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Immigration laws are serious and can change quickly.

New F-1 immigration rules go into effect on September 15, 2026. 

F1 Fundamentals

Workshops covering F1 Visa Guidance and Requirements including CPT, OPT, End of Duration of Status and Changes to Academic Mobility

 

It is up to you to ensure that you remain In Status according to visa regulations.

  • In Status - Following immigration laws
  • Out of Status - Breaking immigration laws (penalties to visa status)

Everyone's situation is different. Do not rely on the advice of friends. 

ALWAYS speak with an immigration advisor regarding immigration related issues.

Keep your original immigration documents (passport, I-20, printed I-94) secure and with you at all times.

Remember: part of maintaining your immigration status includes following all laws in the United States - not just immigration law.

To make it easier to follow the law and remain In Status, follow the FACTS.
F - Full-time Student

Full-time Student

You MUST be enrolled full-time.

Undergraduate students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours.

Graduate students must be enrolled in 9 credit hours. 

  • Only one 3 credit hour online course will count towards full time enrollment for F-1 students.
  • No online classes count towards full time enrollment for J-1 students.   
  • Failing a class is not a reason to drop it.
  • Never drop below full-time hours without authorization.
A - Authorized for All Work

You must be authorized for all work.

Students may work on-campus up to 20 hours each week while class is in session.

  • F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus.
  • J-1 students must be authorized by ISSS prior to beginning any employment.
  • OPT & CPT require authorization. 
C - Changes to Enrollment
Contact ISSS  with ANY changes to enrollment status BEFORE you make the change.
  • If you are an undergraduate student and want to transfer, let us know! 
    • ISSS will help verify if you are eligible to transfer to a new school.
  • If you are an undergraduate student and want to change your major, let us know! 
    • ISSS will help verify if you are eligible to change your major.
  • If you change your degree level, let us know!
    • ISSS can give you information on next steps (EOS or Travel) to change your degree level.
    • Remember, after September 15, 2026, there are some restrictions on changing to a lower or same-level degree.  ISSS will help verify if you are eligible for your requested change of level.   
    • Students who will complete a degree level after September 15, 2026 are only eligible to change levels to a higher-level degree.

    • For example: Bachelor  to  Master to Doctoral

  • If you register less than full-time, let us know!
  • If you change your status, let us know!
  • If your address changes, let us know at my.unt.edu!
  • If you travel, let us know!
    • Remember to always upload your most recent I-94 in iNorthTX every time you re-enter the U.S. 
T - Timing of Documents

Timing of documents is important!
Always keep your immigration documents current.

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months when entering the U.S. 
    • If your passport will expire before your I-20 program end date, your I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD) may be shortened to match your passport expiration date. 
  • Visa: Used only to enter the U.S. It does not control how long you can stay and can expire while you are in the U.S. 
    • You must have a valid visa every time you enter the U.S.
  • I-94: Shows your immigration status AND how long you may remain in the U.S.
  • I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD): This is your deadline to leave the U.S. or apply for an extension of stay or change of status.
    • File for an Extension of Stay (EOS, I-539) if you want to stay past this date. 
    • Contact ISSS if you have questions before your AUD. 
  • I-94 with a fixed Admit Until Date:

I94 Fixed Admit Until Date

  • I-94 D/S: If your I-94 does not have an AUD, but says d/s, your Admit Until Date is your I-20 program end date or 4 years from September 15, 2026, whichever is sooner. 
    • Your I-20 program end date, or
    • November 14, 2030 (4 years + 60 days from September 15, 2026)
  • I-94 with D/S

I-94 with D/S

  • Examples:
  • If your I-20 program end date is May 15, 2028, your authorized stay ends July 14, 2028 (May 15, 2028 + 60 days).
    • Remember: Take action by date comes first. If you need additional time in the U.S. beyond that date, contact ISSS well before your authorized stay expires.
  • I-20 (F-1 students): Must remain valid at all times.
      • Request a program extension before the I-20 end date if needed.
      • An I-20 program extension is different than an Extension of Stay (I-539)!
  • DS-2019 (J-1 students): Must remain valid at all times.
      • Request a program extension before the DS-2019 end date if needed.
      • A DS-2019 program extension is different than an Extension of Stay (I-539)!

Important: Your I-20/DS-2019 program end date and your I-94 Admit Until Date are different. Keep track of both and take action BEFORE the program end date and the I-94 AUD.

S - Stay in Touch

Stay in touch with our office! 

 

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