Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions and Concerns Can I take more than one online class per term? More than one online class is prohibited. The reason you are in the United States is to study in the classroom. DO NOT register for any online classes without speaking to the DSO at your site. Only your P/DSO can approve registration in an online class. The online class must begin on the same term start date as your classroom course. I forgot to meet with my advisor and it is past the add/ drop week. What can I do? It is your responsibility to meet with your P/DSO at least three weeks before the next term start date to register for the next term. If you do not, understand that your I-20 will be terminated for “failure to enroll.”
My I-20 was terminated because I registered for classes but did not attend classes; what can I do? Attendance is mandatory. Classes go for the duration of nine weeks and the instructors do take attendance. If you are not attending class, the instructor will notify the DSO/ PDSO. Part of maintaining your F-1 status means you must attend classes each week and arrive on time. Embry-Riddle Worldwide has a zero-tolerance policy for non-attendance due to the distance away from the site, traveling and bad weather. This includes arriving late to class. The only time a student does not have to attend or arrive on time is if the site is closed due to weather. If you miss classes for a medical reason, be prepared to submit documentation from a licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist. You may be able to be approved for a drop below full-time; however, this is NOT a guarantee. What will happen if I have a family issue and I need to drop my classes to help out? Your I-20 will be terminated. You cannot stay in the United States and will need to return home. Other family medical issues are not considered cause to approve a drop below full-time. If you stay outside of the United States for less than 5 months, keep your flight departure ticket and reservations to return and submit to the PDSO; it is possible to “reactivate” your I-20. If you are outside of the United States for more than 5 months, you will have to request a new I-20 and new SEVIS ID to reenter. In addition, you will need to pay a new SEVIS fee and apply for a new visa. You will be permitted to reenter no more than 30 days before the term start date.
My I-20 is terminated for “failure to enroll,” what can I do?
You can apply for “reinstatement.” The cost is $370 and will require an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It is becoming increasingly difficult to be approved for reinstatement when students do not follow the rules to enroll full-time at the appropriate time. A recommendation by the PDSO for approval will not be provided for your reinstatement application. Your better option is to go home, obtain a new I-20 issued by the PDSO and pay the SEVIS fee again. You may have to apply for a new visa and reenter as a first-time F-1 student. Always contact your P/DSO if you are concerned about your status.
24 | F-1 Regulation Guide for Students | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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