F-1 Status Students
Immigration Basics
Most international students at FSU are in the U.S. in F-1 immigration status. The F-1 immigration category is the most basic and widely used U.S. student visa category. F-1 status is monitored by the federal government through an electronic database called Student and Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS. Since students in F-1 status are monitored, both the students and the university have reporting obligations to the government as dictated by federal law. The F-1 section of the CGE web page has been designed to help inform you of your responsibilities under F-1 status.
Please see the Immigration Rules to Remember section of the website for a quick list of immigration rules.
What is an F-1 student?
An F-1 status holder is a non-immigrant allowed to remain in the United States for as long as he or she is:
- A full-time student making satisfactory progress toward a degree at the school he or she is approved to attend, or
- A student in a period of post graduation practical training that is directly related to his or her field of study and has been authorized by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is the acronym for Student and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System which is run by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program Office (SEVP) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is a web-based information system which allows schools certified by the Department of Homeland Security to issue F-1 or J-1 forms to foreign students applying for or currently in F-1 or J-1 status. SEVIS was created primarily for educational institutions to collect and report certain biographic and program information to the DHS within certain timeframes as mandated by federal law.
F-1 Student Important Documents
- Passport
- F-1 Visa: This is the sticker in your passport, used only for entry purposes.
- I-94: This is the small white card completed at the Port of Entry, usually stapled into the passport. It should be stamped and marked “F-1” “D/S.”
- I-20: This is the 3-page document issued by the Center for Global Engagement.
- Financial Support Documents
- I-515A (only if issued to you upon your entry): This form may be given to you if you have a problem at the Port of Entry or if you have not provided sufficient documents for entry. (Example: You forgot your I-20.)
Special note on Canadian student documents: Canadian students do not require a visa to enter the US, but are still required to be in F-1 status when admitted to the US. You must show the I-20 at the airport or border when you enter the US. BE SURE to obtain the I 94 card while there, noting your F-1 status. Canadian students are governed by the same regulations as other F-1 status students. DO NOT RETURN TO THE US AS A VISITOR. ALWAYS ENTER USING YOUR F-1 STATUS.
F 2 Dependents
F-2 Dependent status is the status held by dependent spouses or children. This status is not available for other relatives (i.e. parents or grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles) or friends. Also be aware that child dependents may only maintain F-2 status until they reach the age of 21. F-2 spouses and children are not eligible for any employment. F-2 spouses may not study full time, but F-2 children may attend Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Definitions & FAQs
» F-1 General Information: Immigration Definitions and Abbreviations
» F-1 General Information: SEVIS & F-1 Immigration Documents
» F-2 Dependent(s)