Degree-Seeking Students

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F-1 VISA

For International Degree-Seeking Students (F-1 visa) - The I-20 form is used to obtain an F-1 visa and must be in the possession of the student at the time of entry into the U.S. To student must also pay the I-901 fee prior to applying for the visa. To pay the I-901 fee, go to the U.S. Immigration and Customs website. The I-20 form is dated for the period of time normally required to complete the specified program. Students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date of this form and may stay up to 30 days following the expiration date of the I-20, or 30 days following the expiration date on the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) for students engaging in Optional Practical Training.

Maintenance of F-1 Status

SEVIS Registration

  • A degree seeking student's SEVIS record must be registered no later than 30 days after the program start date. SEVIS Registration is done every semester. 

Maintain required documents

  • Degree-Seeking students are at all times expected to maintain a:
     

    • Valid I-20
    • Valid passport
    • I-94 marked D/S (prior to September 15, 2026 entry) or with an Admit Until Date that matches the end date on the I-20 document. 

    Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to reprint a lost I-94 record.

Engage in appropriate activities

  • A student is expected to carry a full-time course of study (12 credit hours per semester) and maintain "good" academic progress towards his or her degree. No student may drop under the full course load requirement under any circumstances unless otherwise advised by the Associate Director, International Student & Scholar Services. 

Be employed only with authorization

  • Unauthorized employment is a violation of program status. Student's participation is subject to termination when he or she engages in unauthorized employment. Degree-seeking students are not allowed to take any part in any off-campus employment unless advised otherwise by the International Student Advisor. Students can seek guidance from the International Student Advisor regarding on-campus employment opportunities. Degree-seeking students may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours a week during official breaks. Government sponsored students are not allowed to work on campus as mandated by their program.

Carry health insurance

  • Every international student is required to obtain health insurance through our North Central College policy with ISO insurance provider. This insurance must be maintained throughout the entire program participation period.

Immigration Resources

Passport Renewal - Your passport must be kept valid for a minimum period of 6 months into the future.

Full Time Status - All students are required to carry a full course load.

  1. 12 credits per semester is considered full-time for undergraduate students and 9 credits per semester for graduate students.
  2. Students must have approval from the Associate Director, International Student & Scholar Services prior to dropping below the minimum course load. There are very few acceptable reasons for doing so. Please seek advice from the Associate Director, International Student & Scholar Services.
  3. Violation of federal regulations can result in the termination of the student's F-1 status.