Bryant University. The Character of Success

MAINTAINING YOUR VISA STATUS

This information is designed for Bryant University international students in F-1 Students.

MAINTAINING YOUR F-1 IMMIGRATION STATUS:

International students on F-1 visas who study at U.S. educational institutions are expected to comply with all U.S Immigration regulations pertaining to the F-1 visa status during their course of study in the U.S. A student, who does not maintain his or her visa status, will be "out of status" (illegal) and may fall into a category of being unlawfully present in the United States. Failure to maintain lawful student status may lead to serious immigration-related problems, ranging from loss of the opportunity to engage in Optional Practical Training, to deportation and/or ineligibility to re-enter the U.S. upon return from traveling abroad. Student could also face penalties of being denied entrance into the United States for a period of three to ten years. These penalties are rather harsh and, moreover, would be applied to someone in these situations even if they were unaware of violating their F-1 status.

Full-time Course Load:

You are considered to be maintaining your immigration status while you are pursuing a full course of study toward your degree. Therefore, you are required to register full time during each of the academic terms. This means that undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester and graduate students for a minimum of 9 credits. There is one exception to this requirement during the academic terms: If in your last semester, you require less than the full-time credits to graduate, you are allowed to register part-time with PRIOR authorization from the Intercultural Center for International Education and Multicultural Affairs (ICC). You may also register below full-time if there is a documented medical reason with PRIOR authorization from the ICC.

Authorized Period of Stay:

You must not remain in the US beyond your authorized period of stay. You were admitted in the US as an F-1 student for what is termed "Duration of Status" (D/S). This means you are authorized for a limited stay in the U.S. for the study program indicated on your I-20 form.

  1. Look at the expiration date noted on your I-20 (#5). If you cannot complete your studies by that date, you must request an extension of your I-20 BEFORE it expires. Extension of stay may be granted if only compelling academic or medial reasons, such as change of major or documented illness, caused the delay. Delays caused by insufficient GPA requirement, academic probation or suspension is not acceptable reason for program extension.
  2. Your authorized period of stay ends when you complete your program of study or otherwise stop being a full-time student, even if your I-20 form or visa has not expired.
  3. After completing the studies, you have 60 days to transfer to another school, apply for a change of another status or depart the U.S., if you do not apply for a post-completion optional practical training.
  4. If you withdraw from school with PRIOR authorization from the ICC, you have 15 days grace period to apply for another school, apply for a change of another status or depart the U.S. Without prior authorization, you have no grace period.

Employment Regulations

You may work no more than 20 hours per week on or off-campus while school is in session These 20 hours include the work you do for a resident assistant position or your graduate assistantship if you have one. You are not permitted to work off-campus without receiving PRIOR authorization from the U.S. Federal Government and/or ICC.

Report Address Changes to the ICC

U.S. federal regulations require you to report any address change within 10 days of the address change directly to the ICC. The ICC will then send this and other student data to the federal government electronically through SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System).

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FALL OUT OF STATUS:

You must notify the ICC immediately for an individual consulting. It is important to note that there are certain violations of status, which generally make you ineligible for reinstatement (e.g. unauthorized illegal employment). Please call (401) 232-6946 to make an appointment as soon as possible.