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). The general obligations are as follows:

Maintain a valid passport at all times.
Attend the school listed on your I-20 Certificate of Eligibility - admitted students will be issued an I-20 for Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC)
Complete a full course load of 12 units every fall and spring semester. Certain exceptions apply. You must receive written authorization from a Designated School Official (DSO) prior to dropping below a full course load.
Depart the U.S. no later than 60 days after the program end date listed on his or her I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. Students who need additional time to complete their program can apply for a program extension. Extension requests must be officially requested well in advance of the I-20 program end date. Students transferring from LAPC to another SEVP approved institution can review F-1 international student visa regulations for exceptions to 60-day departing rule.
Refrain from off-campus employment without written authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or LAPC International Student Services (ISS).
If approved for employment on or off-campus, work no more than 20 hours per week while the college is in session.
Report a change of residence within 10 days of the change.
For fall and spring semesters, limit one online course with a maximum of three units towards a full course load. The rest of your classes, at least nine (9) units, must be in-person.

Information about F-1 international student policies can be found on the Department of Homeland Security Study in the States website.