Maintaining Immigration Status

You have been granted permission to study in the U.S. at the port of entry by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). In order to remain in the U.S., BCIS requires that you maintain your immigration status. This means that you must be a full-time student, abide by BCIS regulations, and that your immigration documents are submitted correctly according to those regulations. If you abide by BCIS regulations, it is said that you are "in status". Significant penalties for being "out of status" can prevent you from taking advantage of a number of opportunities while you are in the U.S. Students who are "out of status" are reported to BCIS and are deported from the U.S. Being out of status can prevent you from re-entering the U.S. once you have left. Each student must sign page 1 of the I-20 certifying that they have read and agreed to the requirements of their status. It is your responsibility to know BCIS regulations that apply to you and to adhere to them during your stay in the U.S. The staff of the International Office does not work for BCIS. However, they know immigration regulations and are able to assist you in knowing how to stay "in status." Please consult with the International Office if you have questions about immigration regulations or before you carry out plans to change schools, degree programs, travel out of the U.S., drop courses, accept employment, etc.

You must inform the International Coordinator in all of the following situations:

  • Student must keep track of their non-immigrant documents as it is costly to replace them and important that you keep them on your person. These documents will be needed for many reasons in the U.S. that might be unexpected, so make sure you know where they are at all times. Please keep all your immigration documents in a secure location. Do not carry them with you unless you know that you will need them for a specific purpose.

  • Students arriving for the first time from overseas will be required to register via SEVIS. The ISO will assist with the registration. Copies of your 1-20, passport, and 1-94 will be placed in your student file.

  • Students beginning a new degree or program at OPSU must file a level change via SEVIS if you plan to stay at OPSU for an additional degree at the same level of study (e.g. second bachelors). The ISO will update the student's SEVIS record and provide a new 1-20.

  • Students transferring from another U.S. university to Oklahoma Panhandle State University will require a release of the SEVIS record from the previous school. Once the transfer date has arrived, ISO will issue a transfer 1-20 via SEVIS. The student will need to present all previous I-20's, passport, 1-94, and previous school transcripts to the ISO within 15 days of enrollment at OPSU.

  • Students transferring OUT of OPSU will need to provide evidence of acceptance to the new school and decide on an appropriate "release date" of the SEVIS record. Contact the ISO if you are planning to transfer to obtain the appropriate forms.

  • Students needing additional time to complete a degree will be required to file for a program extension. If you are not able to complete your current degree by the date indicated in item number 5 on the original 1-20, you must apply for the program extension prior to the expiration. Contact the ISO for further information.

  • Students changing their major must contact the ISO to update the SEVIS record.

  • Students seeking a reduced course load (below 12 hours) must seek permission to drop a class prior to dropping the class through OPSU's Admissions Office. SEVIS requires the International Office to give permission to drop the class prior to dropping the class. If the student drops the class prior to approval by the International Office, the student will be "out of status." The International office may approve a reduced course load only for the following reasons: 1) academic difficulties within the initial semester 2) improper course level, and 3) medical condition.

  • The CIS regulations require that all students report their change of address within 10 days of the change. The ISO is required to report the change of address via SEVIS within 21 days.

  • OPSU is required to report any student's failure to attend school, complete a program, or withdraw from courses, drop courses below full course of study, address change, major or level change, program completion, optional or curricular practical training, and school transfers within 21 to 30 days depending on the event.

  • If a student has failed to maintain the F-1 status he/she will be required to apply for reinstatement to the CIS district office in Oklahoma City. The CIS regulations have been narrowed and it is important that students contact ISO to seek assistance when in this situation. You may need to seek legal advice from an immigration attorney.

  • Students may work off-campus ONLY if the student receives authorization from CIS. On-Campus employment requires an on-campus work permit with verification of full-time status.

PLEASE NOTE: If a student works illegally the consequences could include voluntary departure from the U.S. or mandatory deportation. Student cannot be reinstated.

Full-time Enrollment

F-1 students must successfully complete a full-time course of study during fall and spring semesters meaning you must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours as an undergraduate student. Grades of “W” or “I” do not qualify as successful completion.