Program Related F-1 Status Changes
Changing Fields of Study or Majors The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) needs to be informed of any changes in academic curriculum or of the extension dates for degree completion in a new degree program. The student needs to inform the DSO within 30 days of the intent to change. A new I-20 will be issued reflecting the new program information. Requesting a Program Extension Although an F-1 student is admitted to the United States for “duration of status” to complete an educational program, the student must actually complete his or her program before the program end date indicated in SEVIS. A student who will not complete the academic program by that date must apply to the PDSO for an extension before the program end date. An F-1 student is eligible for an extension if: The student applies to the PDSO for the extension prior to the program end date. The PDSO updates the SEVIS record to reflect the extension before the program completion date. The PDSO can certify that the delay in completion is “caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems or documented illnesses.” The PDSO determines compelling academic or medical reasons third-party documentation will be required.
Dropping Below Full-Time Enrollment Students studying on the F-1 visa must maintain full-time status, unless otherwise approved by the PDSO. In rare instances, the PDSO can approve a drop below full-time enrollment. To drop below full-time status, there must be a compelling reason. Academic or medical reasons will be considered, and third-party documentation may be required. If a student is in their last semester and needs only one class, the PDSO can permit the student to enroll in only that class as long as it is a classroom course. CFR214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C) Embry-Riddle Worldwide does not have a maternity leave of absence because the university is a nontraditional institution with nine-week terms, not semesters. A medical withdrawal from courses is up to the discretion of the DSO at each university [8 C.F.R 214.2(f) (6) (iii) (B)] based on documentation received from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy or licensed clinical psychologist. The regulations specifically state that it must be a temporary illness or medical condition. Per the guidance of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the university’s discretion, pregnancy is not considered a medical condition. Third-party documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy or licensed clinical psychologist recognizing the inability to attend class due to a medical condition will be required.
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