F-1 Student Compliance Form

Below is a copy of the F-1 Student Compliance form. All new F-1 students are required to read and acknowledge understanding and compliance of the items in this form as part of International Student Check-In. After submitting the form through the iStart Pre-Arrival Checklist, you will be emailed a copy for your records.

Your Role and Responsibilities for Compliance with F-1 Laws and Regulations

U.S. Government regulations state how international students must maintain status. Failure to follow these regulations could result in your F-1 status being canceled. It is the goal of the Office of International Education to empower international students with the understanding to maintain valid F-1 status throughout their entire academic career in the United States.

Please remember that maintaining status is your responsibility. The following information is grouped into 4 categories: Documents, Enrollment, Employment, and US Government Requirements. If you do not understand something written below, please see an International Student Advisor with your questions.

 

  1. Documents
    • Keep a valid, unexpired passport and I-20.
    • If you need more time for your studies than originally granted, submit an I-20 extension E-Form before your I-20 expires.
    • Notify OIE through iStart of any change of major or degree level within 10 days of the change.
    • You will need a new I-20 if any of the following change or are incorrect: Primary Major, Degree Level, End date of studies.
  2. Enrollment
    • Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and make normal progress towards said degree.
    • Be enrolled full time (12+ hrs/semester) unless given authorization by OIE for a Reduced Course Load before the course registration end date.
    • Reduced Course Load is available for:
      • Academic reasons with academic advisor recommendation, only once per degree level. This requires OIE authorization.
      • Medical reasons with supporting documentation from a medical doctor in Atlanta.This requires OIE authorization.
      • Final semester before graduation. This requires OIE authorization.
      • Vacation semester: You are eligible for a vacation semester during the summer semester only. This does not require OIE authorization.
  3. Employment
    • Work no more than 20 hours/week (on and/or off campus) while enrolled full-time.
    • Work Off-Campus only with appropriate authorization Off-campus work without authorization is a serious violation of your status and is illegal.
    • Apply for post-completion OPT before your completion of studies. This may not be the same as your graduation semester.
  4. U.S. Requirements
  • Have a valid travel signature on your I-20 before leaving and re-entering the U.S.
  • Complete an Income Tax Return per IRS regulations by April 15th of each year
  • Notify OIE of any change in information on the I-20 or addition of dependents in iStart.

If you have questions about any of these rules and regulations, please contact the Office of International Education (OIE) by email (info@oie.gatech.edu) or phone (404-894-7475). You may also visit the office during Walk-In Hours.

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