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U.S. federal government regulations require international students to maintain F-1 student status while studying. It is your responsibility to be aware of the factors that impact your legal status and make sure you remain compliant. Non-compliance can be a very serious matter with severe consequences.

While the responsibility for maintaining compliance is yours, the Office of International Programs & Global Education is here to help you navigate the complexities of U.S. government regulations and procedures. This section will assist you by providing key information for maintaining your student status.

Full-Time Enrollment

You must maintain full-time enrollment each academic quarter with the majority of credits on-campus and make normal progress toward the completion of your program of study. Full-time enrollment is defined as follows:

  • Undergraduate students: 12+ credits during each quarter
  • Intensive English Program students: 18+ credit hours each quarter

Part-time enrollment is allowed during your annual vacation and Reduced Credit Load quarters. Please contact your International Advisor in advance to see if you are qualified for part-time enrollment.

Passport

Your passport must be valid at all times while in the U.S. Please contact the consulate of your home country at least 6 months before it expires.

F-1 visa

Your F-1 visa can be expired while you remain in the U.S. If you wish to renew it, we recommend that you apply or renew in your home country.

I-20 form

If you are unable to complete your program of study before the program-end date on your Form I-20, you must apply for an extension of stay with the International Office at least 30 days before the program-end date on your Form I-20. You may be granted an extension if you have maintained status and show that the completion delay has been caused by academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or documented illness. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extensions.

I-94 arrival/departure record

I-94 record is given to you every time you enter and leave the U.S. You can find it on the U.S Customs and Border Protection website.

Change of Address/Email/Phone Number

You must update the International Office within 10 days of any change. To update the International Office, complete a Student Information Update Form or stop by the International Office front desk.

Employment

As an F-1 student, you are not allowed to work without a work permit from USCIS and a Social Security number. Please see below your legal employment opportunities:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work authorization which permits eligible F-1 international students to engage in paid or unpaid work experience which "is an integral part of the established curriculum" and "directly related to the student's major area of study." Employment includes alternate work/study internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum. If you have questions as to whether you may be eligible to apply for CPT, make an appointment with an international advisor by calling (425) 739-8145

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Through OPT, F-1 students can gain hands-on work experience related to their academic field of study. Learn more about eligibility, the application process, and reporting requirements while on OPT in the links below.

 OPT Application

On-Campus Employment

There are numerous on-campus locations where you can work. We encourage you to start your job search with the Associated Student Government (ASG). Please see below for an employment guide that lists on-campus offices that commonly employ students.

On-Campus Employment Guide for International Students

Social Security Number

International Students who have been approved for on- or off-campus work will be required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) before they may begin work. SSNs are generally assigned to F-1 students who are authorized to work in the United States and are used to report their wages to the IRS. Please be aware that an SSN is not a work authorization. How to Apply for an SSN:

  • Present the following documents at the Social Security Administration Office.
  • Valid Passport
  • Original I-20
  • I-94
  • SSN Support letter from the International Office
  • Job Offer letter from Employer

To receive an SSN Support letter from the International Office, you must first be authorized to work (on-campus, CPT, or OPT). Then, request a SSN letter (if needed) at the International Office front desk or schedule an appointment with an advisor.