International Student Services Immigration Information

The International Student Advisor in the Office of Academic Affairs provides information and advisement pertaining to a variety of immigration matters. Please contact the Office of Academic Affairs if you would like to schedule an appointment with the International Student Advisor. 

The Basics of Maintaining F-1 Student Status

  • Keep your passport valid at least six (6) months into the future;

  • Attend only the school you are authorized to attend, as indicated on your SEVIS I-20;

  • Pursue a full course of study (12+ credits for undergraduate students, 9+ credits for graduate students) each fall/spring semester;

  • Request a program extension if you must remain in the U.S., to complete your studies, beyond the end date indicated (in section 5) on your I-20 before your I-20 expires. Visit the Office of Academic Affairs to request a program extension at least 30 - 90 days prior to the expiration date on the Form I-20. A program extension must be completed prior to the expiration date on the document.

  • Limit approved on-campus employment to no more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session, and to no more than 40 hours per week during official College break periods;

  • Do not change educational institutions without prior authorization. You must notify the International Student Advisor of your intention to transfer. You will be required to obtain an I-20 from the new institution and report to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the new school within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new Form I-20.

  • If you will continue from one educational level to another at St. John Fisher College (ex. Bachelors to Masters) you must notify the International Student Advisor of your intention to continue at the institution. You will be issued a new I-20.

  • If you will complete your program earlier than the “completion of studies” date on your I-20, you must notify the International Student Advisor of your actual completion of studies date at least 30 days before the end of your program;

  • Refrain from all off-campus employment without prior authorization from the Designated School Official and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service;

  • Request authorization from the DSO at the Office of Academic Affairs before reducing your course load, withdrawing from classes or taking a leave of absence from the College;

  • Report any change of address, phone number, major, etc. to the Office of Academic Affairs within 10 (ten) days of the change. The DSO will then complete the required electronic notification of the change to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, via SEVIS.

Immigration Resources

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