Maintaining F-1 Status
Maintaining Status is your responsibility. The IISS staff is here to help you via walk-ins and appointments.
First Steps after arriving in the U.S.
1. You must report to MCPHS by the program start date listed on your Form I-20.
2. Once MCPHS starts, and you have completed SEVIS Check-in
3. Attend the F-1 orieintation,
You must follow specific rules to remain in the United States legally.
Visit the Maintaining Status in Study in the States page for more information.
Read page three of your form I-20
After arriving in the U.S.
Engage in a full course of study during your time as an international student. The definition of a full course of study varies depending on both your status (F-1) and the program of study you attend.
At MCPHS Full-time enrollment is:
Undergraduate
A minimum of 12 credits for full-time- 9 credits in person, 3 credits are allowed online.
Graduate
A minimum of 9 credits for full-time- 6 credits of those in-person, 3 credits are allowed online.
There are some exceptions to this such as, PLEASE contact the IISS office for an appointment to see if you meet the criteria, such as you are a Medical Reduced Course Load, Final Semester, or are a graduate student enrolled in a thesis credit course.
On-Campus employment
During the Academic year, F-1 students are allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours per week.
On-campus employment is work that F-1 students whose status is Active in SEVIS may apply for. On-campus employment is specific to work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Examples of on-campus employment include working at a university bookstore or cafeteria.
Active F-1 students may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. In order to apply, talk to your DSO. If approved, your DSO will provide you with an F-1 Certification letter. To get get your on-campus supervisor to complete then return it to your IISS advisor/DSO for their signature, after that you apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). All students who wish to work must apply for a Social Security Number.
OFF-CAMPUS Employment is only allowed with OFF-CAMPUS Authorization.
If you work off-campus without authorization, your SEVIS I-20 record will be terminated for unlawful employment.
Come to IISS first before starting ANY off-campus activity.
Walk-In Hours in Fennell 107
| Tuesdays: | 11 am - 1 pm |
| Wednesdays: | 2 pm - 4 pm |
Or schedule an appointment with your IISS Advisor/Designated School Official (DSO) via the Student Success Hub to meet in person or via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Emily Anderson, MA
Director of Immigration & International Support Services
E: emily.anderson@mcphs.edu
T: 617.879.5905
Advises:
Boston Campus: All graduate students in Arts & Sciences MS, MPH, School of Pharmacy MS, PhD, Physician Assistant MPA, CAPPS Certificate Programs
Worcester Campus: All graduate students at the School of Pharmacy MS/PhD
Available by appointment in person and via Microsoft Teams & Zoom
Stephanie McCormick, M.Ed
Associate Director of Immigration & International Support Services
E: stephanie.mccormick@mcphs.edu
T: 617.732.2157
Advises:
Boston Campus- PharmD/ BS Pharmacy & Life Sciences years 3-6
Worcester Campus- PharmD, Optometry, School of Medical Imaging & Technology (SMIT), Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy (DPT), Physician Assistant (MPA),
Manchester Campus- All programs
Available by appointment in person and via Microsoft Teams & Zoom
Nicolle White
Associate Director of Immigration & International Support Services/Data Manager
E: nicolle.white@mcphs.edu
T: 617.735.1049
Advises:
Boston Campus: PharmD/Pharmacy and Life Sciences years 1 & 2, All undergrads at the following schools: Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Art &Sciences, School of Healthcare Business, School of Medical Imaging & Technology (SMIT), Nursing, School of Pharmacy
Available by appointment in person and via Microsoft Teams & Zoom
John "Jack" McKernan
International Services Coordinator
E: john.mckernan@mcphs.edu
T: 617-732-2816
Initial and Transfer I-20 Advising & Processing