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Baylor University
Center for Global Engagement
  • About
    • Facts and Figures
      • Baylor Faculty Global Activity
      • Global Traveler Demographics
      • Global Trends
      • International Representation
      • International Student Demographics
    • News
    • CGE Main Office
    • Study Abroad Office
    • International Student and Scholar Services Office
    • Global Gateway Office
  • Study Abroad
    • Student Resources
    • Parent & Guardian Resources
    • Faculty & Staff Resources
    • Study Abroad Fair
    • FAQ
  • International Student and Scholar Services
    • International Students
      • New Student/Scholar Information
      • F-1 Student Processes
      • J-1 Student Processes
    • International Scholars
      • Maintaining J-1 Status
      • J-2 Dependents
      • Travel Procedures
      • Lecture Requests & Consultations
      • Extensions
      • 12 and 24 Month Bars
      • Two-Year Residency Requirement
      • 212e Waiver
      • Program Transfer
    • Programs and Activities
      • Spring 2025 Trips & Events
      • Fall 2025 Trips & Events
      • Global Friendship Program
      • CGE Ambassadors
      • Educational Workshops and Training
      • International Student Organizations
      • ISSS Programming Framework
    • Support Resources
      • Academic & English Language Support
      • Current Issues Regarding Student and Scholar Status
      • Paying Taxes
      • Special Statuses and Programs to Support International Students
      • Community Resource Map
      • Living in Waco
      • Avoiding Frauds and Scams
    • Faculty & Staff Toolkit
    • Fulbright Awards
    • Global Bears Login
  • Global Baylor
    • Global Scholars
      • Why Global Scholars
      • Global Scholars Application Process
      • Starting Abroad
      • 4 Year Plan
    • Certificate in Global Engagement
    • International Education Week
    • Global Calendar of Events
    • GBL 1101, 1102 & 1103
    • Connecting to Global Initiatives
    • COIL: Collaborative Online International Learning
  • Global Gateway
    • Our Programs
      • English Pathway Overview
      • International Plus Admission Option
    • About Us
      • GGP Administrative Staff
      • Global Gateway Office
      • GGP Faculty
      • Visitor Directions to the Global Gateway Program
    • Current Students
    • New Students
      • On-Campus Study Information
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • GGP Arrival Information
      • On-Campus Housing & Dining
      • Finances
      • Life at Baylor
      • GGP Academics
    • Academic & English Language Support
  • Global Partnerships
    • Visiting Delegations
    • Global Partners
    • Initiating an Agreement
  • Register Travel
    • Faculty & Student Group Travel
    • Faculty/Staff Only Travel
    • Student Only Travel
Baylor BU Center for Global Engagement International Student and Scholar Services International Students F-1 Student Processes Maintaining Status
  • International Students
    • New Student/Scholar Information
    • F-1 Student Processes
      • Maintaining Status
      • Academic Program Completion & the SEVIS Record
      • Arrival & Check-In
      • CAP GAP Extension
      • Change of Academic Level
      • Changing to F-1 Status
      • Deferment
      • Dependents
      • Important Documents and When to Carry Them
      • Extend or Shorten Program Length
      • F-1 Visa Renewal
      • Getting the Baylor I-20
      • Global Bears Login
      • Health Services & Insurance
      • Insufficient Funds
      • Internships/Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
      • Late Arrival (after Program Start Date)
      • Leave of Absence
      • Letter Requests
      • On-Campus Work Authorization
      • Online Programs & Courses
      • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
      • Permanent Resident/Permanent Resident Pending
      • Post-Baccalaureate Study
      • Reduced Course Load
      • Reinstatement of Status
      • Replace/Update I-20
      • Returning Students
      • SEVIS Registration for Fall and Spring Semesters
      • Severe Economic Hardship
      • Social Security Card
      • Summer Enrollment Requirements
      • Suspension & Expulsion
      • Termination of SEVIS (I-20) Record
      • Transfer I-20 to Another Institution
      • Travel Authorization
    • J-1 Student Processes
  • International Scholars
  • Programs and Activities
  • Support Resources
  • Faculty & Staff Toolkit
  • Fulbright Awards
  • Global Bears Login

Maintaining Status

While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F-1 or J-1 student and scholar status. Your status relates to the purpose, or reason for coming to the United States. 

Maintaining your status means:

  • Fulfilling the purpose why the Department of State issued you a visa.

  • Following the regulations associated with that purpose.

*Contact your DSO (International Student Advisor) for more information regarding maintaining status questions. 

Arrival

When arriving to the United States, both F-1 and J-1 students and scholars must:

  • Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins. See I-20 for program start date.

  • Contact your DSO to check in at school listed on your I-20.

During Study

While studying in the United States, both F-1 and J-1 students must:

  • Maintain a valid passport.  If your passport is about to expire or will expire within 6 months, you must apply for a new passport.

  • Attend and complete all your classes. If classes are too difficult, discuss options with your DSO immediately.

  • If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.

  • You must take a full course of study each term (12 credit hours of undergraduates and 9 credit hours for graduate; if you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.

  • Do not drop a class without first speaking with and receiving written approval from your DSO.

  • The visa sticker in your passport can be allowed to expire while you are in the U.S. because it is an entry visa.  However, if you travel outside the U.S. with the expired visa, you will need to renew it before you return to the U.S.

Summer and Winter annual vacation for F and J Students

  •  F and J students are eligible for summer vacation (summer vacation starts at the end of the semester in May and ends before classes start in August). F and J students can also take winter vacation after the end of the fall semester.

  • Please note that during summer and winter vacations, students are not required to take classes.   You may choose to take as many, as few, or no courses.

  • Before traveling, be sure to contact your DSO for a travel signature on your I-20. You will not be allowed to re-enter the US without a valid travel signature on your I-20. 

  • Maintain a valid passport at all times. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months into the future.

Work and Practical Training for F-1 Students

  • All international student may work on-campus, however you must request a letter from our office giving you clearance to work; you will also be required to apply for a Social Security number.  Our office will provide further guidance.

  • An F-1 student may only work off campus when authorized by a Baylor International Student Advisor (DSO).  Some types of employment will also require additional authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If a student chooses to work without authorization, they will be in violation of their visa status.  If Baylor is aware that a student has worked without authorization, Baylor must terminate the student's I-20 (a U.S. Government requirement).  The student will have to depart the U.S. immediately unless they can find another status that allows them to remain.  In addition, students may encounter difficulties when they try to re-enter the United States at a later date. 

  • F-1students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) at either the undergraduate or the graduate level during the program of study. 

  • CPT employment must be an integral part of an established curriculum and the position must directly relate to your major area of study. Contact your DSO for guidance.

  • F-1 students are also eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) following the program of study. OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to your program of study. 

  • For more information about employment and training options available for F-1students, visit the Working in the United States page and talk with your DSO.

  • J-1 students are eligible for academic training following the program of study. This training is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to your program of study.  Our office will provide more information upon request.

  • Please refer to the CPT and OPT website for more information.

Upon Program Completion

  • F and J students and scholars must take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States after completing your program of study.

  • F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after completion of your program and/or any authorized period of practical training (see the program end date on your Form I-20) to leave the United States. If you wish to extend your stay in the United States, talk with your DSO before the expiration of your grace period to learn more about doing one of the following:

    • Transferring to another school.

    • Changing your education level (e.g. bachelor’s to master’s).

    • Apply to change status to another visa status (e.g. H-1B-temporary worker; O-extraordinary ability in science, art or business; P-athlete).

  • J-1 students and scholars have a grace period of 30 days. For guidance about this process, contact your RO. 

Talk with your DSO First

  • If you are an F-1 student studying in the United States, your DSO should be the first person you talk with if you have any questions regarding the legal requirements of your stay in the United States. Your DSO can assist in answering your questions or help you find someone who can help.

  • F-1 students should speak with their DSO if you are planning to do any of the following:

    • Change your major, program, or degree level.

Center for Global Engagement

Sid Richardson Bldg. 1st Floor – East Wing
1410 S. 3rd St. Waco, TX 76798

One Bear Place #97012
Waco, TX 76798-7012

Global_Baylor@baylor.edu
Global_Gateway@baylor.edu
ISSS_Support@baylor.edu
StudyAbroad@baylor.edu
(254) 710-1461
Global Gateway Program
Global Baylor
Study Abroad
International Student and Scholar Services
Register Your Travel
Global Partnerships
Baylor BU Center for Global Engagement International Student and Scholar Services International Students F-1 Student Processes Maintaining Status
  • About
    Back
    • Facts and Figures
      Back
      • Baylor Faculty Global Activity
      • Global Traveler Demographics
      • Global Trends
      • International Representation
      • International Student Demographics
    • News
    • CGE Main Office
    • Study Abroad Office
    • International Student and Scholar Services Office
    • Global Gateway Office
  • Study Abroad
    Back
    • Student Resources
    • Parent & Guardian Resources
    • Faculty & Staff Resources
    • Study Abroad Fair
    • FAQ
  • International Student and Scholar Services
    Back
    • International Students
      Back
      • New Student/Scholar Information
        Back
        • Global Bears Week
        • Getting to Waco
        • Expenses & Budgeting
      • F-1 Student Processes
        Back
        • Maintaining Status
        • Academic Program Completion & the SEVIS Record
        • Arrival & Check-In
        • CAP GAP Extension
        • Change of Academic Level
        • Changing to F-1 Status
        • Deferment
        • Dependents
        • Important Documents and When to Carry Them
        • Extend or Shorten Program Length
        • F-1 Visa Renewal
        • Getting the Baylor I-20
        • Global Bears Login
        • Health Services & Insurance
        • Insufficient Funds
        • Internships/Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
        • Late Arrival (after Program Start Date)
        • Leave of Absence
        • Letter Requests
        • On-Campus Work Authorization
        • Online Programs & Courses
        • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
          Back
          • Post-Completion OPT
          • Pre-Completion OPT
          • STEM OPT Extension
        • Permanent Resident/Permanent Resident Pending
        • Post-Baccalaureate Study
        • Reduced Course Load
        • Reinstatement of Status
        • Replace/Update I-20
        • Returning Students
        • SEVIS Registration for Fall and Spring Semesters
        • Severe Economic Hardship
        • Social Security Card
        • Summer Enrollment Requirements
        • Suspension & Expulsion
        • Termination of SEVIS (I-20) Record
        • Transfer I-20 to Another Institution
        • Travel Authorization
      • J-1 Student Processes
        Back
        • Exchange Program Overview
        • Getting the Baylor DS-2019
        • Arrival & Check-In (J1 Students)
        • Maintaining Status (J-1 Student)
        • Extend Your Program
        • Letter Requests (J-1 Student)
        • On-Campus Work Authorization for J-1 Students
        • Replace or Update DS-2019 Request
        • Social Security Card (J-1 Student)
        • Academic Training
        • Travel Authorization (J-1 Students)
    • International Scholars
      Back
      • Maintaining J-1 Status
      • J-2 Dependents
      • Travel Procedures
      • Lecture Requests & Consultations
      • Extensions
      • 12 and 24 Month Bars
      • Two-Year Residency Requirement
      • 212e Waiver
      • Program Transfer
    • Programs and Activities
      Back
      • Spring 2025 Trips & Events
        Back
        • International Snack Hour - Monthly
        • Bowling @ The SUB - Feb. 8th
        • Cameron Park Zoo Trip - Mar. 22nd
        • NASA Trip - Apr. 12th
      • Fall 2025 Trips & Events
        Back
        • Global Bears Week
        • Baylor Football Tailgate - Aug. 31
        • Waco Discovery Day - Sept. 21
        • Heart of Texas Rodeo - Oct. 4
        • Homecoming Parade - Oct. 26
        • International Showcase - Nov. 12th
        • International Thanksgiving Dinner - Nov. 13th
        • International Graduation Reception - Dec. 18th
      • Global Friendship Program
      • CGE Ambassadors
      • Educational Workshops and Training
      • International Student Organizations
      • ISSS Programming Framework
    • Support Resources
      Back
      • Academic & English Language Support
        Back
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        • International Graduate Student Courses
        • Transition to the U.S. University
        • English Language Support Classes for Non-Native English Speakers (Undergraduates)
        • Academic Success Courses for International Students
        • Library & Research Support
      • Current Issues Regarding Student and Scholar Status
      • Paying Taxes
        Back
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        • Forms & Documents
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Special Statuses and Programs to Support International Students
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      • Why Global Scholars
      • Global Scholars Application Process
      • Starting Abroad
        Back
        • Program Details
        • Academics Abroad
        • Cost and Financial Aid
        • Housing
      • 4 Year Plan
    • Certificate in Global Engagement
    • International Education Week
    • Global Calendar of Events
    • GBL 1101, 1102 & 1103
    • Connecting to Global Initiatives
    • COIL: Collaborative Online International Learning
  • Global Gateway
    Back
    • Our Programs
      Back
      • English Pathway Overview
      • International Plus Admission Option
    • About Us
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      • Global Gateway Office
      • GGP Faculty
      • Visitor Directions to the Global Gateway Program
    • Current Students
    • New Students
      Back
      • On-Campus Study Information
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Back
      • GGP Arrival Information
      • On-Campus Housing & Dining
      • Finances
      • Life at Baylor
      • GGP Academics
    • Academic & English Language Support
  • Global Partnerships
    Back
    • Visiting Delegations
    • Global Partners
    • Initiating an Agreement
  • Register Travel
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