F-1 Students and the USCIS
International students are responsible for knowing the expectations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Although there will be a session pertaining to this during USF orientation, students hold the responsibility for staying in status. An excellent resource for learning about status requirements is .
You are encouraged to contact the Director of International Education at聽international@usiouxfalls.edu聽with any questions regarding any Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) related issues.
Important guidelines are listed below:
- As an F-1 student, your first obligation is to be a full-time student at the 51直播. To maintain status, it is important to do the following:
- Enroll as a full-time student: 12 semester hours for undergraduate students; 9 semester hours for graduate students.
- Attend class: Being registered for class is not enough. You must attend regularly to maintain status. Students who are not attending class run the risk of falling out of status.
- Never take more than one online course per semester.
- Never violate employment regulations.
- If you plan to change your major, please see the Director of International Education for a Change of Major form.
- If you are struggling with your classes, please see the Director of International Education. In certain instances you may be eligible for a reduced course load. Please note that a reduced course load is short term and may be denied.
- If you change your address, you are required to report the address change to the Director of International Education within five business days.
- See the for a complete discussion of issues involving student status.
- Check your for accuracy.
- If you need assistance of any kind, please contact the Director of International Education. Your well-being is highly important.
Remember: Students are solely responsible for staying in status. Please familiarize yourself with the regulations.