Maintaining Status

ALWAYS:

• Maintain valid passport (for you and your dependents)
• Attend the school whose name appears on the I-20
• Register full-time – Do not drop below full-time without advanced authorization by your International Student Adviser
• Maintain valid I-20 – Apply for extensions at least one month before your I-20 expiration date
• Consult your International Student Adviser in order to initiate an academic transfer
• Obtain a I-20 travel signature from your International Student Adviser before you depart the U.S. (for you and your dependents)
• Maintain health insurance that meets Vanderbilt requirements (for you and your dependents)
• Notify ISSS within 10 days of a change of address or telephone number
• Do one of the following within 60 days after program completion:
  • Apply for OPT
  • Depart the U.S.
  • Transfer and obtain an new I-20 for a new school/program, and enroll
  • Change to another immigration status
• Depart the country within 15 days after academic withdrawal

NOTE:  As an international student, you must submit U.S. tax forms each year whether or not you receive any U.S. income.

NEVER:

• Work off-campus without authorization from your International Student Adviser
• Work on-campus more than 20 hours per week while school is in session
• Take leave of absence without authorization from your International Student Adviser
• Drop below full-time without authorization from your International Student Adviser
• Accept an I-20 signature or advice from anyone other than ISSS staff