Immigration Rights, Rules and Responsibilities of International
Students in F-1 Visa Classification
This information is for the use of international students in F-1 status
at the University of Indianapolis. After reading this information, you
should have a basic understanding of the important rights or benefits
you have in relation to U.S. immigration regulations.
You should also
have an understanding of your responsibilities for maintaining your
lawful immigration status as an international student in F-1 status. You
will not, however, have an understanding of the actual procedures which
must be followed in order to apply for certain benefits. Consultation
with, and assistance from, the International Division staff, will
be necessary in order for you to exercise many of your rights.
Failure to Comply with Responsibilities
New laws passed by Congress include severe penalties for visitors who
violate their status.
- If you fail to comply with your immigration responsibilities, you
may not be eligible for benefits associated with the F-1 visa status
and, in some situations, may be subject to deportation and future exclusion
from the U.S.
- Violations include working without authorization, falling below full-time
enrollment, and failure to request a program extension (I-20 Extension)
prior to the expiration date on your Form I-20.
- Monitor your immigration documents carefully and do not hesitate
to consult with the International Division staff on any matter relating
to your immigration status.
Registration and Course Load
You must register as a full time student and attend the school indicated
on your I-20, while that school is in session. Summer enrollment
is optional for most degree programs at the University of Indianapolis.
- For undergraduate students, full-time is defined as a
minimum of 12 credits.
- For graduate students the requirement is 9 credits or registration
for Master's Thesis or Doctoral Research.
You request authorization to register less than full time if:
- you will complete studies by the end of the term and
do not need a full course load to graduate; or
- the International Division approves, in advance, a reduction
in course load due to special circumstances such as illness, academic
difficulties, etc.
Transfer to a Different School
- You are eligible to transfer from your present school
to a different school if you maintain status and follow certain procedures.
- You must consult the International Division staff for
these procedures and notify them that you are planning to transfer.
- Your new school must issue you a new Form I-20 in order
to complete the transfer.
Completion of Study
Upon completion of studies you may have the right to
- continue study at the same school or a different school
for a higher academic degree, certificate or program of academic work,
- apply for Optional Practical Training ; or
- take up to 60 days to depart the U.S. If you complete
your studies before the expiration date listed on your I-20 you will
have 60 days to prepare for departure.
If you choose to remain in the
U.S. for more than 60 days following the end of your program (without
entering a new program or Optional Practical Training), you will be
in violation of your immigration status, could be subject to deportation,
and/or may be denied entry to the U.S. in the future.
Required Notification of Changes in Circumstances
- You are required by immigration regulation to report changes in your
address to the International Division within 10 days of the change.
- You must notify the International Division if
you change your major, your degree level, or source of funding, so
you can be issued an accurate I-20.
Taxes
- You are required to file specific State and Federal tax
forms each year and pay any taxes due, regardless of your status or
whether or not you were employed. Additional information is available
from the International Division.
- The International Division sponsors a Tax Workshop every
spring, during which an expert explains the tax obligations faced by international
students and scholars.
Further information on the rights and responsibilities of international
students in F-1 status, as well as counseling and assistance, is available
from the International Division.
