Immigration

Maintaining Your F-1 Student Visa Status

• Maintain a valid passport at all times.
• Attend Loyola University Maryland, the school which issued your Form I-20.
• Pursue a full course of study and make normal progress towards the completion of the program of study:
  • Undergraduate students must be enrolled in and complete at least 12 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester.
  • Graduate students must be enrolled in and complete at least 9 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester. 
• Courses taken for "audit" or "incomplete" do not generate credits and cannot be used in calculating full-time status.
• Only one online course/distance education can count towards full-time enrollment.
• Make satisfactory academic progress. Undergraduate students should refer to the "Good Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress" section of the undergraduate catalog. Graduate students should refer to the "Academic Standards and Dismissal" section of the graduate catalog.
• Complete academic program by the date stated on your Form I-20. Do not let your Form I-20 expire.
• Keep your US Address and US phone number updated with OISS at all times. Any change in address must be submitted within 10 days.
• Obtain a travel signature on your Form I-20 by your International Student Advisor prior to any travel outside of the United States.
• Upon completion of your academic program: depart from the United States within 60 days after completing your degree or program (Graduate students please speak with your International Student Advisor to discuss further options, such as employment and other academic and immigration options).
• According to Immigration regulations, a student has completed their degree when she/he has satisfied all academic program requirements. This means your Form I-20 must end on the final day of the semester you are enrolled in your last required courses, regardless of the semester of your graduation. You may not request to take additional courses in a new semester once your required coursework has been completed, unless you have been issued a new Form I-20 for a new program or an approved program extension.

Update Form I-20

To legally remain in the United States, you must also have a current Form I-20, which corresponds to your level, field, and period of study. Be aware of the information on your Form I-20 and keep it current. Contact OISS and schedule an appointment for further information.

Program Extension / Extend Form I-20

To legally remain in the United States, you must also have a current Form I-20, which corresponds to your level, field, and period of study. Be aware of the information on your Form I-20 and keep it current. Follow procedures to extend your non-immigrant status if you will not complete your studies by the program end date on your Form I-20. Contact OISS to schedule an appointment for further information.

Social Security

You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) if you wish to work as nonimmigrant in the United States. Contact OISS to schedule an appointment for further information.

Employment Authorization

Refrain from working off-campus unless you have official authorization from OISS or USCIS.

Undergraduate Students

On-campus employment is allowable up to a total of 15 hours per week (all jobs) while school is in session. Students are allowed to work full-time in authorized employment at times when school is not in session, i.e., during the summer, winter, and spring breaks. Off-campus employment is not allowed. Please contact OISS for more information.

Graduate Students

On-campus employment is allowable up to a total of 20 hours per week (all jobs) while school is in session. Students are allowed to work full-time in authorized employment at times when school is not in session, i.e., during the summer, winter, and spring breaks. Receive prior written authorization for any and all off-campus employment from your International Student Advisor (and if applicable USCIS). Please contact OISS for more information.

Final Term

Follow the appropriate procedures and regulations as you approach your final term. Contact OISS and schedule an appointment for further information.

Medical Insurance

International students are required to have health insurance for the duration of their time in the United States. Loyola University Maryland’s health insurance is recommended. If you decide to use an alternate health insurance plan, it must meet the minimum coverage requirements. This coverage must be equivalent to Loyola’s Health Insurance plan. Please be sure to drop off an updated copy of your insurance when you renew your policy.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the loss of your F-1 non-immigrant status. This is referred to as being “out of status.” Please contact OISS if you think you are out of status.

You should contact your International Student Advisor, Sunanda K. Bhatia, if you have difficulty meeting any of these requirements before it becomes a problem for you. However, if you do make a mistake, please remember that we are here to assist you in reviewing your options and making wise decisions. The staff of the Office of International Student Services does not work for the Department of Homeland Security or the federal government; we are employees of Loyola University Maryland who want you to be successful and to benefit from your academic experience in the United States.

All admitted Loyola students are expected to uphold the values and responsibilities of our community. Be sure to reference Loyola's policies and information frequently:

• Community Standards 
• Residence Halls Policies & Procedures
• Community of Consent