F Visa

Maintaining Status

F-1 students are responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of their visa status. In order to maintain F-1 status, students must assume the following responsibilities:

• New F-1 students must register in person with the HIO as soon as possible after arrival in Cambridge/Boston and no later than 30 days after the program start date on their Forms I-20. The HIO must report F-1 arrivals to the government within 30 days of the start date.
• Every F-1 student must pursue full-time study each semester and make normal progress toward completing the program of study. Each school within Harvard has its own definition of what is considered full-time. Students are advised to consult the registrar's office for the definition of being full-time.
• Students must not drop a course and become less than full-time without prior authorization from the HIO. Please note that there are very limited circumstances in which pursuing less than full-time study is allowed.
• Students must get authorization from the HIO before taking a leave of absence or medical leave.
• Students must not engage in unauthorized employment.
• Students must report any change of name and address to the HIO within 10 days of the change. F-1 students may report their address changes in the Change of Address section of this website.
• Students must notify the HIO if they will complete their program earlier than expected (earlier than the end date of the Form I-20) or if they change their program of study.
• Students who need additional time to complete their programs of study must request and be granted a program extension before the current expiration date/program end date on the Form I-20.
• Students should keep their passport valid for six months into the future at all times.
• Federal regulations change frequently. Please be sure to check the HIO website on a regular basis for the most up-to-date immigration related information.