Important Update: F-1 Duration of Status
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a final rule changing how F-1 students are admitted to and remain in the United States. The rule is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
Current F-1 students should continue maintaining their status and should review our dedicated information page for updates before making decisions about international travel, program extensions, transfers, or changes to their academic plans.
Maintaining F-1 status is an important responsibility for every international student. Your Form I-20, enrollment, employment, academic plans, and certain personal information are connected to your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.
If you are unsure whether an academic, employment, travel, or personal decision could affect your F-1 status, contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) before taking action.
Enroll Full Time
F-1 students are generally required to maintain a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters.
- Undergraduate students generally must enroll in at least 12 units.
- Graduate students generally must enroll in at least 8 units or otherwise meet the University's definition of full-time enrollment for their academic program.
- Federal regulations limit how much online or distance education coursework may count toward the full-course-of-study requirement.
Do not drop below full-time enrollment without first receiving authorization from an ISSO Designated School Official (DSO).
Reduced Course Load
Federal regulations permit a Reduced Course Load only in limited circumstances. Depending on the situation, these may include certain academic difficulties, qualifying medical conditions, or a student's final academic term.
Authorization must be obtained from ISSO before dropping below the required full-time enrollment.
Reduced Course Load requests are submitted through the International Student Portal.
Concurrent Enrollment
F-1 students may be able to take a limited number of courses at another institution while remaining enrolled at Cal State LA. Courses taken at another institution may count toward the full-time enrollment requirement only when applicable immigration requirements are met.
Students considering concurrent enrollment should contact ISSO before enrolling at another institution and should also work with their academic advisor regarding how coursework completed elsewhere may apply toward their Cal State LA degree.
Do not reduce your Cal State LA enrollment based on courses taken at another institution without first consulting ISSO.
Keep Your Form I-20 Current
Review your Form I-20 regularly and make sure the information remains accurate. Contact ISSO when changes occur that may require an updated Form I-20, including:
- Change of academic major or program
- Change of degree level
- Changes to financial information when an I-20 update is required
- Changes affecting your expected program completion date
Program End Date
Pay close attention to the program end date listed on your Form I-20. If you believe you will need additional time to complete your academic program, contact ISSO well before that date.
Immigration requirements affecting program extensions are changing under the new federal Duration of Status rule. Students should review the current Duration of Status guidance and consult ISSO before requesting additional time.
Employment
F-1 students may work only when the employment is permitted under F-1 regulations and all required authorization has been obtained.
- Eligible on-campus employment is generally limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
- Do not begin off-campus employment, an internship, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or other practical training until you have received all required authorization.
- Employment authorization requirements vary depending on the type of employment.
Review F-1 Employment Information
Report Address and Personal Information Changes
F-1 students are required to report changes to their U.S. residential address within the required federal reporting period. Keep your address and contact information current in Cal State LA systems and follow ISSO instructions for any additional reporting that may be required.
Contact ISSO if you have a legal name change, citizenship change, or another change that may require an update to your SEVIS record or Form I-20.
Keep Your Passport Valid
Maintain a valid passport while you are in F-1 status. Contact the embassy or consulate of your country of citizenship for passport renewal procedures.
International Travel
Before traveling outside the United States, review your immigration documents and contact ISSO if you have questions about your eligibility to return.
Depending on your circumstances, documents for travel may include a valid passport, valid F-1 visa when required, Form I-20 with an appropriate travel endorsement, and other supporting documentation.
Students considering international travel on or after September 15, 2026 should review the Duration of Status information before departing the United States.
Review the latest Duration of Status travel guidance
Transfers, Leaves, and Changes to Your Academic Plans
Contact ISSO before taking actions that could affect your enrollment or F-1 status, including:
- Transferring to another U.S. school
- Taking a leave of absence
- Withdrawing from Cal State LA
- Changing degree level or academic program
- Ending your studies earlier than expected
Do not simply stop attending classes or drop your enrollment without first speaking with an ISSO advisor.
Preparing to Complete Your Program
Before completing your academic program, review your immigration options and applicable deadlines. Depending on your plans, you may need to take action related to:
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Beginning a new academic program
- Transferring your SEVIS record to another U.S. institution
- Changing immigration status
- Departing the United States
Immigration timelines can be important. Contact ISSO before your program ends if you are uncertain about your next step.
If You Believe You May Be Out of Status
Contact ISSO as soon as possible if you believe you may have violated the requirements of your F-1 status.
Options for resolving a status issue depend on the individual circumstances. Do not rely on old online instructions, previously published fees, or another student's experience when deciding how to address a possible status violation. An ISSO advisor can review your situation and explain the options that may be available to you.
Forms & Requests
Most F-1 student requests are submitted through the International Student Portal.
Access the International Student Portal
For instructions and a list of common requests, visit Forms & Requests .
Questions About Your F-1 Status?
Contact the International Students and Scholars Office before making a decision if you are unsure how it may affect your F-1 status.
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170