WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR F-1 STUDENT VISA

We at SCC are very happy to host international students from all over the world. We welcome you to our campus, and want you to have an enjoyable and successful stay in the United States. An important way to ensure a positive experience is to maintain your visa status. Be sure you understand your responsibilities as an F-1 student, and do not hesitate to contact the International Education Programs office if you have any questions.

New F-1 Students Recently Arrived in the United States:

If you are a new international student at Scottsdale Community College, you are required to report to the International Education Programs (IEP) office to check in within 10 days of arriving in the US. Failure to check-in may jeopardize your immigration status.

Within 10 days of arriving in the U.S., come to the IEP office with the following documents:

• Your passport
• Your I-94 card
• Your stamped I-20 Form

KNOW YOUR F-1 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES!

In order to stay in status, an F-1 student must do the following:

1. Attend the school on whose I-20 you entered the U.S. for at least one semester.
2. Complete (not just register for) a full-time course of study (AT LEAST 12 CREDIT HOURS) for both the fall and spring semesters. This means you must receive a final letter grade of A,B,C,D or F. You may not receive a W if this means you will drop below 12 credit hours per semester.
3. Get permission from the International Student Advisor BEFORE you withdraw from a class if, for some reason, you must drop below 12 credit hours. Be aware that an instructor can withdraw you (assign you a grade of W) from a class due to excessive absences.
4. Make academic progress toward your degree by receiving passing grades.
5. If you miss class for medical reasons, it is your responsibility to notify your instructor immediately.
6. Be aware of the expiration dates of your documents: Maintain a valid passport, at least 6 months into the future. Request an extension of your I-20 (if necessary) at least 2 months before it expires.
7. Come to the International Education Programs office at least 5 days before you plan to leave the U.S. so that your I-20 can be signed in order to allow you to re-enter the country.
8. DO NOT ACCEPT ON OR OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT BEFORE YOU CHECK WITH THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISOR FOR PRE-APPROVAL. Working without authorization is grounds for deportation.
9. Notify both the International Education Programs office and BCIS (formerly INS) of your address and telephone change each time you move, within 10 days of moving.
10. Follow proper procedures to transfer schools or extend your I-20. Notify your International Student Advisor at least 2 months before you transfer or need an extension.
11. With the new U.S. government foreign tracking system (SEVIS), you must report any changes to your address, major, employment, or graduation plans to the International Education Programs office.
12. If you are out of status, it is ultimately your responsibility to resolve the situation with the assistance of the International Student Advisor.