If you’re a global scholar presently within the U.S. on an F-1 or M-1 scholar visa—or planning to be quickly—hear up! The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued an essential reminder about how essential it’s to keep your visa standing all through your keep. Violating these up to date guidelines can result in speedy elimination from the U.S. and being barred from returning sooner or later.
We’ve damaged every part down in easy phrases so that you don’t miss a beat.
Why It Matters?
Your F or M visa was granted for one goal solely — to study. If you do something that takes you away from that goal (like unauthorized work, skipping lessons, or dropping programs with out permission), you threat shedding your authorized standing.
New Rules to Follow to Maintain Your US Student Visa Status
On Arrival:
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- Enter the U.S. no sooner than 30 days earlier than your program begins.
- Report to your Designated School Official (DSO) instantly after arriving within the U.S., and once more by your program begin date (listed in your Form I-20).
While Studying:
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- Attend all lessons and make educational progress.
- Maintain full-time enrollment. If you’re struggling, communicate to your DSO earlier than dropping any lessons.
- Need extra time to complete your diploma? Talk to your DSO earlier than your I-20 finish date to request a program extension.
Annual Vacation (For F-1 Students Only):
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- You should full one full educational yr earlier than being eligible for a trip.
- During your trip, you may study as a lot or as little as you need—however should enroll in lessons the next time period.
Work and Practical Training Rules for US Study Visa Holders in 2025:
For F-1 Students: You can work, however provided that it’s:
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- On-campus or
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – tied on to your discipline of study, or
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) – earlier than or after commencement.
Do NOT work with out approval. Unauthorized work = speedy deportation and potential U.S. entry ban.
For M-1 Students:
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- No employment allowed throughout your research.
- You might apply for sensible coaching solely after finishing your program — with DSO and USCIS approval.
After Finishing Your Study Program (Do Not Overstay!)
You should go away the U.S. inside:
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- 60 days (F-1 college students) after your program or OPT ends.
- 30 days (M-1 college students) after your program ends or by the “admit until” date in your I-94 (whichever comes first).
Want to remain longer? Talk to your DSO about:
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- Changing to a different diploma degree (e.g., Bachelor’s → Master’s)
- Transferring to a different faculty
- Switching to a piece visa (H-1B, O, and many others.)
Always Talk to Your DSO First!
Before making ANY massive change, contact your DSO when you’re planning to:
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- Change your main or diploma degree
- Transfer colleges
- Take break day
- Travel overseas
- Move to a brand new handle
- Extend your program
New Announcement: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/maintaining-status.
USA F-1 and M-1 Student Visa Rules Updated by DHS for 2025 Onwards FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
