FTC Northern is authorized under U.S. Federal law to enroll eligible nonimmigrant students under the F-1 nonimmigrant visa classification for its undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Office of International Services is the primary resource for F-1 international students seeking advice on matters related to their F-1 status, including visas, passports, I-20s, and more. Each F-1 student is responsible for complying with F-1 regulations and consulting the Office of International Services when matters that may affect the student’s status arise.
How can I keep my F-1 student status active? 🏃💨
After activating your F-1 student record, it is your responsibility to keep your F-1 status active.
You can maintain your F-1 status by abiding to all US laws and regulations AND also do the following:
- Maintain the required course load each semester of your program
- Undergraduate students must register for at least 12 credits each semester
- Graduate students must register for at least 9 credits each semester)
- Be in good standing at FTC-Middletown, and make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of your program
- Renew and update your documents as needed
- Report any changes in your student information to the OIS (please see the list below).
⚠️Failure to maintain status may result in your F-1 status being revoked. In that case, you must leave the country.
What changes in student information do I need to report to the OIS? 🌐
You should immediately notify OIS if any of the following occurs:
- Change of your official name
- Change of your US residential address
- New email address
- New phone number
- New country of citizenship
- Change of your program of study (i.e. changing your major, or declaring a minor)
- Intent to travel abroad
- Intent to transfer to a new school
- Intent to drop below a full course load
- Intent to take a break or temporary absence from school
- Intent to change your nonimmigrant F-1 status to another visa status
- Intent to request a program length change (extension or reduction)
- Loss or damage to a travel document
- Intent to apply for on-campus employment or internships (OPT)
- Form I-515A is received while you are entering the US
How many college credits do I need to take each semester? 🗓️
While in the US in F-1 status, you must remain continuously enrolled in a full course of study each semester until you complete your program.
- Undergraduate students must register for at least 12 credits each semester
- Graduate students must register for at least 9 credits each semester
If you interrupt your studies and are not attending your classes, your I-20 will become invalid and you will not be eligible to remain in the US.
Can I request for a reduced course load? 📖
Only under certain limited circumstances may you request for an authorized Reduced Course Load (RCL):
- If you are experiencing initial academic difficulties in your first semester only
- If you have a medical condition/injury that prevents you from full-time study, or
- If you need fewer than the normally required credits in your final semester in order to graduate.
Breaks and Vacation 🏖️
You may remain in the United States in lawful F-1 status during breaks and vacation periods observed by FTC-Middletown, as long as:
- Your F-1 status is still active
- You intend to register for the next semester, and
- Your documents are still valid
What should I be aware of before I make any travel plans? 🛂
Please contact the OIS prior to traveling to and from the US. You will be permitted to re-enter the US in F-1 status if you have the following:
- A valid passport
- A valid F-1 visa (for Canadians, F-1 stamp/I-94 white card)
- A current I-20 with a valid travel endorsement by your DSO (which is a signature on the 2nd page of your Form I-20)
Where else can I learn more about studying in the US under F-1 status?
If you would like more information about maintaining your student status, please visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students.
You can also set up an appointment to consult with your DSO (Ms. Katy Mantyk/Ms. Alison Chen) at the OIS – please email ois@mt.feitian.edu
