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International students:

What is "status"?

The regulation 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5) Duration of status states:

1. General. Except for border commuter students covered by the provisions of paragraph (f)(18) of this section, an F-1 student is admitted for duration of status. Duration of status is defined as the time during which an F-1 student is pursuing a full course of study at an educational institution approved by the Service for attendance by foreign students, or engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies, except that an F-1 student who is admitted to attend a public high school is restricted to an aggregate of 12 months of study at any public high school(s). An F-1 student may be admitted for a period up to 30 days before the indicated report date or program start date listed on Form I-20. The student is considered to be maintaining status if he or she is making normal progress toward completing a course of study.

2. Change in educational levels. An f-1 student who continues from one educational level to another is considered to be maintaining status, provided that the transition to the new educational level is accomplished according to transfer procedures outlined in paragraph (f)(8) of this section.

3. Annual vacation. An F-1 student at an academic institution is considered to be in status during the annual (or summer) vacation if the student is eligible and intends to register for the next term. A student attending a school on a quarter or trimester calendar who takes only one vacation a year during any one of the quarters or trimesters instead of during the summer is considered to be in status during that vacation, if the student has completed the equivalent of an academic year prior to taking the vacation.

4. Preparation for departure. An F-1 student who has completed a course of study and any authorized practical training following completion of studies will be allowed an additional 60-day period to prepare for departure from the United States or to transfer in accordance with paragraph (f)(8) of this section. An F-1 student authorized by the DSO to withdraw from classes will be allowed a 15-day period for departure from the United States. However, an F-1 student who fails to maintain a full course of study without the approval of the DSO or otherwise fails to maintain status is not eligible for an additional period for departure.

What does "fail to maintain status" mean?

Failure to maintain status means that the F-1 student has violated a requirement of the regulation governing the F-1 visa category. Some examples of failure to maintain status include dropping from full-time to part-time enrollment without prior approval from the DSO, attending a school other than the one a student is authorized to attend, failure to apply for a timely transfer or I-20 extension, or change in level of study, unauthorized employment and failure to report a change of address.

What are the consequences if a student fails to maintain status?

The student's record will be updated with SEVIS every semester. Students who fail to maintain status lose the privileges of their student visa and become subject to deportation. Specific consequences may include denial of re-entry to the U.S., inability to move from undergraduate to graduate status, denial of requests for practical training, denial of request to change visa status, and possible denial of all future visa applications.

Can a student who is "out of status" regain legal status?

If a student drops below a full course of study without prior approval from the DSO, that "event" would be reported to INS, via SEVIS, and he or she would be out of status. The student may apply to Immigration for reinstatement if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control. Reinstatements is intended to be a rare benefit for exceptional cases. The student may not apply for reinstatement under any circumstances if he or she is out of status longer than five months. If immigration does not reinstate the student, he or she may not appeal that decision.

What is a DSO? Who is the DSO at the University of Alaska Fairbanks?

The DSO is the Designated School Official. The University submits the names and qualifications of one to five individuals to Immigration for consideration of authorization for DSO. At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, those positions are in the Office of International Programs, specifically with the International Student Advisor (ISA).

How will the University of Alaska Fairbanks help students comply with the immigration laws?

The University is committed to assist students in ways that prevent status violations from ever occurring.

1. F-1 and J-1 students new to the UAF must physically check in with the International Student Advisor prior to registering for classes. The ISA will review the student's visa documents, and confirm to SEVIS that the student has arrived on campus.

2. International students will not be able to drop below a full course of study after the last day of late registration without prior authorization from the ISA.
   
   "Full-time" means 12 credits per semester for undergraduates, and 9 credits for graduate students. Acceptable reasons for reduced credit load include:

• In the first semester, students who experience academic difficulties (for example, unfamiliarity with American teaching methods or incorrect grade placement.)

• Graduate students who have completed required coursework may register for thesis or research credit only.

• Students in their final term of study need only the credits required to complete the degree.

• Students who have a medical problem can reduce their credit load or take the semester off (this reduction cannot exceed an aggregate of 12 months and the request must be accompanied by a doctor's statement.)

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