conditions, or completion of the course of study.
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Extending your stay
If you are an international student in the United States and you wish to extend your stay, there are a few options available to you. It is important to maintain your F or M student status while studying in the US, and to ensure that your visa remains valid for the duration of your stay. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Speak to your Designated School Official (DSO): Your DSO should be your first point of contact if you have any questions about extending your stay or changing your visa status. They can provide guidance and assist you in navigating the legal requirements of extending your stay.
- Maintain your student status: To be eligible for an extension, you must maintain your student status by fulfilling the purpose for which your visa was issued. This includes attending all your classes, maintaining academic progress, and adhering to the regulations associated with your visa type.
- Request a program extension: If you need more time to complete your program, you can request a program extension by speaking to your DSO before your current program end date. Ensure that your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status.
- Transfer to another school or change your education level: If you wish to continue your studies at a different institution or at a higher education level (e.g., transferring from a bachelor's to a master's program), you should discuss this with your DSO. They can guide you through the process and help you understand the requirements for such a transition.
- Change your visa status: If you intend to remain in the US after completing your studies, you may need to change your visa status. This could involve applying for a different type of visa, such as an H-1B temporary worker visa, an O visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, art, or business, or a P visa for athletes.
- Travel considerations: If you plan to travel internationally during your studies, ensure you take the necessary steps for a smooth re-entry into the US. Keep your DSO informed, ensure your SEVIS record is up-to-date, and carry the required documents, including a valid passport and your Form I-20 or Form I-94.
Remember that the specific requirements and procedures for extending your stay may vary depending on your individual circumstances and visa type. It is always best to seek guidance from your DSO or appropriate immigration authorities to ensure you are complying with the necessary regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Your F or M student status relates to the purpose or reason for your stay in the United States. The Department of State issues your visa based on your intended purpose. Maintaining your status means fulfilling the purpose for why the Department of State issued your visa and following the associated regulations.
While studying in the United States as an F or M student, you must attend all your classes and maintain normal academic progress. You must also maintain a full course load each term. If you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
Yes, international students may be able to travel during their studies. However, it is important to check in with your DSO before travelling internationally to ensure a smooth re-entry into the United States. Make sure your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and that your DSO has signed your Form I-20 within the last year.
When re-entering the United States, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of your re-entry. M-1 students should also bring their most recent Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record." Keep these documents with you during travel and do not place them in checked baggage.
F students have 60 days after completing their program to leave the United States, while M students have 30 days. If you wish to extend your stay, speak with your DSO about options such as transferring to another school, changing your education level, or applying for a different visa status.
