Maintaining Your Immigration Status
As an international student, it's essential to understand the importance of maintaining your immigration status while studying in the United States.
What does “maintaining status” mean?
It means following all the rules and reporting requirements tied to your F-1 visa. This includes being enrolled full-time, keeping your contact information up to date, and notifying your DSO (Designated School Official) at the college of any changes.
Why is it important?
Failing to maintain your status can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Termination of your academic program
- Loss of eligibility to study in the U.S.
- Difficulty remaining in or returning to the United States in the future
Stay informed. Stay compliant.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your status, reach out to your Designated School Official.
Stay in Status: Your Responsibilities as an International Student
To maintain your F-1 visa status, it’s important to stay informed and follow all immigration regulations. Always consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) for the latest guidance on rules and procedures.
At Lake Forest College, international students are expected to:
- Pursue full-time studies
- Attend all registered classes
- Make satisfactory academic progress
What you must do
While this list is not exhaustive, here are key responsibilities you must follow to maintain your status:
- Keep your passport valid at all times.
- Complete SEVIS registration at the start of each semester using the form provided by your DSOs.
- Enroll in a full course load (minimum of 3 full-credit courses) and attend all classes.
- Consult your DSO before:
- Traveling outside the U.S.
- Changing your enrollment status
- Report changes within 10 days to your DSO if you:
- Change your major(s)
- Move to a new address
- Contact your DSO before:
- Transferring to another school
- Extending or shortening your program
What You Must Avoid
- Do not work without authorization.
- All off-campus employment must be approved by your DSO.
- Per F-1 regulations on-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year. You may work more during official breaks (winter and summer). Please contact the Business Office to confirm the total number of work hours allowed per week for all students.
Updating SEVIS information
International students are required to keep their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record up to date at all times. Updates must be submitted to your Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of any change to ensure compliance with immigration regulations. Submit any information change via your Terra Dotta F-1 student portal.
You must report changes of:
- Address
- Phone Number
- Legal Name
- Academic major/minor
Travel considerations
Before traveling outside the U.S., F-1 students must ensure that page 2 of their I-20 is signed for travel by a DSO. Students should also confirm their passport and visa are valid for reentry and carry all necessary travel documents. Travel during pending applications (such as OPT ) can carry risks and should be discussed with a DSO in advance.
- Always carry your I-20 when entering the U.S. from abroad. You must present it to a U.S. immigration officer at the port of entry.
- Travel signatures are valid for one year and must be renewed if you plan to travel again after that period.
For further reference please visit: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel
Document loss
If your passport, visa, or I-20 is lost or stolen, it’s important to act quickly. Report the loss to International Student Support immediately and file a police report. You will need to request a replacement I-20 and contact your country’s embassy or consulate for a new passport. If you are outside the U.S., you must also schedule a new visa appointment at a U.S. consulate before reentry.
Resources and support links
Terra Dotta F-1 Student Portal: Your student portal for all things related to your F-1 visa.
Study in the States: Central hub for F-1/M-1 students; explains SEVIS, maintaining status, CPT/OPT, and more
U.S. Department of State – Visas: Visa application process, embassy finder, interview info, and wait times.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Official source for immigration forms and policies, including I-765 (OPT), I-539, and more.
SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment: Required payment portal before applying for a visa.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Oversight agency for SEVP; includes compliance guidance.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates: Embassy-specific application instructions and contact info by country.
Definitions and immigration documents
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
SEVIS is an internet-based system used to maintain and monitor information about international students and exchange visitors in the United States. It enables colleges and universities to share important data with the U.S. government throughout a student’s academic journey. SEVIS is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
As a SEVIS-certified institution, Lake Forest College is required to report the following information:
- Full name and date of birth
- U.S. and home country addresses
- Country of citizenship
- Date of initial enrollment
- Confirmation of enrollment or failure to enroll
- Declared majors and minors
- Failure to maintain status
- Completion of your academic program
Your Immigration Documents
You will receive several important immigration documents during your time in the U.S. These documents are essential for maintaining your legal status and must be kept safe and secure when not in use.
Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility
The Form I-20 is issued by Lake Forest College to confirm that you have been lawfully admitted and are expected to enroll as a full-time student. It serves as proof of your eligibility to study in the United States and is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Visa
U.S. Visa: What You Need to Know
Your visa is the paper stamp placed in your passport by a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States. It is used only for entry into the U.S.
Key points
- The visa expiration date indicates the last day you can use it to enter the U.S.—not how long you can stay.
- If your visa expires and you plan to travel internationally and return to the U.S., you will need to renew your visa before re-entry.
For more information, please log into your F-1 Student Portal
Contact Information
Sandra Ortiz, PDSO
Director of International Student Services
847-735-5202
sortiz@lakeforest.edu
Lauren Risner
Assistant Director of International Student Services
lrisner@lakeforest.edu
847-735-5016