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Maintaining F-1 Status

Your F-1 Student Status at MCPHS

Maintaining your F-1 status is your responsibility as an international student. The Immigration and International Support Services (IISS) staff is here to support you through walk-ins and appointments.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

To maintain lawful F-1 status, you must engage in a full course of study during each required academic term.

For accelerated (year-round) programs, summer is a required term. Students enrolled in an accelerated program MUST enroll in a full course study every fall, spring and summer terms.

MCPHS Full-Time Enrollment Standards:

Undergraduate Students

  • Minimum: 12 credits per semester

    • At least 9 credits must be in-person

Graduate Students

  • Minimum: 9 credits per semester

    • At least 6 credits must be in-person

Exceptions: If you are in your final semester, on an approved medical reduced course load, or a graduate student enrolled in a thesis course, you may qualify for an exception. Please schedule an appointment with the IISS office to confirm your eligibility.

Employment Guidelines

On-Campus Employment

  • Allowed up to 20 hours per week during the academic year for students in Active SEVIS status

  • May begin employment up to 30 days before classes start

  • Includes jobs on-campus or educationally affiliated off-campus sites (e.g., bookstore, cafeteria)
     

Steps to Begin On-Campus Work:

  1. Visit IISS and speak to an International Advisor (DSO).

  2. If eligible, your DSO will issue an F-1 Employment Certification Letter.

  3. Have your on-campus supervisor complete and return the form to IISS.

  4. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) (required for all student workers).

Off-Campus Employment

🚫 Do NOT work off-campus without authorization.
Unauthorized off-campus work will negatively impact your F-1 immigration status.

✅ Always consult with IISS before starting any off-campus activity, including internships, volunteering, CPT, or OPT.

Additional Requirements for Maintaining F-1 Status

In addition to full-time enrollment and employment compliance, students in F-1 status must meet the following obligations:

  • Maintain a Valid Passport
    Your passport must be valid at all times while in the U.S. Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate for renewal procedures.

  • Keep Your Local U.S. Address Up to Date
    You are required to report any changes to your U.S. residential address to IISS within 10 days of moving. Students can update their addresses by:
    Continuing Students: Updating your address in Self-Service
    Students on Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT: L    ogin to the IISS Portal and submit a "My Contact Information Update".

  • Maintain a Valid Form I-20
    Ensure your Form I-20 remains accurate and unexpired. Contact IISS BEFORE you change your program, major, degree level, or need an extension.

  • Notify IISS of Any Changes in Academic or Immigration Status
    This includes program withdrawal, leave of absence, transferring schools, or changing visa type. These changes must be reported in a timely manner to maintain your legal status.

If you have questions or need help, please contact the IISS office. We’re here to help you stay in status and succeed at MCPHS!