Current International Students

Maintaining Your F-1 Status

Foothill College is proud of its international students, and we want you to be successful. Follow the tips below to help you follow the immigration rules that keep you "in status."

Enroll in and Complete 12 Units Each Quarter (Fall, Winter and Spring)

F-1 students are required to enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 units each quarter.

Grades of A, B, C, D, F, P (Pass) and NP (No Pass) COUNT toward your 12 units
Withdrawals (grade of W, EW and FW) DO NOT count
LINC and Non-Credit classes DO NOT count

An advanced APPROVAL from our office is REQUIRED if you need to drop below 12 units. Meet with our Immigration Advisor during drop-in advising hours.

Drop-In Advising Hours are Monday to Thursday 12pm-1pm PT. You can also email Stephanie Gross at grossstephanie@fhda.edu.

1 Online Class in Your First 12 Units(Fall, Winter and Spring)

F-1 students are allowed to take 1 online class in your first 12 units. You must stay in on-campus classes to enroll in extra online classes.

Correct
- Accounting (On Campus, 5 Units)
- Business (On Campus, 4 Units)
- Basketball (On Campus, 1 Unit)
- Music (Online, 4 Units)
- Accounting 5 + Business 4 + Basketball 1 = 10 on-campus units + 4 online units
Incorrect
- Accounting (On Campus, 5 Units)
- History (Online, 4 Units)
- Basketball (On Campus, 1 Unit)
- Music (Online, 4 Units)
- Accounting 5 + Basketball 1 = 6 on-campus units + History 4 online units = 10 units.
- Enroll in additional on-campus classes to meet the 12 units, if you want to enroll in the online Music class
- Unsure? Bring your schedule to the International Office for advice.

2022-2023 SEVP Regulations

Current SEVP guidelines for the 2022-2023 academic year allow students to enroll in additional online classes. Students in the U.S.* must enroll in at least one in-person or hybrid class every quarter, but the rest of the classes can be online. If any changes are made to this regulation, an update will be sent before the fall 2023 quarter.

*the only exception to this rule is for students who were in active status before March 2020.

Changing Your Major

Update your major in MyPortal > Apps > Student Registration > Update My Major/Educational Goals.
Then, you must contact the International Office to update your I-20.
Need more time to complete your new major? Read “Extending Your I-20” below.

Extending Your I-20

Your I-20 has a Start Date and an End Date. If you will not complete your program by the End Date, you may apply to extend your I-20. Apply for an extension 1-2 months before your I-20 expires.

Meet with an international counselor about the extension.
The international counselor will create/update your education plan, showing the classes remaining to complete your major.
The counselor will also complete a Program Extension Form.
If approved, your Immigration Advisor will issue an updated I-20 with new dates.

Transferring to a New School?

Contact the Immigration Advisor to request the Foothill F-1 Transfer Out Form. Submit this form with a copy of your acceptance letter from the new school.
Most I-20s are transferred on the last day of the quarter. You will receive an email confirmation when your record is transferred.

Stopping Your Studies at Foothill?

Meet with the Immigration Advisor during drop-in hours to discuss your situation.
Complete the Foothill Exit Form and send us a copy of your plane ticket, showing the date you will leave the U.S.
We will end your I-20 after you return home.

Working in the U.S.

On Campus Work
- Work must be approved by International Office
- Requires employment letter from your supervisor
- Maximum 19 hours per week
Off Campus Work While Studying - CPT
- After one year of F-1 study (3 full quarters, summer does not count)
- Work must be related to your major
- Work must be approved in advance by the International Office
- Maximum 20 hours per week
- Register for an ITRN class
Off Campus Work After Associate Degree - OPT
- Must be receiving an Associate Degree or a Certificate of Achievement
- Apply to USCIS during your graduation quarter - Immigration/USCIS must approve prior to starting work
- Work must be related to your major
- Maximum 40 hours per week
- Meet with an Academic Counselor first to confirm you will receive a degree/certificate of achievement. Then, meet with the Immigration Advisor to review your OPT application and receive your I-20 with OPT recommendation.