Maintaining F-1 Status

F-1 students are responsible for maintaining lawful status while present in the U.S.  

The International Student Services office is here to assist and advise students of the requirements of F-1 Status, however, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they adhere to these requirements and regulations and do not lose lawful status while in the U.S. 

Students should carefully review the information provided by the ISS office to ensure they are in compliance with all requirements and regulations of F-1 Student Status. 

Click on the topic below for more information: 

• Maintaining F-1 Status
  • Maintaining F-1 Status requirements 
  • Full time Enrollment 
  • Program Extensions
  • Employment options for F-1 Students
  • Adding F-2 Dependents & bringing your family
  • Changing status to F-1
• Travel Requirements
  • Travel Outside of the U.S.: Guidelines for F-1 Students
    • Travel Authorization Request Form
      • Only submit this request if you have CAREFULLY read all instructions regarding travel provided in the link above.
    • Travel within the U.S.: Guidelines for F-1 Students
• Leaving SUNY Poly
  • Transferring your SEVIS record to another institution
    • Current/graduated SUNY Poly Students only
      • For students who are currently enrolled in classes at SUNY Poly or are engaged in OPT/STEM OPT following graduation.
      • SEVIS Record: Transfer Out Request Form
        • Only submit this request if you have CAREFULLY read all instructions regarding Transferring your SEVIS record above. 
    • Students in INITIAL status only (students who have not attended any classes with SUNY Polytechnic Institute) 
      • If you have entered the U.S. with a SUNY Poly Form I-20 and have not begun your coursework, please read this information carefully.  
      • SEVIS Transfer Out Request Form
        • Only submit this request if you have CAREFULLY read all instructions regarding Transferring your SEVIS record above. 
  • Graduation invitations for family: information
    • Invitation template
  • Changing your status
    • H1B Change of Status Information
• General Information for F-1 International Students
  • Understanding your Form I-20 and immigration documents: What they mean
  • Know your legal rights
  • Terms & acronyms all international students should know
  • Filing Taxes: are you required to do so?