Immigration Services
Immigration and F-1 Visa Requirements
As an international student in the U.S., keeping your F-1 visa and I-20 form current is important. The F-1 visa lets you enter the U.S., and the I-20 allows you to stay here while you study.
At ORU, the Office of International Student Relations issues your I-20. However, it’s your responsibility to maintain your status while studying in the U.S.
To stay in good standing with your F-1 visa, ensure you are complying with the following guidelines.
- Report in person to a DSO upon entering the U.S. to study. This can be fulfilled by completing the International Student Check-In at the ISC or ISR.
- Pursue a full course of study at your current school. For ORU, this is a minimum of 12 credit hours of residential classes.
- Make normal progress towards completing your course of study by completing your degree before the completion date on your I-20.
- File an appropriate extension form for your I-20 if additional time is required to complete your degree.
- Report a change of major, minor, or academic level to a DSO to receive an updated I-20 form.
- Abide by the F-1 grace period rules, which is 60 days after completing your program to pursue a new academic level of study, OPT, or return home.
- Not work, either on or off-campus, unless specifically authorized by university policy, CPT, or OPT.
You’ll find all the links to keep your I-20 form current below.
As an F-1 student, you are legally required to notify a DSO if you change your major
or minor. To maintain your F-1 visa status, you need a valid DSO signature on your I-20 for
international travel. Request a new I-20 if it’s lost, damaged, or if travel signatures are full. CPT offers international students the opportunity to fulfill an internship or practicum
requirement for their degree. OPT allows international students to stay in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation
to gain practical experience in their major field of study. Connect with a Designated School Official (DSO) at ORU for personalized guidance on
your immigration and visa-related questions. Submit an Official Letter Request to the ISR Office for a Social Security Card, Good
standing at ORU letter, Late arrival letter, Address verification letter, Visa renewal
letter, or Passport renewal letter. If you are an F-1 student and will not complete your academic program by the program
end date listed on your current Form I-20, you must request an I-20 Program Extension
before your current I-20 expires.
Declare a Change of Major
Obtain a Travel Signature
Request a New I-20
Learn about CPT
Launch Your Career with OPT
Connect with a DSO
Request a Letter
Request an I-20 Extension