University of Redlands > Student Life > Campus Diversity & Inclusion > International Student Services > Immigration Guidelines > How to Maintain Student Status

How to Maintain Student Status

It is extremely important for all F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors to maintain their status while in the United States. Failure to maintain the terms and conditions of nonimmigrant status is one of the grounds for deportation from the United States.

Students must maintain their status by doing the following:

• Report to the International Student Analyst to have their I-20 record registered in SEVIS for F-1 students, and to validate DS-2019 in SEVIS for J-1 students no later than 30 days after the program start date and each semester thereafter
• Attend the school listed on the visa stamp and on the I-20 or DS-2019
• Pursue a full course of study every semester, unless approved under specific exception, in advance, by the International Student Analyst
• Make normal progress towards completing the course of study
• Keep I-20 valid by following proper procedures for extension of stay, change in educational levels or program, and transfer of schools
• Keep passport valid at all times
• Report a change of address to the International Student Analyst within 10 days of occurrence, so that SEVIS can be updated
• Not work, either on campus or off campus unless specifically authorized
• Obtain health insurance and maintain it throughout the entire period of studies