F-1 Student situations
Pick a situation to walk through your rights, responsibilities, and next steps — step by step.
Legal Rights
Encounters with ICE, police, or immigration agents — know what to say and do
Asked to show documents
AvailableWhich documents to carry, what you are required to show, and when.
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ICE or agents at your door
AvailableWhat to do if immigration officers come to your home or dorm.
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Stopped by police or ICE in public
AvailableYour rights during a stop, and what information you must provide.
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Immigration visit at work
AvailableHow to respond if ICE or agents appear at your workplace or internship.
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Renewal & Documents
Keeping your I-20, visa stamp, and SEVIS records current
Renewing your I-20
AvailableWhen and how to get an updated I-20 from your school's DSO.
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Visa stamp renewal at consulate
AvailableRenewing your F-1 visa stamp outside the U.S. before re-entry.
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SEVIS fee payment
AvailableWhen the I-901 fee is required and how to pay or get a receipt.
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Extending your program end date
AvailableRequesting more time to complete your degree before your I-20 expires.
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Work Authorization
CPT, OPT, on-campus jobs, and unauthorized employment
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
AvailableWorking off-campus as part of your curriculum — eligibility and process.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
AvailablePost-completion work authorization — applying, timelines, and reporting.
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On-campus employment
AvailableRules for working on campus, hour limits, and what jobs qualify.
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Working without authorization
AvailableWhat counts as unauthorized work and steps if you've worked off-books.
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Maintaining Status
Course load, transfers, leaves of absence, and status violations
Dropping below full course load
AvailableMedical, academic, or final-semester exceptions — and when you need DSO approval.
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Transferring to another school
AvailableMoving your SEVIS record to a new institution without a gap in status.
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Taking a leave of absence
AvailableAuthorized breaks from study and how they affect your F-1 status.
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Falling out of status
AvailableCommon violations, consequences, and options like reinstatement.
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Travel & Re-entry
Leaving the U.S. and returning safely on F-1 status
Traveling outside the U.S.
AvailableDocuments to bring, travel signatures, and what to expect on return.
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Visa expired while in the U.S.
AvailableWhether you can stay, study, and work with an expired visa stamp.
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Questions at port of entry
AvailableSecondary inspection, common questions, and how to prepare.
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