Understanding Your F-1 Status

A reduced course load (RCL) means to be enrolled in less than the 12 unit minimum required to maintain your F-1 status.  There are only two exceptions to the minimum requirement and both must be authorized by the ISP Office BEFORE you reduce your course load by dropping class(es).  If you drop below 12 units without prior approval your F-1 Status must be Terminated. 

1. Illness or Medical Condition:  The medical condition must be verified by documentation from a licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist. In order to be approved for a RCL, you must provide a signed letter from your doctor on letterhead confirming that you are under their care, the specific limitations, and duration.  The documentation must be submitted and the RCL approved BEFORE you drop any courses, otherwise it is a violation of your status. Reduced course load due to illness or medical conditions may only be authorized for a maximum of twelve months for the duration of your studies.
2. To Complete a Course of Study in the Current Term:  You are allowed to enroll in less than 12 units during your final semester if less than 12 units are required to complete your degree(s) and/or transfer to a four-year college or university.  Written verification is required – either a current SEP from your counselor or verification of Graduation eligibility from the Delta College Evaluations Department.

You are required to notify the ISP Office immediately if you change your major course of study.

How to Change Your Major

1. Meet with a counselor for a Student Education Plan (SEP), which will indicate your new major, the courses required, and number of semesters needed to complete your academic program. Make a Counseling Appointment
2. Submit the SEP to the ISP Office.  You will be issued a new I-20, officially changing your major and adjusting the program dates if required. 

Off-campus employment requires authorization from USCIS.  To be eligible for any category of off-campus employment, students must be in F-1 status for at least one academic year (eight months or two semesters) and meet the requirements as listed below.  Please review the information carefully and then contact the ISP Office to schedule an appointment for assistance with the application process.

Off-Campus Employment Categories

Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• USCIS application, fee, and supporting documents are required, including proof of Graduation or completion of an Associate Degree.
• Apply a minimum of 90 days before and no later than 30 days after your program end date.
• On approval by USCIS, employment is authorized for 12 months.  Employment must be directly related to your field of study (major).

Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-OPT)

• USCIS application, fee, and supporting documents are required, including an official transcript and recent Student Education Plan (SEP).  Employment must be directly related to your field of study (major).
• On approval by USCIS, employment is authorized for one year.  Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
• CAUTION:  Use all full-time OPT is counted cumulatively. Only 12 months of total full-time OPT is available.  Any full-time OPT done before a degree is completed will be deducted from the 12-month total, reducing employment time available after a degree is awarded.

Severe Financial Hardship

• Must prove there is a significant and unexpected financial hardship since you began your studies.
• On approval by USCIS, employment is authorized for one year; authorization is automatically voided on transfer to a different school.
• No restriction on type of employment; limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, full-time during official semester breaks and holidays.

How to Apply for Off-campus Employment Authorization

Required Documents

1. USCIS Forms: Download required forms from the USCIS website.  Use ONLY BLACK INK to complete the forms or complete them online and print.  F-1 students applying for Post-completion OPT under category (c)(3)(B) may now file online.  Please see the following link for instructions:  https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/forms-available-to-file-online​
   • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; be sure to keep your signature ABOVE the line in the Certification section.
   • Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
2. Application Fee:  Check the USCIS web site for the current application fee.  The fee may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.  
   • Make checks or money orders payable to “US Department of Homeland Security”.  Write your Social Security number (SSN) on the check or money order.  If you do not have an SSN, write your SEVIS ID number instead. Your SEVIS number begins with an “N” and is located on the top left corner of your I-20.
   • To pay by credit or debit card, download and complete Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions to submit with your documents.  For helpful tips, be sure to read Paying USCIS Fees, also available at the USCIS website 
3. Official Transcript: Submit a Transcript Request through your MyDelta portal.  There is no charge for the first two transcripts that you request.
4. Copies of your passport identification page, F-1 visa, and most recent I-94/Arrival Record.
5. Two passport style photos. 
6. Copies of all of your I-20s, including I-20s from previous schools.
7. Supporting Evidence:
   • For Economic Hardship Employment Authorization,  also submit the following supporting evidence:
     • A letter to USCIS explaining the circumstances of your economic hardship in detail, and the reason on-campus employment is not sufficient. You must include evidence to prove your claim of economic hardship.  Use the Basic Letter Format provided for you below.
     • A letter from your sponsor explaining your financial hardship.
     • Any medical bills, employment termination letters, death certificates, etc. that will support your case.
     • Bank statements for the last six months, in US Dollars, for both you and your sponsor.
     • Credit card statements for the last six months.
     • Tuition payment receipts for the last two semesters, minimum. Your Payment History is available in MyDelta. Read our guide to learn more!
   • For Post-completion OPT, also submit the following supporting evidence:
     • Schedule an appointment with one of the International Counselors to request a letter confirming your final semester is in progress and that you have applied for graduation.  
     • If your degree has already been awarded, it will be indicated on your official transcript.  If you have already received your diploma or certificate please also submit copies.
     • A written statement explaining the type of employment you plan 
   • For Pre-completion OPT, submit the following supporting evidence: 
     • A recent Student Education Plan (SEP).
8. Make a copy of all documents that you are submitting to USCIS to keep for your own records.
9. Email the completed Form I-765 and any other application documents you would like to have reviewed, to majed.altaian@deltacollege.edu or schedule an in-person appointment.
   • After your documents have been reviewed, you will be issued a new I-20 with the appropriate type of employment recommendation, Economic Hardship or OPT. Your signature is required on the new I-20 before it can be submitted to USCIS.
   • All documents must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the I-20 issuance date, so you should submit them immediately. 
10. USCIS processing time is approximately 90 days from the date they receive your completed application package. 
    • Be sure to email a copy of any documents that you receive from USCIS regarding your application to majed.altaian@deltacollege.edu
    • You are not eligible to begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.   Once you receive the EAD, submit a copy to the ISP Office for your file.  Be sure to keep the mailer the EAD will arrive in with your other important immigration documents (I-20, I-94, etc.).

Basic Letter Format

Date

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
California Service Center
Laguna Niguel, California

RE:  Off-campus Employment Authorization Based on Severe Economic Hardship
Applicant Name:  Your Name
SEVIS Number:  N (from the top right corner of your I-20)

Dear Madam/Sir:

Paragraph(s)

Sincerely,

(Leave 3-4 lines for you to sign.)

Your Name

NOTE:  Use size 12 font, single-spaced. The number of paragraphs depends on your circumstances, there is not a required number or length.  Be detailed and specific when explaining your financial hardship circumstances.  Your letter is your only opportunity to persuade USCIS to approve your application. 

If you are going to be absent from the US for more than a semester break or annual vacation period, it is considered a Leave of Absence.  If you are gone for more than five months you will need a new I-20 in order to return to resume your studies.  Please schedule an appointment with the ISP Office to develop a plan for your return.

Leave of Absence Procedure

1. Schedule an appointment with the ISP Office.  Bring your I-20 with you.
2. Submit a copy of your airline ticket or official travel itinerary to the ISP Office. Your SEVIS record will be Terminated the day after you leave the US.  Once your SEVIS record is Terminated, your I-20 is no longer valid.
3. Email the ISP Office a minimum of 30 days before the date you plan to return so that your I-20 can be reactivated and restored to valid status.  You may not return to the US while school is in session.
4. Check your student email while you are gone so that you know about important deadlines for registration, etc.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is the government agency responsible for all things relating to J-1, F-1, and M-1 visa holders in the US.   F-1 students may contact the SEVP by email at sevp@ice.dhs.gov if your P/DSO is unable to assist you or if you would prefer to ask someone else. In your email, please describe your situation and include any questions you have. SEVP provides responses on a first-come, first-served basis. Answer times may vary depending on the current number of inquiries.

Learn More About SEVP

Transfer In 

A transfer student to Delta College must begin classes within five months of your final date of attendance or complete date of Optional Practical Training.  It is the student's responsibility to ensure your SEVIS record is transferred from your current school and that all transfer requirements have been met by the semester start date.  A new Form I-20 cannot be issued until all transfer requirements have been met.  Please be sure to follow the instructions in your Transfer Acceptance letter.

How to Transfer In to Delta College

1. Submit a copy of your Delta College Transfer Acceptance letter to the DSO at your current school and request transfer of your SEVIS record.
2. Complete your Check-in appointment with the ISP Office.
3. Submit an official transcript from the transfer-out school.  An official transcript will only be accepted in a sealed envelope from the school.  A transcript that has been opened, emailed, faxed, or copied will not be accepted.

Special Note:  Students who wish to transfer to Delta College for the Fall term who have not completed a full academic year are not eligible for a vacation period.  You may transfer for the Summer term and complete six units as required for new students or maintain enrollment at your current school until the Delta College program start date.  If Spring was your first term in the US, you are not eligible for a summer vacation if you transfer.

Transfer Out

You are eligible to transfer to another SEVIS approved college/university if you have maintained your F-1 status at Delta College.  After you have completed admission and been accepted to the new college/university, you must provide a copy of your acceptance letter to the ISP Office to request transfer.  A scanned, emailed copy is acceptable.  The ISP Office will then release your SEVIS record (I-20) for transfer on the last day of the current semester.  The new school will not be able to issue you a new I-20 until your SEVIS record has been transferred.

If you plan to transfer to another school while the semester is in progress you must continue to attend classes until the transfer release date.  If you stop going to classes before the transfer release date, your SEVIS record must be Terminated and you will be ineligible for transfer.

F-1 students are allowed to stay in the US as long you maintain your status and have a valid I-20, even if your visa is expired.  If you travel outside the US within six months of your visa expiration date, you must apply for a new visa in order to re-enter the US. You cannot get a new visa in the US.  You must apply for a new visa in your home country just as you did the first time. Be sure to plan ahead and check the website of the US embassy/consulate where you plan to apply for a visa for specific instructions.  Learn More Aout US Visas

Preparing for a New Visa

1. Enroll in classes for the upcoming semester and pay all current semester fees.
2. Request an official transcript through your MyDelta student portal.  An official transcript from all colleges/universities that you have attended in the US will be required.  
3. Email the ISP Office to request signature of your I-20 authorizing travel.
4. Visit the website of the US Consulate where you plan to apply for a new visa for specific information on process, required documents, current fees, scheduling an interview appointment, etc.

1. Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your P/DSO immediately.
2. If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible Program Extension.
3. You must take a full course of study each term.  A full course of study is a minimum of 12.0 units each semester; if you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
4. Do not drop a class without first speaking with your DSO.
5. Limit Internet course enrollment to 3 units as part of the minimum 12 units required to maintain your F-1 status. If you want to take more than 3 Internet units, contact your P/DSO for permission.

Maintaining F-1 Student Status

To maintain your F-1 status means to follow the Federal Regulations (rules) required of all F-1 visa holders, to fulfill the purpose of your F-1 visa, that is, to study and make normal academic progress toward your educational goal. 

Maintaining F-1 Status – Federal Regulation Quick-reference

1. Report to the P/DSO to have his or her SEVIS record Registered in SEVIS in a timely fashion. P/DSOs must Register the student in SEVIS no later than 30 days after the Program start date (new students in Initial SEVIS status), and each semester thereafter, no later than 30 days after the Next session start date (continuing students).
2. For the first entry for initial school attendance, the school listed on the visa and on the I-20 must be the same, and that is the school the student must intend to attend.
3. Pursue a "full course of study" at the school listed on the currently valid Form I-20 during every academic session or semester except during official school breaks, or unless approved under a specific exception, in advance, by the P/DSO.  Note:  A full course of study is 12 units.
4. Make normal progress towards completing the course of study by completing studies before the expiration of the program completion date on Form I-20.
5. Report a change of address to the P/DSO within 10 days of the change; to update your SEVIS, student, and ISP Office records.
6. Keep Form I-20 valid by following proper procedures for extension of stay (Program Extension).
7. Keep Form I-20 valid by following proper procedures for change in educational levels or programs of study (major).
8. Keep Form I-20 valid by following proper procedures for transfer of schools.
9. Follow the F-1 grace period rules. The most important are:
   • Leave the US within 60 days of your program completion date.
   • Transfer within 30 days of your program completion date.
   • Leave the US within 14 days of an authorized withdrawal.
   • Leave the US immediately if withdrawal is not authorized.
10. Abide by rules requiring disclosure of information and prohibition on criminal activity.
11. Do not work, either on or off-campus, unless specifically authorized under the F-1 regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9) or § 214.2(f)(10)-(12).
12. Obey the 90-day cumulative unemployment rule while on post-completion OPT.

Source:  NAFSA Adviser’s Manual 360

F-1 Status Termination

The most important thing you must do to as an international student is maintain your F-1 Status.  As an F-1 student, you have been admitted to the US for the duration of your status (D/S), which means you are authorized to stay as long as you maintain your F-1 status.  If you violate any of the F-1 status rules, your SEVIS record (I-20) must be Terminated.  Termination of your SEVIS record makes your I-20 invalid and automatically notifies Homeland Security of your violation.  If your F-1 Status is Terminated, contact the P/DSO immediately to discuss the consequences of Termination and your options.

F-1 Students must report to the College’s Principal/Designated School Official (P/DSO), Majed Altaian, for SEVIS registration at the beginning of each semester as required by Federal regulation.  In order to complete SEVIS registration, you must be enrolled in or on the wait list for the minimum 12 units required to maintain F-1 Status, and provide your current contact information at the beginning of each semester.  You will receive an email to your student account at the beginning of the semester asking you to verify your contact information:  your student identification number, current address, telephone number, and personal email address.  Simply respond to the email with the requested information by the due date.  Failure to complete the verification will result in an administrative hold on your record.