banner image
More

Maintaining F-1 Status

  • Keep your passport valid for at least six months into the future at all times.
  • Have a copy of your most recent I-94 with you at all times.
  • Maintain a valid I-20: have your I-20 updated by ISS (International Student Services) if you have changes such as your major, change of name, and/or completion of degree date.
  • Enroll in a full PAU course load every quarter. Full time for undergraduates is 12 units per quarter. Full time for graduates is a minimum 9 units per quarter, except during practicum and internship.  F-1 students are limited to one 3-unit online class per quarter
  • F-1 students are not permitted to work on or off campus without appropriate authorization from ISS and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as required.  F-1 student must not work more than 20 hours/week while school is in session.
  •  Contact Student Success within 10 days if you need to transfer your I-20 to another institution, extend your program or if you have a new address.
  • Have your passport and I-20 checked by ISS before traveling internationally.
  • There are no federal regulatory insurance requirements for F-1 students, however PAU strongly recommends that all students be enrolled in a medical insurance plan.  See Living in the U.S. for a list of international student insurance providers.