Quick Definition
Maintaining F-1 status means fulfilling all obligations required to keep your US student status valid: full-time enrollment, valid I-20, reporting address changes within 10 days, authorised work only, and valid passport. Falling out of status — even inadvertently — requires reinstatement and can jeopardise future US visa applications.
Maintaining F-1 Status — Full Explanation
Key obligations: enroll full-time each semester, request I-20 extensions before expiry, obtain DSO authorisation for any CPT/OPT work, update address changes in SEVIS within 10 days, and maintain a valid passport 6 months into the future. Your DSO is your primary compliance resource — contact them proactively for any status concerns.
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