How to Stay in Status: Student Responsibilities

A big question all international students must keep in mind is, "How can I stay in status as an International Student?" If this is something you've always wondered, you've come to the right place! It is your responsibility to stay in status as an international student, and a list of your responsibilities is as follows:

Important Documents

* As a precaution, please keep an extra copy of all of these important documents separate from the originals.

1. Keep your passport valid at all times.
2. Do not lose your I-20 form! Keep it in a safe place along with your passport and I-94 card.
3. Make sure that your program end date on your I-20 is correct. If you cannot finish your program in the time allowed, please fill out a Program Extension Authorization Form, complete with approval from your academic advisor and your immigration advisor BEFORE your current program end-date.
4. Keep all your contact information current in the ISP office. Students who do not tell ISP within 10 days of changing their residential address are out of status. To do so, please fill out a Change of Address Form and take it to the ISP office.

Full-Time Enrollment

You must maintain full time enrollment each semester during the academic year.

• Full time enrollment for IIS students is at least 18 clock hours of instruction per week
• Full time enrollment for PCC students is at least 12 units per semester
• Full time enrollment for SGS students is at least 9 units per semester
• No student may take more than 1/3 of their classes per semester on-line (4 units for PCC students enrolled in 12 units, and 3 units for SGS students enrolled in 9 units)
• In the first and last semesters of your program you may drop below full time, but please fill out the Authorization to Drop Below Full Time Form and take it to the ISP office.

If you decide to change your major, you must fill out a Change of Major Authorization Form and take it to the ISP office.

Students may not work off campus during their academic program without proper employment authorization from the U.S. Government.

Students may work on campus for 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours a week during summer and Christmas vacations. You must apply for a social security card to work on campus.

Students may apply for optional practical training upon completion of their academic program

Students who do not follow their responsibilities during their time at Hope are out of status and in danger of termination.