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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. What is considered a violation of F-1 student status? 
  2. I am an alien residing in the U.S. with legal non-immigrant status. How can I change to F-1 student status? 
  3. I want to bring in my family. How is that possible? 
  4. I am out of status. How can I be in status again? 
  5. I am not able to complete my program by the completion date on my I-20. How can I extend my program? 
  6. How can I re-enter U.S. after traveling outside U.S.? 
  7. How can my dependents re-enter U.S. after traveling outside U.S.? 
  8. What is maintaining visa status? 

 

1. What is considered a violation of F-1 student status? 

A student is violating his F-1 Student status if:

  • You work off-campus without approval from the INS.
  • Your I-20 expires and you have not applied for a program extension.
  • Your passport expires.
  • You are not attending the university indicated on your I-20.
  • You are not enrolled full-time.
  • You do not follow correct procedures for continuing from one educational level to another or for transferring from one school to another.

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2. I am an alien residing in the U.S. with legal non-immigrant status. How can I change to F-1 student status? 

An alien already in the U.S. can apply for a change to F-1 status if he or she has maintained lawful non-immigrant status up to the time the application is filed.

To apply for a change of status, you must have the following:

  • completed form of I-539 
  • cashiers check or money order for $290*
  • original I-20
  • proof of payment of SEVIS fee
  • copy of I-94 card (both sides)
  • photocopy of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, and passport
  • photocopy of financial support documents

Financial documentation might include one or more of the following:

  • bank statement
  • bank letter
  • affidavit from sponsor
  • proof of assistantship and tuition waiver

Once you have all documents mentioned above, submit them to the Office of International Services. Allow five business days to process said extension.

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3. I want to bring in my family. How is that possible? 

The spouse and unmarried children of the F-1 student are eligible to enter the U.S. in F-2 dependent status. Each dependent must have his or her own SEVIS I-20 prior to applying for an F-2 visa and entering the U.S..

F-2 dependent may accompany the F-1 student or join the F-1 student later.

To receive Form I-20 for a dependent:

  • Schedule an appointment with the Office of International Services.
  • Provide evidence of financial support to cover the living expenses of each dependent.

F-2 dependents may not accept employment in the U.S.

F-2 dependents are not permitted to study in a degree program full-time or part-time at Governors State University. If the dependent wishes to study full-time, he or she must request a change of status to that of F-1.

Please note that F-2 dependents are not eligible to receive a Social Security Number.

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4. I am out of status. How can I be in status again? 

A non-immigrant F-1 student who violated the terms of his/her status may be eligible to apply for F-1 status. However, the student is ineligible if he/she has been out of status for more than five months from the date of the status violation.

Procedures

The designated school official at the Office of International Services will determine whether the student is eligible to file a reinstatement application. If the student is eligible, he/she must submit the following documents to the office:

  • Completed Form I-539 
  • Original Form I-20
  • New financial statement
  • Letter from the student explaining why he/she failed to maintain status
  • Cashier's check or money order in the amount of $290 payable to BCIS
  • Copies of transcripts from all school attended in the U.S.
  • Photocopies of passport
  • Photocopy of I-94 card

Failure to comply with immigration requirements may result in severe penalties.

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5. I am not able to complete my program by the completion date on my I-20. How can I extend my program? 

  • Contact the Office of International Services sufficiently in advance of the current program completion date.
  • Obtain a letter from the academic advisor that provides the following information:
    1. Description of the compelling valid academic reasons why the student's program could not be completed within the allotted time
    2. Specify an expected date of completion of student's program. 
     
  • Gather financial documents to show that the student can support himself/herself for the entire extended period. Financial documents cannot be more than three months old. (Bank statement or Bank letter or Affidavit from sponsor or Proof of assistantship and tuition waiver).

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6. How can I re-enter U.S. after traveling outside U.S.? 

Basic requirements for re-entry into U.S. after traveling abroad:

  • SEVIS Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO
  • Have been out of the U.S. for less than five months
  • Current passport valid for at least six months
  • Valid current visa
  • Financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses

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7. How can my dependents re-enter U.S. after traveling outside U.S.? 

  • A current Form I-20 on dependent's name (must be endorsed for travel by the DSO, Office of International Services)
  • A valid, current visa
  • The primary (F-1) must be in active status

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8. What is maintaining visa status? 

  • Be enrolled full time at your assigned institution.
  • Have a valid current Form I-20.
  • Maintain a passport that is valid for at least six months.
  • Have appropriate authorization for any work and not be employed for more than 20 hours while school is in session.
  • Maintain appropriate health insurance for yourself and your family while in the U.S.

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