The F-1 Status

How to maintain legal F-1 status:

Register full-time every semester – you may drop below full-time status in a given semester only with the Designated School Official's (DSO) prior permission for reasons such as academic difficulties or a medical condition that affects your studying abilities.

Work only on campus during the first academic year – after that, if you're planning to work off-campus, you must discuss your plans with the DSO. Off-campus work must be pre-approved by the DSO and must be related to your field of study (see below.)   

Keep your passport valid and unexpired at all times – you must always have a current passport while in the US.

Report all changes in yourU.S. address, legal name, or visa status to the DSO – if a change like that occurs, report it to the DSO in a timely manner. The DSO will update your SEVIS record accordingly.    

Travel outside the United States:

If you are planning to travel outside the US, you must have your I-20 signed by the DSO if it has not been signed within the last 12 months.

If you have to apply for a new US entry visa, you should talk to the DSO before you leave the States. Remember that your visa is your responsibility.

We advise you to be proactive – plan your course schedules carefully so that you maintain full-time enrollment; make travel arrangements early and anticipate delays at consulates and border crossings; keep all your documents up-to-date; report changes in a timely manner; allow time for processing new forms/documents; read all email updates from our office. When you have a question or a concern, don't just talk to your friends about it – email us or come to the office – we'll be happy to assist you and give you reliable advice.

Employment regulations for first-year students:

Please note: Students who intend to work in the United States must have a Social Security Number.

During the first academic year:

• Students with F-1 visa status are only allowed to work on campus.
• No special permission is needed by the DSO or the USCIS.
• On-campus employment may not begin more than 30 days prior to the actual start of classes.
• On-campus employment must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session. Full-time on-campus work is allowed when school is not in session, i.e. during the annual vacation.   

After the first academic year:

Students who have been maintaining legal F-1 status and have been lawfully enrolled at Oberlin on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year may engage in temporary employment to gain practical experience in their field of study through the so-called Curricular Practical Training (CPT). After your first academic year, if you are interested in working through the CPT option, please come to our office and talk to one of us about the special procedure you must follow to get work authorization.