All F-1 international students must meet certain obligations set by the US Department of Homeland Security to maintain an F-1 visa status. It is your responsibility to comply with these obligations and avoid any violation during your time at Chapman.
On this page, you’ll find the F-1 policies and general guidelines for maintaining your visa status while studying at Chapman.
Maintaining your F-1 status
As an F-1 international student, it is your responsibility to:
Maintain required documentation
- Maintain an active I-20.
- Have a passport that is valid 6 months in advance of expiration at all times.
Be a full-time student
- Enroll in a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters.
- A full course of study is 12 units per semester for undergraduate and law students and 9 units for graduate students.
- A full course of study is 12 units per semester for undergraduate and law students and 9 units for graduate students.
Report changes in study or status to ISS
- Notify International Student Services (ISS) immediately if you change your academic program and/or major or minor.
- Notify ISS if you intend to transfer, take a leave of absence, reduce your course load, add a dependent, or extend/shorten your graduation date.
- Report any legal changes to your name or any change of address to the ISS office within 10 days of the change.
Be authorized for work
- Do not work off-campus without work authorization from USCIS and/or ISS.
- Limit on-campus employment to a total of 19 hours per week while school is in session.
Comply with travel guidelines
- Request a travel endorsement signature on your I-20 form from ISS before leaving the United States.
- Complete your degree by the date listed on your I-20 form, or apply for an extension before it expires.
- Leave the U.S. within 60 days of the completion date on your I-20 form.