As an F or M student preparing to start a new school term, it is important that you remember your primary purpose for coming to the United States is to complete your program of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.

You must properly maintain your status for the entire duration of your stay. Maintaining your status means that you take the necessary actions to ensure you fulfill your primary purpose for coming to the country, which if you are an F or M student means you:

• Arrive in the United States no more than 30 days from your program start date.
• Contact your designated school official (DSO) upon entering the country.
• Enroll in a full course of study.
• Attend all your classes.
• Only work in the United States when you are eligible and authorized to do so.

Remember, your DSO is at your school to help you properly maintain your status. Find a time to check in with your DSO when you arrive. Throughout your studies, regular contact with your DSO will make any issue related to your school work, nonimmigrant status or life on campus easier to resolve.

For more information on properly maintaining your F or M status, please visit the Study in the States’ Maintaining Your Status page.

Help your classmates maintain their status by sharing this post with them on social media using the hashtag #StudyintheStates.