Maintaining Status



Steps for Maintaining F1 Status:

 

  • Have F1 Immigration Status before beginning your program.
  • Check-in with ISSO to verify your F1 Status at the beginning and end of each semester.
  • Keep your passport, I-94, and I-20 valid at all times.

Keep your F-1 Immigration Status valid at all times by:

Obtaining and maintaining a valid LaGuardia Community College I-20.

Enrolling at LaGuardia Community College as a full-time student. 

As a student, maintain a good grade point average at all times

Do not work without authorization from the ISS office.

Receive written travel authorization from your International Students and Scholars advisor at least two weeks before you leave the United States, so that you will be permitted to re-enter the United States following your overseas stay.

Enter the U.S. with a valid passport, valid I-20, and valid F1 visa.

Notify the International Students and Scholars Office within 5 to 7 days after changing your U.S. address.

What to Do if You’re Out of Status


Being placed out of status is serious business! DO NOT wait to be contacted by your International Student Advisor. Contact our office immediately. Once you are placed out of status, your SEVIS record is terminated, and you are then considered to be in the United States illegally. You must then apply for reinstatement within five months of the date on which you were placed out of status. Once placed out of status, all your privileges as an F-1 student are suspended. This means that:

  • You will not be allowed to accept a Curricular Practical Training (internship).
  • If you are working on campus, your employment can be terminated.
  • If you are transferring to another school, you will be reported as being out of status to your new school.

How do I get back in status?

You may apply for reinstatement of your F-1 status. Reinstatement is a long process that goes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. The reinstatement process can be time-consuming and complicated.

Visit B117 to speak to your International Student Advisor for further information.

What to Do After Graduation

After completing your program of study at LaGuardia Community College, you have the following options to choose from. You must notify the ISS Office about your plans.

Options After Graduation

  1. Return to your home country. You can remain in the U.S. for a maximum of 60 days after the completion of your studies.
  2. Get accepted and transfer to another U.S. school or college. Please note: Your transfer must be processed within 60 days of your last day of classes at LaGuardia. You will need to bring your ACCEPTANCE LETTER and TRANSFER FORM to the ISS Office.
  3. Apply and engage in Optional Practical Training. Visit ISS Office within the last 90 days of your classes at LaGuardia to discuss this option with your international student advisor.
  4. Apply for a second degree if you are planning to stay at LaGuardia Community College.

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