Maintaining F-1 Status

F-1 international students admitted to the United States (U.S.) must meet the requirements set by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The requirements are listed below and can be found on the SEVP website. 

• Maintain a valid passport at all times. 
• Enroll and Maintain my F-1 Visa Requirement of Full-Time Status in 12 units of “face to face “classes or enroll in 9 “face to face” units and one 3-unit “online” course to equal 12 units for every Fall and  Spring semester. Limited exceptions to this regulation require written authorization from a LAMC Designated School Official (DSO).
• Maintain good Academic Standing with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of a 2.0 or “C” grade average. 

• Program Changes and/or Program Extensions must be approved by the DSO and ISP Academic Counselor. Extension requests must be officially requested before the Form I-20 program end date. 

• Obtain Permission for Concurrent Enrollment at another college only with the approval of the International Students Counselor and Designated School Official.

• Obtain Permission to Add/Drop classes, which will be done only with the approval of the International Students Counselor and Designated School Official. 

• On-campus or Off-campus employment can only be authorized through LAMC International Students Program (ISP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Report any changes in Name, U.S. Address, U.S. Phone Number, and F1 Program of Study to the ISP office within (10) TEN days.

• For travel outside of the U.S., the Designated School Official’s signature on Form I-20 must be obtained from the ISP at least 30 days before departing the U.S.

• Students interested in transferring from LAMC to another SEVP-approved institution can request a transfer after two consecutive semesters of enrollment.