Under U.S. immigration law, it is your responsibility to maintain F-1 lawful student status. Begin by reading the “Instructions to Students” on page 2 of your Form I-20; then carefully follow them and the information below:
you fail to enroll within 30 days of the first day of classes,
you enroll in less than a full course of study without the proper authorization from International Services or
you fail to pay tuition prior to the add/drop deadline thus making you ineligible to attend BYU.
Enroll in and complete a full course of study during each semester or term that is not your annual vacation period while making normal progress towards completing your program of study before the expiration date specified on item #5 of your Form I-20.
Keep your Form I-20 valid and accurate by following the proper procedures when you:
apply for an extension of programwhich must be done prior to its expiration date,
Follow the grace period rules governing admittance to the U.S. no more than 30 days before your program start date and those pertaining to your remaining in the U.S. for up to 60 days beyond your program completion date or any authorized practical training.
Maintain your permanent home country address in Route Y and update your local address and/or phone number in Route Y within 10 days of any change. Doing so will automatically send an update notification to USCIS.
The following information summarizes some of the most important privileges and rights granted to you under regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Immigration Documents
If you should lose or have them stolen, you have the right to have your Form I-20 and Form I-94 replaced since they are required documents during your stay in the U.S.
Registration, Attendance, and Course Load
Registration and Attendance—Even though you must register at BYU, the school you are authorized to attend, you may enroll concurrently at another USCIS-approved institution provided the combined hours constitute a full course of study.
Course Load
As long as you register for and complete at least the required minimum course load, you may register for as many credit hours as BYU allows.
Reduction of Course Load—Under certain qualifying situations, you may request and obtain prior permission from International Services for an Exception to the Full Course of Study Requirement that would authorize you to register for a course load less than that normally required by immigration regulations.
On-Campus—You may be employed by BYU in any student job on campus providing International Services is able to verify your legal status to Employment Services.
Off-Campus
Authorization—You may be employed by off-campus employers after you complete one academic year of studies in status and you apply for and receive prior written authorization from International Services or from USCIS.
Types
Severe Economic Hardship—You may be eligible to apply to USCIS for authorization for employment based on severe economic hardship.
Practical Training—Practical Training is employment directly related to your major field of study. Most F-1 students are eligible to apply for
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before completion of studies, and
Optional Practical Training (OPT) during or after a program of study. You may request 12 months of OPT before completion of each program level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate).
Hours
You may work no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session.
You may work more than 20 hours per week when school is not in session and when you are on OPT after the completion of your program of study.
Holidays and Vacations
You may remain in the U.S. and considered to be in lawful F-1 status during holidays and vacation periods observed by BYU, including summer vacations, provided (1) you are eligible and intend to register for the next school semester (the semester immediately following a summer vacation), and (2) the “completion of studies” date in item #5 of your Form I-20 will not be reached before you resume study.
You may change when you take vacation; if you plan to vacation during a semester, check with International Services to see if you qualify and to obtain written authorization prior to the vacation period
Travel
Within the United States—You may travel freely within the United States provided you maintain your lawful F-1 status and have your valid passport, Form 1-20, and Form I-94 in your possession.
Outside the United States—You may leave the United States at any time. You may return later to the U.S. provided you have
a valid passport containing an valid F-1 visa, and
a new Form I-20 or a Form I-20 properly endorsed for re-entry.
Thirty Day Visa Law—If you travel to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for less than 30 days, you may be eligible to re-enter the U.S. even if the F-1 visa in your passport has expired, provided you have a valid Form I-94, passport and Form I-20. If you apply for a visa during these 30 days and are denied, you may not re-enter the U.S. but must return home and obtain a new visa. The Thirty Day Rule does not apply to you if you are out of status.
Length of Time You May Remain in the United States
You may study in your present educational program until the program end date stipulated in item #5 on your Form I-20. However, upon meeting the eligibility requirements, if you need additional time to complete your program, you may apply for an extension of your program.
Course Work at or Transfer to a Different School
You may take courses temporarily at a school other than BYU provided you meet the requirements.
notify International Services of your intent to transfer,
obtain a new Form 1-20 from the school you wish to attend, and
submit the Form 1-20 to the international student services office at your new school within 15 days of beginning school.
You may be out of school for no more than five months between transfers.
Dependents and Other Family Members
Upon qualification for F-2 dependent visa status, your spouse and children may join you for the duration of your studies.
Your spouse may take recreational and vocational classes but may not work.
A spouse wanting to attend school full time must apply for F-1 status and be admitted to a program of study.
Other members of your family (father, mother, brothers, sisters, etc.) may be able to visit you (usually on B-2 visitor status) during your studies.
Upon qualification and completion of your degree requirements, you may do one of the following:
Enter a new program of study at BYU or a different school for another degree or certificate,
Apply for one year of Optional Practical Training employment (make sure you apply before you complete your studies),
Change to another status (i.e., B, J, H) or
Return to your home country during the 60-day grace period.
Additional information is available from International Services. We offer information, advising and assistance on all federal regulations related to maintaining your student status.
The following information summarizes the most important obligations and responsibilities you have regarding United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. For further information, you should also read and understand "Instructions to Students" on page 2 of your Form I-20.
Immigration Documents
Passport
Maintain a valid passport at all times unless you are Canadian.
Apply immediately for a replacement from your home country's embassy or consulate if you lose it. List of embassies
Form I-20.
Read carefully and observe completely the information on page two of your Form I-20.
Extend its completion date if you need more time to complete your studies. more
Request immediately a new one from International Services if you lose it.
Form I-94—Apply to USCIS through our office for a replacement if you lose it; this process requires payment of a U.S. government fee.
Check In and Attendance
Report to the school which USCIS has authorized you to attend as stipulated on your Form I-20.
Full Course of Study—If you decide to discontinue your attendance after enrolling at BYU, you must first obtain permission from International Services
Independent Study classes do DO NOT qualify toward this requirement.
One on-line or distance education class of up to three credit hours is permitted as part of your full course of study.
Exception to a Full Course of Study—If warranted, request an exception to a full course of study that authorizes you to register for less than a required full course load prior to the finalization of your registration.
On-Campus—Obtain written clearance from our office before beginning work.
Off-Campus—Receive prior written authorization from an International Services advisor or from USCIS; you must have been enrolled for one academic year and have been in status to apply.
Severe Economic Hardship—Apply to USCIS; must prove economic need based upon circumstances beyond your control that occurred after you entered the country. Application requires a fee, and work is limited to less than 20 hours per week while school is in session.
Practical Training—Practical Training is work which is directly related to your major field of study. You may be eligible to apply for two types of training:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before completion of studies; must register for an internship class, and
Optional Practical Training (OPT) during or after completion of your studies.
Work may be performed anywhere in the United States, but you must apply for and be granted written authorization for practical training BEFORE beginning employment
Hours—Work no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session; you may work more than 20 hours per week while school is not in session.
Travel Outside the United States
Documents—Have the following valid documents in your possession in order to travel outside the U.S. and successfully return in F-1 status:
Passport
F-1 visa
Form I-94
Form I-20
Returning to BYU—Request certification of your status and take your Form I-20 to International Services for a verification signature on page three within six months prior to leaving the U.S.
Returning to United States But to a Different School—Obtain an initial Form I-20 from the new school before departing.
If you wish to complete a program of studies at BYU but want to take courses at another school temporarily, consult with your International Services advisor to determine if any special procedures must be followed.
If you wish to end your studies at BYU and transfer to a different school, follow proper transfer procedures. Consult with your International Services advisor BEFORE you submit a written request to transfer your SEVIS record to your new school.
Program of Study Changes
If you complete one program and wish to begin another at BYU, apply for admission; upon admittance you will receive a new Form I-20 reflecting your program of study.
If you change your major, visit your advisement center to effect the change, and then International Services to obtain a new Form I-20 listing your new major.
Length of Time You May Remain in the United States
Complete your program of studies by the completion date listed on item #5 on your Form I-20.
Apply for an extension of your program of studies end dateprior to its expiration if you need more time to complete. Check with International Services for details; you must be in status to qualify.
Change of Address
Report any change of address, name and phone number within 10 days of the change by updating your personal information on Route Y.
Further Information
Keep all copies of Form I-20s issued during your academic stay from all schools attended. You will need them when you apply for a USCIS benefit.
Do not withdraw from school without prior authorization from International Services.
Failure to Comply with Responsibilities
If you fail to comply with your Immigration responsibilities, you may lose your student status, and thus, not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students, such as travel signatures on your Form I-20, extensions of program and work authorizations.
Additional information is available from International Services. We offer information, advising and assistance on all federal regulations related to maintaining your student status.
What is SEVIS?
An acronym for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
Established by U.S. law and administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Used for tracking arrivals, enrollments, addresses, departures and other information of F-1s and their dependents
Supported by a $100 government fee paid by initial principal entrants to the U.S.
System information is available to U.S. Department of State officials at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at ports of entry to the United States
Upon admitting an international student, the university enters their information into SEVIS and requests a Form I-20. When approved, SEVIS creates and sends to BYU via the internet a Form I-20 for the student and any requested dependents who will be accompanying the F-1.
Initial Entry
An initial entrant F-1 then pays a $100 SEVIS fee on-line (details) and shows proof of payment in order to apply for a visa or to enter the United States. This includes Canadians. SEVIS Fee information
The entrant applies for a visa through the U.S. consulate abroad; during the processing, the consulate determines through SEVIS that the I-20 is valid and, if other requirements are met, issues a visa.
When the person arrives at the U.S. port of entry, the DHS officer checks the SEVIS record, and upon admittance, records the entry and status into SEVIS.
As the person arrives on campus and reports to International Services, BYU confirms the arrival in SEVIS.
As BYU supports the person's compliance in maintaining their lawful status and other requests during their stay here, BYU electronically reports required information to SEVIS.
What is BYU required to report to SEVIS? Reportable information includes but is not limited to the following:
Personal
Name
Date of birth
Country of birth and country of citizenship
Dependent information
U.S. residential address changes
Change in legal name
Financial
Initial sources of financial resources
Changes in financial resources
Status
Failure to maintain status or complete program, including termination date and reason
Under U.S. immigration law, it is your responsibility to maintain F-1 lawful student status. 
