While studying at Wheaton, it’s essential to keep your F-1 student visa active and in good standing. U.S. immigration regulations can feel complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our International Student Services staff will provide the guidance, resources and support to help you stay compliant. Review the checklist below for the key steps you need to take to keep your status secure.

Maintaining Your F-1 Visa Status

Your Form I-20 (issued from Wheaton) allows you to legally live and study in the U.S. Your F-1 Visa (the sticker in your passport) allows you to enter the country.

1. Guard Your Documents

    • Keep documents safe: Store your passport, visa and I-20 in a safe place.
    • Know your dates: Be aware of document expiration dates.
    • Retain all I-20s forever: Hold onto every single I-20 you receive, even after you graduate and return home. If you lose them, it can cause complications or delays if you apply for post-graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT).

2. Enrollment and Academics

    • Stay enrolled full-time: You must register for a full course of study every semester. At Wheaton, this means being enrolled in at least 3 courses.
    • Obtain dropped course approval: If you ever need to drop below a full course load, you must get approval from the Center for Global Education within the first 10 days of the semester. Never drop a class without talking to us first.
    • Report changes in major: Request an updated I-20 whenever you add, change or drop a major.
    • Request an extension: If your I-20 is about to expire and you need another semester to finish your degree, let us know before the expiration date so we can extend it.

3. Employment and Taxes

    • Obtain work authorization: You must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for any off-campus employment.
    • File your taxes: You must file U.S. income taxes every year before the April deadline. This is crucial if you worked on campus or received a scholarship from Wheaton.

4. Check-ins and Leave of Absence

    • Arriving as a new student You must report to the Center for Global Education within 15 days of arriving in the U.S.
    • Taking a leave: If you need to take a personal or medical leave of absence, contact your international student advisor before you start the official process.

What happens if I fall out of status?

If you accidentally violate your F-1 status, like dropping a class without permission or working unauthorized hours, you will lose your legal standing. To fix this, you will have to apply for an official reinstatement with the government. Please schedule an appointment with your international student advisor immediately to discuss the reinstatement procedure.

F-1 Visa Questions?

If you have questions about F-1 visa regulations, please contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate. For Wheaton-specific questions, please reach out to the Center for Global Education at [email protected]