Information for Students on F-1 Visas

Summary of F-1 Student Regulations

Address Requirements - How To Update Your Address
Full-Time Study Requirement + Reduced Course Load Information
Extending Program of Study (Extending your I-20)
F-1 Reinstatement Process

F-2 Dependent (spouse/child) Information

Full-Time Study Requirement + Reduced Course Load Information

All F-1 students must maintain a full-course of study to maintain their F-1 status.  An F-1 student who fails to maintain a full course of study without prior approval from DISP is considered to have violated their F-1 status.  Under these circumstances, the student must meet with a DISP advisor to discuss their options.  Students in this situation must either leave the country or apply for reinstatement of their F-1 status. 

** Only one on-line course may count towards full-time enrollment per semester.**
 
Full-time course load
 

 Under certain circumstances students may be eligible to study less than full-time and may request a Reduced Course Load (RCL).  F-1 students are eligible for a Reduced Course Load Authorization only under the following academic/medical circumstances:    

1. Initial difficulty with reading requirements*
2. Initial difficulty with the English language*
3. Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods*
4. Improper course level placement*
5. Illness or medical condition
6. To complete course of study in current term

*Academic reasons (#1-4) may justify an RCL only once per program level and must take place during first two semester of study.
F-1 students must receive permission from the International Advisor/DSO first before dropping below a full course of study.

To request a Reduced Course Load (RCL) please submit a completed Reduced Course Load Request Form.

Extend Your Program of Study (Extending Your I-20)

As a student in F-1 status, it is required that you finish your program of study by the completion date on your current Form I-20. If you are not able to complete your degree by that date, you must contact the Department of International Services and Programs (DISP) to extend your program no later than one month before the date your I-20 will expire.

In order to obtain a program extension, you must show that you have continually maintained status and that the extension is needed for compelling academic or medical reasons, such as a change in major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented illness. Delays in completing your program caused by academic probation of studies or suspension are not acceptable reasons for extension of stay.

If you fail to extend your I-20 in a timely fashion or you do not meet the eligibility requirements to apply for a program extension, you have to apply for reinstatement to F-1/J-1 status. In that case, please contact DISP for more information how to apply for a reinstatement. 

How to apply for a program extension

Submit the following to DISP (at least one month before the I-20/DS-2019 expiration date):

• For both F-1 & J-1 students: Have your academic/faculty advisor complete "DISP 913 -International Student Program Extension" (visit www.disp.uconn.edu click "FORMS" > Click "Extension Request Forms")
• For both F-1 & J-1 students: Current proof of financial support documents for the requested extended period (i.e. a letter from the program indicating amount of funding or a letter from any sponsor organization with amount of funding and duration of support or a bank statement if it is self supporting.)

To determine how much you need to show please refer to the most current Financial Declaration form for your degree level (www.disp.uconn.edu/forms.html).

The financial support documents for self-supported individuals must meet the following criteria:

1. Official and original;
2. No older than 3 months old;
3. Must be in English;
4. Must indicate specific fund amount;
5. Must be liquid funds (checking and/or savings accounts); and
6. If the support funding is from parents or a family member, please attach a bank statement of the sponsor and a letter from him/her stating the willingness to sponsor, amount of funding and the duration of support.

• For J-1 students only: Proof of medical/health insurance mandated by the U.S. Department of State regulations which has been valid in your current J-1 program period.

DISP will then determine your eligibility for a program extension. If approved, an International Advisor at DISP will notify SEVIS of your new completion date and issue a new SEVIS Form I-20 with the extended completion date. 

F-1 Reinstatement Process

Definition:  Reinstatement is an option for an F-1 student who fails to maintain status and who wishes to regain status without leaving the U.S.   An F-1 student must be in status to be eligible for any benefit such as work permission (including practical training), program extension, school transfer and a adjustment of status.  Depending on the circumstances of your individual case, reinstatement may or may not be the best option.  For instance, traveling outside the U.S. and re-entry with an initial attendance SEVIS I-20 to regain your status may be the better option for you.  Please consult with an International Advisor at the DISP office for more details on your particular situation.

Eligibility:  To apply for reinstatement, the student must be aware of the following:

1. Cannot have been out of status for more than 5 months at the time of filing for reinstatement (unless the student can demonstrate exceptional circumstances and he/she is filing as promptly as possible,
2. Does not have a record of repeat or willful violations of USCIS regulations,
3. Is currently pursuing or intending to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future,
4. Has not engaged in unauthorized employment,
5. Is not deportable on any other grounds; and
6. Establishes to the satisfaction of USCIS by detailed explanation showing either that:
1. The violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student’s control (such as serious injury or illness, closure of the University, a natural disaster or a mistake by the International Advisor at the school

OR 

b.  The violation relates to a reduction in course load that would have been in the International Student Advisor’s power to authorize and failure to approve reinstatement would result in extreme hardship to the student.
                       
Forms: Forms can be downloaded from the USCIS website at: 
http://www.uscis.gov

How to Apply for Reinstatement:

1. Write your own letter explaining the circumstances of your case.   You will need to briefly explain the violation and outline how you are eligible according to the criteria above.
2. Obtain a letter from your academic advisor confirming expected completion dates and that you are making normal progress towards your degree. 
3. Complete USCIS form I-539.  Since the form was not designed for reinstatement, you will need to write “REINSTATEMENT” in bold letters (perhaps in red ink) across the top of the form as well as in part 2 item 1 of this form.
4. Request a new SEVIS I-20 form.
5. Assemble supporting documents for your request to be reinstated.  These materials will vary from situation to situation but might include such things as your transcript to show your academic record or medical records/letters from a doctor or counselor to confirm a medical condition.  You should be looking for documents which support your claim in your personal letter.
6. Make an appointment with an International Advisor.  Allow at least 30 minutes for the meeting.  Bring with you your personal letter, your academic advisor’s letter, the completed I-539 form, proof of continued financial support, all your travel documents (passport, etc), and any supporting documents.    

After your meeting with the International Advisor and receiving the International Advisor’s recommendation letter, you will be responsible for mailing all your materials to the following address:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
ATT:  I-539 (F-1 Reinstatement)
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, CT 05479

The materials which you will be mailing include:

1. A personal check or money order for $300.00 made payable to USCIS,
2. Your current/original I-94 card (not a photocopy),
3. A completed I-539 form clearly marked for “REINSTATEMENT”
4. Your own personal letter which explains your circumstances,
5. A new SEVIS I-20 marked for reinstatement,
6. A letter from your academic advisor,
7. All transcripts to verify continued full-time enrollment,
8. Evidence of financial support,
9. Photocopies of your passport including biographical page and visa page,
10.  Photocopy of your expiration date of your passport,
11. Additional supporting documents,
12. Copies of any previous SEVIS I-20’s and any EAD cards (Employment authorization documents)

NOTE:  It is recommended that you keep a copy of all documents which you are mailing.  Mail your materials and application by Certified Mail – return Receipt requested or by any other secure means (i.e. DHL, federal express, UPS, etc.) of mailing. 

Once approved:  the SEVIS I-20 and I-94 card will be returned to you and will be marked “Reinstatement Approved” with a valid date.  The I-94 card and I-20 will be returned to you (sometimes this is returned to you and sometimes this is returned to the International Office).  If you are not reinstated, you will probably be given a date of voluntary departure by which to leave the U.S. (usually this is within 30 days from the date of notification) and you may not appeal the decision.

(Reference 8 CFR 214.2 (f) (16)

F-2 Dependent (spouse/child) Information

Dependent Request Form

Information coming soon!