F-1 Visa Holders

Each academic year, Whittier College is home to students from countries around the globe who, in the classroom, on the playing field, in the arts, and in the residence halls, contribute to the greater diversity of Whittier's campus, enriching it with cosmopolitan thought and activity.

Each international student brings to our community a distinct background and diverse experiences. While undergraduates, these students contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of Whittier College—but they also serve as tutors and resident advisors, take leadership roles in student government and societies, play for the Poet sports teams, and establish student clubs to further enhance campus opportunities in their fields of study and interest.

F-1 Student Information & Compliance Guide

The Office of International Programs (OIP) supports F-1 international students at Whittier College. As an F-1 student, you are responsible for understanding and following U.S. immigration regulations. Failure to comply may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and loss of lawful status in the United States.

Maintaining F-1 Status

To remain in valid F-1 status, you must:

  • Enroll full-time each semester
    • Minimum enrollment of 12 units/credits.
  • Make normal academic progress toward your degree.
  • Keep your passport valid at least 6 months into the future.
  • Have a valid I-20 reflecting your major, degree level, and program dates.
  • Once inside the US, keep your documents in a safe location. Keep in mind that you will only need your Visa to enter the US. To remain in the US your I-20 is the document needed.
  • Report changes (address, phone number, personal info, or academic changes) to OIP within 10 days.
  • Comply with employment regulations (see below).

Enrollment Rules & Online Courses

  • Only 1 online or distance learning course (3 credits) can count toward your full-time enrollment each semester.
  • Final semester enrollment must include in-person classes.
  • You must obtain prior authorization from OIP before reducing your course load (see below).

Reduced Course Load (RCL)

You must receive OIP authorization before dropping below full-time enrollment. Acceptable reasons include:

  • Academic difficulty (only in your first semester in the U.S.).
  • Medical condition (requires a letter from a U.S. licensed doctor).
  • Final semester (if fewer credits are needed to complete your program).

On-Campus Employment

  • Eligible to work up to 18 hours per week during the academic year.
  • No USCIS authorization required, but you must maintain F-1 status.
  • Must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) before beginning employment.

Off-Campus Employment

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

  • Must be directly related to your field of study and integral to your curriculum (e.g., internships, fieldwork).
  • Must have an offer letter with the start date included.
  • Requires OIP authorization and I-20 update before starting.
  • Can be part-time (≤20 hours/week) during the semester or full-time during breaks.
  • More than 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT.
  • Please contact OIP for more information.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

  • Up to 12 months of work authorization in your major field of study Post-Completion of your Program.
  • Requires USCIS approval and EAD card.
  • Application window: up to 90 days before program end date and no later than 60 days after program completion.
  • Please contact OIP for more information.

STEM OPT Extension

  • Additional 24 months for students in eligible STEM fields.
  • Employers must be E-Verify registered.
  • Please contact OIP for more information.

Unlawful Employment

Any work not specifically authorized under F-1 regulations is considered unlawful.

 Examples:

  • Off-campus work without CPT or OPT authorization.
  • On-campus work exceeding 18 hours/week during the semester.
  • Doing OPT work before obtaining your EAD Card.
  • Working after EAD expiration.
  • Any kind of work not authorized.

Consequences: Immediate loss of status, SEVIS termination, and possible ineligibility for future immigration benefits.

Program Extensions

If you cannot complete your program by the end date on your I-20, you must request an extension before the I-20 expires. Acceptable reasons include:

  • Change of major or research topic.
  • Documented medical reasons.

Delays beyond your control (not poor academic performance).

Travel & Re-Entry

To re-enter the U.S. after travel, carry:

  • A valid passport (6+ months).
  • A valid F-1 Visa.
  • An I-20 with a valid travel signature (12 months, or 6 months if on OPT).

Request a travel signature from OIP at least 4 weeks before traveling internationally. Domestic traveling does not require a Travel Endorsed I-20.

Transfers to Another U.S. School

  • If you wish to transfer, notify OIP and submit a Withdrawal Form. 
  • You must provide an acceptance letter from the new school within your 60-day grace period after program completion. The Acceptance letter must be on an official Letterhead from your new institution and must include their SEVIS School Code.
  • Once you depart the U.S. during your grace period, you cannot re-enter on Whittier’s I-20.

Grace Periods

  • International students have a 60-day Grace Period after program or OPT completion to transfer to another institution, change status, or depart the U.S.
  • 15 days if you receive prior OIP authorization to withdraw early.
  • No grace period if your status is terminated.

Reporting Requirements

  • Report any change of U.S. address, phone number, or email within 10 days.
  • Report any change to overseas home address.
  • Notify OIP if you change major, degree level, or sponsor.

Social Security Numbers (SSN) & Taxes

  • You need an SSN to work in the U.S. (on-campus or CPT/OPT).
  • Apply at a Social Security Administration office with proof of employment and OIP verification.
  • Taxes: Even if you don’t work, you may need to file Form 8843 annually. Students with U.S. income may also file Form 1040NR.

Verification Letters (DMV, Bank, and Other Agencies)

F-1 students often need official letters from OIP to verify enrollment and immigration status for purposes such as:

  • Applying for a Driver’s License or State ID at the DMV.
  • Opening a bank account.
  • Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Other official purposes (housing, cell phone plans, etc.).

How to request a letter:

  • Submit a request to OIP (in person or by email).
  • Allow at least 5 business days for processing.
  • Specify the purpose of the letter (e.g., DMV, bank, SSN).

Important:

  • Your Whittier College dormitory address will be used as your local U.S. residence address for these letters if you live on campus.
  • If you live off campus, you must provide your current and complete local address.