International Students

Immigration:

F-1 Student SEVIS Responsibilities

Students in F-1 status are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing the F visa. Failure to do so will violate your legal status in the United States and will have serious consequences.

Your Responsibilities Include The Following:

• Keep Your Passport Valid At All Times
  You must have a valid passport in your possession. For information on renewing your passport, visit the web site of your country's embassy or consulate in the United States .
  (See: http://www.embassy.org/embassies )
  
  
• Report Address Changes Within 10 days Of Your Move To CSU Monterey Bay
  Visit or call the Office of International Programs (OIP). U.S. federal regulations require all F-1 students to report a change of address directly to CSUMB within 10 days of the address change. The Office of International Programs is required to provide this and other student data to the federal government electronically. No other university department is authorized by the federal government to process this data.
  
  
• Maintain a Full Course of Study Each Semester
  U.S. federal regulations [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)] require you to pursue a full course of study each Fall and Spring semester until graduation or transfer to a new school. Undergraduate students are required to enroll in and complete at least 12 units each Fall & Spring Semester. Graduate students are required to enroll in and complete at least 8 units each Fall & Spring Semester (a grade of "W" or "I" is not considered completion of the course). If you expect to receive an "Incomplete" (I) grade in a class, please talk with OIP BEFORE the end of the semester! You must also understand that the Immigration Service only allows for part-time study under very limited circumstances.
  
  
• Obtain Authorization from the Office of International Programs BEFORE Dropping Below a Full Course of Study
  There are very limited exceptions to the full course of study rule. Those reasons include; academic difficulty, medical condition, or completion of study, and there are strict criteria for each. You must obtain authorization from OIP BEFORE dropping below a full course of study! After obtaining this authorization, you may then drop the course(s).
  
  
• Abide by U.S. Federal Employment Regulations
  F-1 students may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus during the Fall and Spring Semesters [8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)]. These 20 hours include the work you do for an assistantship if you have one. You cannot work off-campus (including credit-bearing internships off-campus) without PRIOR authorization from OIP and the U.S. federal government. Opportunities for off-campus work are limited.
  
  
• Maintain Required Health and Accident Insurance
  F-1 students must have CSUMB-approved health and accident insurance for themselves and any F-2 dependents throughout their stay in the United States.
  
  
• Report Changes in Program to OIP
  Students must notify OIP whenever there is a change in their academic program, program dates or level of study, and when they graduate.
  
  
• Bring Your SEVIS I-20 to OIP Prior to Traveling Outside the United States
  Students should bring their I-20 form to OIP prior to traveling outside the United States to see if an updated signature from one of our International Student Advisors is required. A new form may need to be issued to you.
  
  
• Notify OIP of Any Accompanying Dependents or Dependents Who Will Join You Later
  OIP prepares visa documents for any dependents (spouse/children) of F-1 students who will enter the United States on F-2 visas. OIP is also required to report biographical data on F-2 dependents to the U.S. federal government.
  
  
• Ending Your Studies at CSUMB Unexpectedly? Report Your Departure Date and Reason to OIP
  Periodically, students leave the university early or unexpectedly due to a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include early graduation, leave of absence, withdrawal, or termination. U.S. federal regulations require F-1 students to inform the Office of International Programs (OIP) if they plan to leave the university before the expiration date of their I-20 form as well as the reason for doing so.
  
  
• Apply for an Extension Prior to the I-20 Expiration Date
  Students must apply for an extension BEFORE their I-20 form expires if they intend to stay at CSUMB and cannot complete their program by the form expiration date. Requests for an extension may be submitted at any time BEFORE the expiration date on the form. You will need to obtain the "Academic Advisor's Recommendation Form for Extension of Stay" explaining the reasons why you need extra time to complete your degree program requirements.
  
  
• Obtain Transfer Authorization Prior to Leaving CSUMB
  Students who plan to transfer to another college or university in the United States must inform OIP of their final choice so that OIP can perform the "transfer out" in SEVIS and designate the school to which you will transfer.
  
  
• Depart the U.S. within the 60 Days Grace Period
  Students in F-1 status must depart the United States within 60 days of the I-20 ending date OR their program end date, whichever is earlier. The exceptions to this rule include those who have applied for optional practical training, are transferring to a new school, or have applied for a change of status with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).
  
  
• Stay Informed About Changing Immigration Regulations
  While OIP tries to keep CSUMB international students informed about changing federal immigration regulations, it is the responsibility of the students to STAY INFORMED by reading and responding to emails or notices sent to your CSUMB email address.

Important Note
This information is subject to change without notice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your legal status in the United States, it is important that you speak with either Rick Donovan or Holly White at the Office of International Programs (OIP).