- Arrive on campus no sooner than 30 days before and no later than your program start date (see your I-20) and report in person to CIPS during the International Student Orientation. This applies to both newly admitted and transferring-in international students.
- Note: Additionally, transferring-in international students must pick up “Transfer Completed” I-20s within two weeks of the International Advisor’s notification email.
- Maintain full-time enrollment and normal progress toward the completion of your degree or program of study. Every student in F-1 status must be registered full-time each semester, except during designated vacation periods (Summer). The minimum full-time requirement is 12 credits. Chronic absence at registered courses will cause a student to be out of status.
- On-line course limitation: students are prohibited from taking more than one class of on-line coursework per term to count toward their full-time enrollment status. Obtain prior authorization from CIPS before dropping below a full course of study. Notify CIPS of your address when you arrive to the U.S. and each time you change your address while in the U.S. within 10 days. Any changes in your academic status (e.g., early program completion, change of major, change of program or degree, etc.) must be reported to CIPS within 10 days of change, so we can update your SEVIS record accordingly. Do not accept any employment, either on- or off-campus without written permission from CIPS and/or authorization from the U.S Department of Homeland Security. Please contact CIPS for detailed information on employment authorization.
- Obtain an extension of your academic program, before your I-20 document expires. Before leaving the U.S. for travel during your study at Fisher please make sure that you have the following documents:
- Passport with an expiry date of at least six months beyond the date of travel back to the U.S.
- Unexpired F-1 visa in your passport (Note: this visa does NOT need to have Fisher College)
- Active I-20 with a travel signature less than one year from the date of planned arrival back in the U.S. Note: request for travel signature must be submitted to the CIPS at least 4-5 business days before you plan to leave.
- For students with previous terminations or students who are citizens of countries deemed “higher risk”, travelling with transcripts and proof of future enrollment is advised.
Contact the Center for International Programs and Services for more question.
