Visa Requirements and Regulations

Full-Time Enrollment Requirement

All F-1 and J-1 students must be sure to maintain full-time enrollment in order to stay in status with their respective visas. Failure to be enrolled in the appropriate number of units by the Add/Drop deadline will result in the termination of the participant's visa document (I-20/DS-2019).

• Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per semester.
• Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 8 units per semester. 

Up to 3 units of online-only (synchronous or asynchronous) courses can be counted towards.

Degree-seeking F-1 students their last semester of their program, who are certain they will graduate at the conclusion of that semester, can request a Reduced Course Load. See the F-1 Students in Degree Programs section below for more details on that process. 

Grades and Full-Time Enrollment

Please be aware that the grades that you are issued at the end of each semester are very important and can impact your status. 

• Grades that Count Towards Full-Time Enrollment: A, B, C, D, F, CR (Credit), NC (No Credit), I (Incomplete), IC (Incomplete Charged). 

  If you receive an Incomplete grade, be sure to contact your professor right away to work out a plan to receive a grade for the course. If you do not satisfy the requirements to receive a grade, your Incomplete will be changed towards Incomplete Charged.

• Grades that Do Not Count Towards Full-Time Enrollment
  • W (Withdrawal)
  • WU (Unauthorize Withdrawal)
  • AU (Audit)

If an F-1 or J-1 participant receives one or more of these grades that drop them below the full-time requirement, then they will be out of status with their F-1 or J-1 visa. 

F-1 and J-1 students can only enroll in one online-only course per semester. Courses that are online-only are listed as asynchronous or bisychronous in the Sonoma State catalog. If a course indicates both a physical, classroom location and a bisychronous or asynchornous component, it is considered a hybrid course and is not considered an online-only course. 

Online-only restrictions only apply to the Fall and Spring semesters and are not applicable to summer or winter intersession, where students can take more than one online-only course. 

In accordance with US and the California State University's Chancellor's office policies, every F-1 and J-1 participant must hold valid Health Insurance while they are in the United States and are active in their academic program. This is to ensure they can access health services and not pay excessive fees for treatment. 

Please visit our Health Insurance and Healthcare website for more information. 

Additionally, F-1 and J-1 participants and their dependents are not eligible for MediCal as it is a federally-funded government program. F-1 and J-1 participants are not permitted to access these support services as part of the terms of their visa. 

F-1 and J-1 visa holders a must report any change of address within 10 days. 

Visa holders must report their US phone number.

Students who need to report a new address can report it on our F-1/J-1 Student Address, Phone Number Update Form. Students also need to be sure to update their MySSU with any change of address or contact information.

Students must be sure to plan to arrive no more than 30 days before the Program Start Date on their I-20. 

Students who arrive before the 30-day window automatically become out of compliance with their F-1 visa and must leave and re-enter the country before the beginning of their Program Start Date. 

F-1 students must maintain a valid passport at all times. Passports must always be valid for at least 6 months into the future. A student should visit an embassy's website for information on renewing their passport.

Working while on an F-1 visa is highly regulated in the United States. F-1 students must be very clear about where they can work, how much and for how long before they pursue employment. 

Our International Student Employment website provides all the details on all employment options F-1 degree-seeking students have. Sonoma State's International Student and Scholar advisor can answer questions regarding international student employment. 

These are possible employment opportunities for F-1 degree-seeking students:

• On-Campus employment
  • Does not require employment authorization
  • Limited to 20 hours/week when school is in session and 40/week during breaks
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT
  • Restricted to those required to participate in an internship course
  • Requires authorization prior to starting off-campus employment or internship (even if it is unpaid)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • Students must apply up to 90 days prior to their Program End Date in order to obtain this work opportunity after graduating.

Students who wish to leave the country before their Program End Date need to be sure to have a valid Travel Authorization signature on their I-20 before they leave the United States. 

The Travel Authorization signature communicates to US Customs and Border Security that you are in good standing in your academic program and should be allowed to reenter the United States. 

Please book an appointment with your International Student, Scholar advisor to have your I-20 signed. 

Travel Authorization signatures are valid for up to 12 months. 

• If a student needs to change your major or minor, the should review the Registrar's website for how to go about the process. One thing students should consider is whether changing or major/adding a minor will mean you need an extension to your Program End Date on your I-20. If so, please refer to the Program Extension section on this web page.

   

• F-1 students are required to report any changes in their academic studies (aka major or minor). Students should be sure to fill out this form once their change in Program of Study has been finalized so their I-20 can be updated appropriately. Students can verify that the change has been finalized by checking their MySSU. 

Due to the fact that F-1 and J-1 visas are tied to academics, the United States asks that once a student formally requests a Leave of Absence, they must leave the US within 15 days. Students can request a Leave of Absence by submitting this form. 

The SSU DSO will the put the student's SEVIS record in Terminated status, as the process requires.

Students in degree programs must also submit a Leave of Absence form for the Registrar Office's records. 

If a student plans to return to the US within 5 months of their Leave of Absence date, they need to reach out to inform their DSO at least 4 weeks prior to their expected return. They will then file a request with the SEVIS team to reactivate their I-20. The DSO will send a copy of the reactivated I-20 once it has been processed. 

If a student remains out of the US for more than 5 months, they will need to be issued a new I-20. Therefore, they must submit a new Financial Affidavit and necessary bank documents.

Students must also keep in mind the expiration date of their current visa. If their visa is still valid for the date they'd like to reenter the US, they should be cleared to enter, even if they have a new I-20. If their visa expires while they are away, they must be sure to get a new visa before returning to the US. 

To read more information about what a Leave of Absence entails, please visit this Study in the States website. 

If a student is aware that they need to study past their Program End Date on their I-20, they need to be sure to fill out this form before their current Program End Date. 

Students requiring an extension will need to provide a written explanation about why they need to extend your program. They will also need a letter of support from their academic advisor addressing that the extension is necessary in order for them to successfully complete your program of study. Lastly, they will also need to show proof of finances for the additional semester(s) they're requesting. 

There are several reasons students need to request a Reduced Course Load (RCL). All RCLs are documented in SEVIS in order to ensure students stay in status despite being enrolled in fewer than the minimum required units for their degree of study. Please note that a student MUST have an approved Medical Reduced Course Load before withdrawing from classes. 

Illness or Medical Condition

• Cannot exceed 12 months total per program level
  • may be continuous or start and stop
• May excuse student from some/all classes
• Student must provide medical documentation with the appropriate criteria listed below
  • Letter must be from a doctor in the United States
  • Letterhead of medical office with office contact information; name of medical office, address, phone number and email
  • Official logo of medical office and/or official staff of practitioner
  • Date
  • Practitioner's recommendation needs to state that the student be placed on a reduced course load or zero course load for a specific semester due to medical reasons
    • must state if student is excused for some or all courses
    • must specifically mention the semester in question
  • Student's full name and Date of Birth
  • Practitioner's wet signature (not digital)
  • Practitioner's medical title/credential (must be a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, doctor of osteopathy, licensed psychologist or clinical psychologist)
  • Letter must be in English
• Needs to be renewed, with a new letter, for each semester

Students who would like to request a Reduced Course Load for Medical Reasons, please fill out this form to ensure it's documented properly. 

To Complete Course of Study in Current Term

• Students in their final semester of their degree program may request a Reduced Course Load if the courses they need to take to graduate in their last semester is less than those required to be in full-time status.
• Students must be sure that they will pass of the courses and complete all degree requirements in this term prior to requesting this RCL

If a student would like to request a Reduced Course Load for their Last Semester please fill out this form to ensure it's documented properly on their I-20. 

Failing to maintain F-1 status will result in a student's I-20 being terminated. Students who have their I-20 terminated are considered out-of-status by the Department of Homeland Security and are no longer eligible for on-campus employment, practical training, travel signatures for re-entry to the US, or any other benefits of F-1 status. 

If a student's record is terminated, the Global Engagement Office (GEO) will place a hold on the student's account to prevent registration until the student takes corrective action to regain their F-1 status.

In order to correct their status, students have two options: Travel and Re-entry or Reinstatement. These options should be discussed with your International Student Advisor in detail. After speaking with your International Student Advisor, you are also encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney. 

Option 1: Travel and Re-Entry

1. Depart the U.S. as soon as oossible after the violation of status has occurred.

2. Obtain a new I-20 form with a new SEVIS ID.

   • Work with the Global Engagement Office to obtain a new I-20 form with a new SEVIS ID at least 60 days prior to the term they intend to return.

3. Pay the SEVP I-901 fee

   • After receiving the new I-20 form with the new SEVIS ID, pay the SEVP I-901 fee on the new SEVIS ID.

   • More information about the SEVP I-901 fee can be found on their website, https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html.

4. Check F-1 visa validity

   • If the student's visa still valid and unexpired, they may be able to utilize the valid visa with their old SEVIS ID and the new I-20 form to enter the U.S. If their visa has expired, they will need to apply for a new visa with their new I-20 form.

   • GEO is unable to verify the validity of visas. Students are encouraged to consult with the U.S. embassy/consulate that issued their visa to you in order to ensure its validity prior to traveling.

5. Re-enter the U.S. within 30 days of the program start date listed on their new I-20 form and enroll full time.

If a student chooses to travel to regain status, it is important they keep the following in mind:

• There is no guarantee that they will be issued a new visa (if a new one is necessary)

  • If the student needs a new visa, the U.S. Department of State will review their visa application and decide if they are eligible for a new student visa. 

• There is no guarantee that they will be permitted to re-enter the U.S.. 

  • The decision to admit any non-citizen in to the U.S. is made by the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. 

     

If a student who is trying to regain status is admitted to the U.S. with their new documentation, they will come in with valid F-1 status. However, they will have a new SEVIS record, which means that they must be in status for 2 semesters (fall and spring terms only) with the new record to be eligible to apply for OPT or CPT.

Option 2: Apply for F-1 Visa Status Reinstatement through USCIS

The F-1 visa status reinstatement process is subjective and up to the discretion of USCIS. USCIS reviews the applicant’s I-539 application and supporting paper materials and make the decision on whether or not to approve the F-1 status reinstatement. The Global Engagement Office will review your case and materials to help you prepare your application to USCIS. If we believe you are not eligible for reinstatement, we may suggest that you travel and re-enter the U.S to obtain lawful status.

Applicants for F-1 visa status reinstatement will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:

• Applicant has not been out of status for more than 5 months at the time of filing the request for reinstatement (or the failure to file within the 5 month period was the result of exceptional circumstances and that the applicant filed the request for reinstatement as promptly as possible under these exceptional circumstances). And the applicant remained inside the U.S. after the ending of the immigration record.

• Applicant does not have a record of repeated or willful violations of [USCIS] regulations.

• Applicant is currently pursuing, or intending to pursue, a full course of study in the immediate future at the school which issued the Form I-20.

• Applicant has not engaged in unauthorized employment.

• Applicant is not deportable on any ground other than section 237(a)(1)(B) or (C)(i) of the Act.

• Applicant establishes to the satisfaction of the [USCIS], in detail showing, either that:

  • The violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond your control. Such circumstances might include serious injury or illness, closure of the institution, a natural disaster, or inadvertence, oversight, or neglect on the part of the DSO, but do not include instances where a pattern of violations or where a willful failure on your part resulted in the need for reinstatement.

  • The violation relates to a reduction in your course load that would have been within a DSO's power to authorize, and that failure to approve reinstatement would result in extreme hardship to the student.  

Procedure to apply for F-1 Visa Status Reinstatement

1. The student must speak with an International Student Advisor to assess their eligibility for F-1 visa status reinstatement. The advisor will determine if they are a viable candidate for F-1 visa status reinstatement.  If so, they will explain how to request the new I-20 form required for the reinstatement application.

2. Prepare and gather the documentation required to submit I-539 application to USCIS. Students are also encouraged to review USCIS's instructions on how to file their I-539 form.

   1. USCIS form I-539, available on the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms. If students have questions about how to prepare the I-539, we encourage them to consult with an immigration attorney regarding their case and application. ​​​​​​GEO is unable to provide any guidance or advise students how to complete the I-539 form.

   2. I-539 Application Fee (https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms), payable to the US Department of Homeland Security.

   3. A cover letter from the student in question requesting reinstatement to F-1 status and explaining their circumstances. They should explain that the violation of F-1 status resulted from circumstances beyond their control and/or that the failure to be reinstated would result in extreme hardship. Attach any additional supporting documents.

   4. A new SEVIS I-20 issued by the Global Engagement Office for purposes of reinstatement (signed by the student and an International Student Advisor).

   5. A photocopy of your previous I-20 form(s).

   6. Financial support documents to show evidence of continued funding—documents should be recent (no more than 6 months old).  The financial documents should meet the requirements listed on the Financial Affidavit. 

   7. A photocopy of your passport photo page—include any other pages that contain the expiration date, extensions, or any biographical information. Their passport should be valid for at least 6 months into the future.

   8. A photocopy of their most recent visa (stamp), used to enter the US.

   9. Their original I-94 card (if issued paper I-94) or CBP entry/admission stamp (if issued electronic I-94). (Be sure to copy front and back of paper I-94 clearly showing the USCIS stamp.  Keep this copy for records.)

   10. A photocopy of their transcript and course registration​.

3. The final step after preparing your materials is to mail their application to USCIS following USCIS filing instructions.

If a student chooses to file for reinstatement with USCIS, it is important you keep the following in mind:

• A decision to reinstate their F-1 student status is at the discretion of the USCIS.

• Processing times at USCIS vary greatly.  Please review USCIS's processing times to see when they can expect a decision from USCIS on their reinstatement application.

• While the application is pending, they are not eligible for any F-1 student benefits, such as practical training employment authorization or on-campus employment. If they are reinstated into F-1 status, they must obtain proper authorization before working. 

• While the application is pending, they are required to maintain full-time enrollment. They are not eligible for reduced course load requests while a reinstatement application is pending.

• Travel outside the U.S. while a reinstatement application is pending may be considered an abandonment of the application. If they need to leave the U.S. while their application is pending, they must meet with an Global Engagement Office advisor prior to travel.

• If the application is approved, USCIS will endorse the new I-20 form and return it to the mailing address listed on the I-539 form. The Global Engagement Office will contact the student if we receive any updates on their behalf.  

• Students need to contact the Global Engagement Office when you receive information from USCIS.  

• If the student has dependents in F-2 status, their status is automatically reinstated with your reinstatement.

• If the student's application is denied, they have the option to file an appeal with the USCIS. If the student wants to pursue this option, GEO strongly encourage you work with a competent immigration attorney.

Option 3: Remaining Out of Status

Choosing to remain in the U.S. out of status is a high-risk decision that the Global Engagement Office does not recommend. If a student remains in the U.S. after their I-20 has been terminated or they have violated their status, they are not eligible to receive any benefits of their previous status, such as work authorization (on-campus work, CPT, or OPT).

Remaining in the U.S. after they have SEVIS record is terminated is a very serious offense of immigration regulations and may prevent the student from returning to the U.S. in the future. If a student is certain they want to remain inside the U.S. without status, to understand the full consequences, we encourage they to consult with a qualified immigration attorney. 

As an F-1 student who is not participating in OPT after they complete their degree are allowed to remain in the United States for up to 60 days past their Program End Date. 

Within those 60 days, students are allowed to transfer their I-20 to another institution or apply for OPT. 

If a student remains in the country past 60 days and have not transferred their visa or applied for OPT, then they are considered in violation of their visa, which may impact their ability to re-enter the United States under a different non-immigrant or immigrant classification in the future. 

If a student departs the United States after their Program End Date and before their 60-day grace period, it is seen as fore-fitting their grace period and they will not be allowed to re-enter the United States with their F-1 visa. It may be possible to re-enter on another visa such as a tourist visa but Sonoma State cannot provide support on that process. 

Students must be sure to plan to arrive no more than 30 days before the Program Start Date on their I-20. 

Students who arrive before the 30-day window automatically become out of compliance with their F-1 visa and must leave and re-enter the country before the beginning of their Program Start Date.

F-1 students must maintain a valid passport at all times. Your passport must always be valid for at least 6 months into the future. Visit your embassy’s website for information on renewing your passport.

Working while on an F-1 visa is highly regulated in the United States. F-1 students must be very clear about where they can work, how much and for how long before they pursue employment. 

Semester at Sonoma students can seek On-Campus employment but are not authorized for any other employment opportunities. Visit our International Student Employment website to learn more about On-Campus employment

Students who wish to leave the country before their Program End Date need to be sure to have a valid Travel Authorization signature on their I-20 before they leave the United States. 

The Travel Authorization signature communicates to US Customs and Board Security that you are in good standing in your academic program and should be allowed to reenter the United States. 

Please book an appointment with your International Student, Scholar advisor to have your I-20 signed. 

Travel Authorization signatures are valid for up to 12 months.

Students must be sure to plan to arrive no more than 30 days before the Program Start Date on their DS-2019. 

Students who arrive before the 30-day window automatically become out of compliance with their J-1 visa and must leave and re-enter the country before the beginning of their Program Start Date. 

F-1 students must maintain a valid passport at all times. Your passport must always be valid for at least 6 months into the future. Visit your embassy’s website for information on renewing your passport.

Working while on an J-1 visa is highly regulated in the United States. J-1 students must be very clear about where they can work, how much and for how long before they pursue employment. 

Our International Student Employment website provides all the details on all employment options J-1 students have. Your International Student and Scholar advisor can answer any questions you have. 

These are possible employment opportunities for J-1 degree-seeking students:

• On-Campus employment
• Academic Training

Students who wish to leave the country before their Program End Date need to be sure to have a valid Travel Authorization signature on their DS-2019 before they leave the United States. 

The Travel Authorization signature communicates to US Customs and Board Security that you are in good standing in your academic program and should be allowed to reenter the United States. 

Please book an appointment with your International Student, Scholar advisor to have your DS-2019 signed. 

Travel Authorization signatures are valid for up to 12 months. 

As an J-1 student, you are allowed to remain in the United States for up to 30 days past their Program End Date. 

If you remain in the country past 30 days then you are considered in violation of your visa, which may impact your ability to re-enter the United States under a different non-immigrant or immigrant classification in the future. 

If you depart the United States after your Program End Date and before your 30-day grace period, it is seen as fore-fitting your grace period, and you will not be allowed to re-enter the United States with your J-1 visa. It may be possible to re-enter on another visa such as a tourist visa but Sonoma State cannot provide support on that piece. 

Please also note that you are not authorized to study or work after your Program End Date and doing so would violate your J-1 visa status.