Flags HeaderSEVIS Agreement for F-1 Students

United States Immigration Laws & Regulations:
Responsibilities of F-1 International Students

It is YOUR responsibility to maintain valid F-1 visa status while in the United States by doing the following:

  • You must maintain a valid passport at all times. It is your responsibility to renew your passport at least six months before it expires.
  • You are required to report any change of address or legal change of name directly to the International Education office within 10 days. You can report a new address online at www.wichita.edu/international under the “Current Students” tab.
  • You must complete an official SEVIS transfer procedure if you decide to transfer to another institution.
  • F-1 students must enroll in and complete a full course of study each semester. In general, graduate students must take 9 credit hours and undergraduate students must take 12 credit hours in Fall and Spring semesters. New summer students must take six credit hours for the Summer term. These rules pertain to the entirety of the semester. Failure to enroll in the required credit hours or dropping classes in the middle of a term will cause your SEVIS record to be terminated. Students eligible to take fewer hours must first complete the appropriate paperwork with International Education.
  • Audited courses do not count towards the full course of study requirement. Only one online/distance education course, up to three credit hours, counts towards the full course of study requirement each term. WSU does not count hours taken at other institutions towards the minimum enrollment requirement.
  • If you will not be completing your program of study by the program end date listed on your I-20, you must follow the procedures to obtain an I-20 extension BEFORE the I-20 expiration date.
  • You are NOT allowed to work off-campus in the United States without authorization. F-1 students are allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours during semester breaks. F-1 students may only work at the school that currently maintains their SEVIS record.
  • You must notify International Education prior to traveling outside the U.S. so that the Form I-20 can be endorsed for travel or new form can be issued, if necessary. A properly endorsed I-20 is required for entry into the U.S.
  • You must notify International Education of any changes affecting your F-2 dependents (for example, if your dependent leaves the U.S. permanently or changes his/her immigration status).
  • You are responsible for checking your WSU-assigned e-mail address ending in @shockers.wichita.edu.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is not exhaustive and is subject to change without notice. Students should contact International Education at (316) 978-3232 to arrange an appointment to discuss questions related to their status in the U.S.