International Student Services
Maintaining F-1 Student Status
As an F-1 international student admitted to the United States (U.S.), you must meet certain obligations set by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a division of Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Information about F-1 international student policies can be found on the Department of Homeland Security Study in the States website.
The general obligations are as follows:
Ensure that your passport does not expire while you are studying in the U.S. If your passport will expire, contact your embassy for the steps to renew your passport.
Maintain a full-course load every fall and spring semester. At LAPC, a full-course load is defined as a minimum of 12 units. Of those 12 units, at least 9 units must be in-person or hybrid courses.
If you cannot maintain a full-course load, please see a Designated School Official (DSO) in the ISS Office as soon as possible. There are exceptions to the full-course load requirement such as a valid medical excuse with proper documentation.
If approved for employment on or off-campus, work no more than 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. You may be eligible to work more than 20 hours per week during summer and winter terms - check with a Designated School Official (DSO) in the ISS Office.
International students must have written authorization to work off-campus from either the ISS Office or USCIS. For more information, view the LAPC Employment Options for F-1 Students webpage.
Inform the ISS Office of any address changes within 10 days of the change so we can update your SEVIS record.
Be aware of the program end date on your I-20 located on page 1. From that date, you have a 60-day grace period to:
- Transfer to another U.S. institution
- Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Depart the U.S.
Program Extensions
If you need more time to complete your program, you can apply for an I-20 program extension through the ISS Office. The deadline to submit the application is 30 days before the program end date on your I-20.
Students who are maintaining status and making academic progress are eligible to apply for an extension. Contact the International Admissions Advisor for details.