FAQ

To maintain F-1 student status, international students must be enrolled in a full course of study each fall and spring semester (summer enrollment is optional).

Minimums:

• Undergraduates = 12 hours
• Graduate students = 6 hours (if no assistantship)

There are valid academic and medical reasons for enrolling less than full-time. Before dropping below full-time hours please contact the Office of International Programs for advisement as this can seriously affect your stay in the Unites States. Do not drop to less than full-time without first receiving approval form the Office of International Programs.

Yes. It does matter. You must apply for a program extension. You can do this as early as 90 days before the current end date on your I-20 (See #5 on page 1 of your I-20 to find this date).

Your first step is to set up a meeting with the Office of International Programs. Please be advised that program extensions must be requested BEFORE the I-20 end date. Because your academic advisor's recommendation is also needed as part of this process, students must allow sufficient time for processing and for dealing with any problems that may arise. An extension is granted up to one year at a time; you must reapply for another extension if needed.

As part of your admissions process at the other university, you may be asked to bring us a form to verify that you have maintained your status while at Lander University. We can fill out as many of these forms as needed.

However, once you are admitted to one or more universities, you will need to decide on one. You will need to let us know within 60 days of your last day of study at Lander University by filling out the Transfer Release Authorization. By filling out this form, you are giving us permission to release your SEVIS record from Lander University to the other institution. Please read this form very carefully before it is submitted.

• Carry all required immigration documents, as well as other supporting documents of your activities as an F-1 student
• Have your I-20
• Make sure the airport you exit through is a Designated Point of Departure approved for special registrants
• Locate an immigration official at the Point of Departure who can assist you with registration
• Be sure your address information is correct in Bearcat Web (or if you are on OPT, e-mail jconstant@lander.edu with your address changes)

If you do not register when leaving the country, you will have difficulty re-entering and may be forced to return to your home country to apply for a new visa.