International Students in F-1 status are restricted as to when, where, and for how long they can be employed. It is important that international students make sure that they have the appropriate permission from USCIS prior to engaging in any sort of off-campus employment.

All of these categories require that you maintain valid F-1 status. If you are out of status, you are not eligible for this or any other F-1 benefit and violation of employment regulations can put a student “out of status” and ineligible for “reinstatement to status.”

Out of Status?

Some reasons why you may be out of status:

WHO NEEDS A NEW F-1 VISA?

Your F-1 visa needs to be valid for entry to the US but can expire during your enrollment at the University of Illinois Springfield if you stay in the US. If you are studying full-time at the University of Illinois Springfield with a valid F-1 status, you do NOT need to obtain a new F-1 visa while you are in the US.

The spouse and/or unmarried minor (under 21) children of an F-1 student may accompany the student to the United States or follow at a later date. The dependent family members will be admitted in F-2 status.

To qualify for eligibility, the spouse or unmarried minor child must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer and the immigration officer at the port of entry that:

USCIS provides a process by which non-immigrants in some categories may apply for a Change of Status while inside the US.

Your F-1 (student) visa will be issued by the US embassy or consulate in your country. The visa grants you the privilege of entering the US through a Port of Entry. The visa (printed form with a photograph of the recipient on it) is added to your passport. The visa is one of several documents that you must obtain and keep valid in order to maintain your status.

US Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) acts as the bridge for varied government organizations which have an interest in information on foreign students. SEVP uses web-based technology, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents, throughout the duration of approved participation within the US education system.

The United States Department of Homeland Security continues to see an increase in the number of scams targeting unsuspecting international students.

Current Students

This section strives to keep all current international students with F-1 visas up to date on your legal responsibilities in the United States. If after reading this information you still have questions please feel free to call or visit ISS for more detailed information.

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) provides a mandatory orientation program during the week before classes start each semester. All new international students are expected to Check-In and attend Orientation. The director, international peers, faculty, and university staff (Residence Life, Health Insurance, Health Services, Library, etc.) provide information and guidance to facilitate a smooth transition for new international students to the campus and community.