International students needs to maintain F-1 status when they are in U.S. The following points students need to keep in mind :

• Do not let your I-20 expire.
• Keep your passport valid and un-expired at all time.
• Enroll full-time during fall and spring semester.
  • Undergraduate: 12 credit hours
  • Graduate:
    
    • 8 or 9 credit hours without assistantship (TA/RA)
    • 6 credit hours with assistantship (TA/RA)

If for any reason you need to drop below full time, you must see an advisor at the Office of International Programs (OIP) BEFORE dropping the class. There are a few exceptions to the full time requirement but it must be approved by an advisor at OIP IN ADVANCE.

• Report to the Office of International Program to have your SEVIS record registered in SEVIS immediately upon your arrival to VU.
• If you are a transfer student from another U.S. institution, you must complete the transfer procedures with 15 days from the start date of you VU I-20.
• If you are transferring to another U.S. institution, you need to inform Office of International Program (OIP).
• Notify OIP if there is a change in your major or level of study.  We will update your I-20 accordingly.
• Report new address within 10 days of the change.
• Never work off-campus without authorization from our office or from USCIS.
• Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours during the semester.  On- campus employment include assistantship, working for VU     departments, bookstores, cafeteria, etc.  On-campus employment means your employer is VU and your pay check should be issued by VU.