As the holiday season ends and a new academic term begins, are you prepared to maintain your F or M student status? Here are some important reminders on what you must do:

• Carry the following important documents with you when you arrive in the United States:
  • Current passport valid for at least six months after your re-entry date or current through the date of entry if you are from a visa waiver country
  • Valid visa (unless you traveled to Canada, Mexico or to an adjacent island for fewer than 30 days or are from a visa exempt country)
  • Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” endorsed for travel (within the last 12 months for F students; within the last six months for M students)
  • Proof of financial support to pay tuition and living expenses
• If you are arriving in the United States for the first time, contact your designated school official (DSO) within 30 days.
• Enroll in a full course of study at your school within 30 days of arriving in the country. While a full course of study is determined by regulations, some schools consider different amounts of credit hours a full course of study. You should check with your DSO to understand these requirements.
• Have proper employment authorization if you want to work in the United States. You cannot work without authorization.

Our Students Portal and Study Guide to the States are resources that can help you understand the rules you must follow. If you have any questions about maintaining your F or M student status, talk to your DSO.