Rules and Requirements for International F-1 Visa Students

CUNY enrolls roughly 8,000 international F-1 and J-1 visa students from over 100 countries. Nationwide, there were roughly 1.18 million international students enrolled in 2024 to 2025, making up 6% of U.S. higher-education enrollment.

To maintain lawful F-1 status, students must:

• Stay enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credits undergraduate and nine graduate) each term.
• Keep a valid Form I‑20 certificate and I‑94 entry record.
• Follow reporting and work-authorization rules.

The truth is, these rules and requirements around F-1 visas can get tricky.

Background: The International Student Context

As mentioned, about 1.18 million international students attended a U.S. college during the 2024 to 2025 academic year, which is a 5% increase over 2023 figures. These students contributed roughly $55 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 355,000 jobs.

At CUNY, international students make up roughly 2–2.5% of enrollment. With total enrollment rebounding after pandemic declines, securing and maintaining F-1 visas is critical both for students’ success and the university’s diversity and global engagement.

What is an F-1 Visa?

The F-1 visa is the non-immigrant visa category for academic students at SEVP-certified U.S. institutions.

Prospective F-1 students must first be admitted to the university and be issued a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) by their campus. This I-20, along with proof of finances and intent to return home, is used to apply for the F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate.

Students must ensure that they stay in compliance with all visa regulations throughout their stay. Violations, such as dropping below full-time without authorization or unauthorized work, can lead to the termination of the student’s F-1 status.

Applying for an F-1 Visa

After receiving acceptance from the university, the school’s international office will issue an I-20, which students sign and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (Currently $350) before the visa interview. The student then completes the DS-160 online application and schedules a consular interview.

At the interview, the student must present:

• A valid passport (valid 6 months beyond the intended stay)
• DS-160 confirmation
• Form I-20
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Evidence of financial ability
• Academic credentials

They must also demonstrate non-immigrant intent, showing intent to return home after studies.

Once you have applied and been accepted by a SEVP-certified school and received a Form I-20, most campuses require proof of sufficient financial support covering tuition and living expenses for the entire program, as mentioned above.

If approved, the consular officer issues an F-1 visa stamp in the passport. Having a visa stamp does not guarantee entry; it only permits travel to a U.S. port of entry. Upon arrival at a U.S. airport or land border, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer reviews the passport, visa, and I-20, and issues an I-94 arrival/departure record indicating admission as a student.

F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before their program start date, and entry earlier than 30 days is not allowed. Now, if the visa in the passport has expired but the student has a valid I-20, the student remains in status, but would need to renew the visa stamp if they leave and later re-enter the U.S.

Key points for initial application:

• Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility): Issued by CUNY after admission, it certifies enrollment and financial readiness
• SEVIS Fee (I-901): Must be paid before visa interview.
• Visa Interview: Bring passport, DS-160, I-20, proof of finances, and academic records. Be prepared to explain study plans and intent to return home.
• Visa Issuance: Once granted, the F-1 visa is valid for travel. Continuing students can have visas issued at any time if enrolled and in SEVIS, and may enter before classes start

Maintaining F-1 Status on Campus

Once in the U.S. and attending CUNY, students on F-1 visas are required to continuously maintain status until program completion. This includes enrolling full-time each fall and spring, making normal academic progress, and following immigration and school reporting requirements.

Full-Time Enrollment

Under federal law, F-1 students must carry a “full course of study” each semester.

For undergraduates, this is at least 12 credits, and for graduate students, typically nine credits. CUNY’s guidance lists 12 credits as the minimum for lawful F-1 status for the Fall/Spring.

Summer enrollment is not required unless needed, but any summer courses still count toward full-time status if the fall or spring load was reduced. CUNY also allows one academic term of reduced credit load of 6 credits for valid reasons:

• A documented medical condition
• An academic difficulty with the course load

Any such Reduced Course Load (RCL) must be approved by the campus DSO in advance and recorded in SEVIS.

Academic Progress

On an F-1 visa, students are required to make satisfactory grades.

Failing grades, such as an unauthorized withdrawal, do not automatically violate status if 12 credits total were completed, but students should avoid falling below full-time credits. Maintaining at least 12 credits is what matters for visa status.

Reporting Requirements

Students must report any and all changes of address or legal name to their DSO within 10 days. They must also inform the DSO of any change in major, degree level, or completion date. The I-20 form must always be up to date with correct program information.

If a student changes schools or degree programs, a SEVIS transfer must be done through the old and new school’s DSOs.

Program Extensions

If a student will not complete their studies by the date on the I-20, they must apply for a program extension at least 30 days before the I-20 expires. The DSO updates the SEVIS record with a new end date, making sure the student has continuous status.

Reinstatement if Out-of-Status

If a student fails to comply with their F-1 status requirements, they become “out-of-status”.

In that case, they lose benefits like employment eligibility and re-entry clearance. The student then must either leave the U.S. or apply for reinstatement with USCIS, with DSO assistance. CUNY’s policy warns that any violation of immigration rules can terminate the I-20 and lead to deportation, so proactive compliance is crucial.

At the end of the day, attending classes full-time and keeping records current are the cornerstones of status maintenance. CUNY students are advised to consult their campus International Student Office (DSO) for official guidance on enrollment and to address any problems promptly.

Employment and Practical Training Options

F-1 status allows limited employment under strict conditions:

On-Campus Work

International students may work on campus without separate work authorization, up to 20 hours per week during academic terms.

During official breaks, they may work full-time subject to university policy. CUNY policy enforces the 20-hour rule to protect academic focus. Common on-campus jobs include library assistants, lab aides, or student center positions.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is an off-campus internship or co-op that is required or integral to the curriculum. It requires pre-approval from the DSO and registration in SEVIS. Qualifying for CPT depends on the program and typically requires at least one year of full-time study.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT allows up to 12 months of work related to the major field of study. Students must apply for OPT authorization (I-765) during their studies or after program completion.

F-1 students who earn a STEM degree may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. During pre-completion OPT (before graduation), students can work up to 20 hours/week while school is in session and full-time during breaks; post-completion OPT (after graduation) can be full-time.

Severe Economic Hardship Employment

In rare cases of documented financial hardship, students may apply for off-campus work authorization through USCIS. This is a backup option with strict eligibility.

Prohibited Employment

Working off-campus without authorization is a serious violation of F-1 status. Taking on unauthorized work can lead to loss of status and deportation.

Universities typically issue work-study employment letters or CPT authorization forms. For on-campus jobs, students usually only need to show the DSO’s employment verification letter.

For OPT, USCIS approval is required before starting work. CUNY’s international offices will guide students through these processes, but importantly, no work (besides campus) can commence until proper permission is granted.

Academic Progress and Enrollment Exceptions

F-1 students must maintain steady progress toward their degree, and failure to make progress can risk their status. Some additional points on this include:

Academic Probation/Failing Grades

As noted, a few poor grades are permitted if the student still completes 12 credits. However, chronic poor performance could threaten continuing eligibility (some programs require certain GPAs). Students should meet with academic advisors if struggling.

Leave of Absence

Generally, taking a leave ends F-1 status. Exceptions include medical leaves, where a student may temporarily drop below full-time if a licensed medical professional certifies an illness or disability. Such medical leave still requires DSO approval and proper documentation.

Transfer to Another School

If an F-1 student transfers to another SEVP school, the SEVIS record is transferred, at which point the new school issues a new I-20. Students must coordinate with DSOs to ensure the transfer is timely, otherwise, enrollment gaps can cause status problems.

CUNY guidelines stress that preserving status is essential for academic success. Advisors and faculty may encounter immigration questions, but only authorized advisors (DSOs/ROs) can provide official counsel. Students should rely on their campus’s International Student & Scholar Services for immigration advice.

Travel and Re-Entry

International students often travel home or abroad during their studies, but traveling on an F-1 visa comes with its risks. Visa regulations for travel include:

Re-entry Requirements

To re-enter the U.S. after travel, an F-1 student needs a valid F-1 visa stamp and a valid I-20 signed by a DSO. If the visa has expired, the student must obtain a new one at a U.S. consulate before returning. The student also must not have fallen out of status during absence.

Port-of-Entry Procedure

When re-entering, present:

• Your passport with an F-1 visa
• Form I-20
• Supporting documents (transcripts or enrollment verification if requested).

The officer will then admit the student and issue an I-94 with a duration of status. Students should verify that the I-94 in their passport matches their program’s expected end date.

Entry Timing

As noted, entry cannot be more than 30 days before the program starts. For continuing students, entry is allowed anytime before the semester starts. Students must know their options and plan travel around academic calendars accordingly.

Automatic Visa Revalidation

If visiting Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days, an expired visa may still allow re-entry under certain conditions.

Exiting after Status Loss

If a student has lost status, leaving the U.S. is often required. The visa is voided if out-of-status, and re-entry then requires reapplying for a new visa and admission.

Overall, every trip abroad carries risk if regulations aren’t followed. Maintaining at least the visa and I-20 validity and school registration is critical. CUNY advisors generally recommend checking in with the DSO and having recent enrollment proofs before travel.

Program Completion and Post-Graduation Options

When an F-1 student completes their degree, the clock on status doesn’t end immediately. Important rules:

60-Day Grace Period

Upon finishing the program or OPT, F-1 students have a 60-day grace period. During these 60 days, they may prepare for departure, change status (e.g., an H-1B visa), or transfer to another school. Working is not permitted in the grace period (unless on OPT), and the I-20 expires at the program end date or OPT end date.

Optional Practical Training

Most students apply for post-completion OPT, which must start within 60 days of program completion. If approved, OPT extends the legal stay and allows full-time work in the field of study. Students on OPT must report employment and address changes in SEVIS.

Departing the U.S.

If no OPT is pursued or after OPT ends, students should depart by the grace-period deadline. Staying beyond the grace period without a new status is a violation that can lead to deportation and future visa ineligibility, which is why it is important to leave on or before the 60th day.

Extensions of Stay

If a student needs more time in the program, they must apply for a program extension before the I-20 expiration. After completing the degree, only OPT or a change of status can allow staying longer.

Changing Status

Students who marry a U.S. citizen or secure other visas may apply to change status without leaving the U.S. However, even after approval by USCIS, leaving the U.S. would require getting the new visa stamp at a consulate.

The Department of State’s guidance underlines that failure to depart on time voids future visas, so international students must plan their exit or transition carefully.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

F-1 international students at CUNY navigate a complex set of U.S. immigration requirements.

Some of the most important takeaways to remember are as follows:

• Prioritize Full-Time Study: Always enroll full-time (12 credits) unless an approved exception applies.
• Keep Documents Current: Safeguard your Form I-20 and I-94, and report any changes to your DSO immediately. Renew or extend them before expiration.
• Work Only with Authorization: Limit work to on-campus jobs (≤20 hrs/week) or DSO/USCIS-approved training (CPT/OPT). Unauthorized employment is not worth the risk.
• Travel Wisely: Enter only within 30 days of the start date and carry all required paperwork. Do not leave the U.S. until you understand re-entry rules and have any needed visa renewals.
• Plan for After Graduation: Apply for OPT before finishing classes, and be mindful of the 60-day grace period. Have a plan to depart or change status in time.

CUNY’s International Student & Scholar Services is available to advise on all these matters. Students should attend orientation sessions, consult handouts, and ask DSOs about any uncertainties. Remember that even minor infractions (like one missed credit hour) can jeopardize a student’s F-1 status. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to ensure a smooth academic journey as an F-1 student in the U.S.