Guidelines for Maintaining Status

USC has three modes of instruction:

1. In person: All classes are taught in person.
2. Online: All classes are taught online. 
3. Hybrid: At least 50% of instruction is taught in person. The remaining portion can be taught online.

Immigration regulations require F-1 and J-1 students to physically attend their in-person classes and the in-person portion of their hybrid classes.

No more than one online class (up to 3 units) per semester can be counted toward the full course of study for an F-1 or J-1 student. If you only need to be registered for one course to complete your degree program during your final semester, even if summer is your final term, the mode of instruction for that course must either be in person or hybrid.

1. Students who are eligible for a Reduced Course Load are exempt from the full-time enrollment requirement for the fall and spring semesters.
2. Summer session enrollment is optional for international students unless it is their first term or final term at USC, or their academic department requires it.
3. PhD or master’s students registered in a thesis or dissertation course (e.g., 594 or 794) during the fall and spring semesters are considered full-time enrolled. Please refer to the enrollment requirements below based on the USC Graduate School’s thesis and dissertation submission deadlines.

*Depending on the program end date on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, students may need to apply for a program extension or request to have their Form I-20 or DS-2019 end date shortened to the new upload date. Students may not continue to receive funding from USC after their Form I-20 or DS-2019 expires.

International students must be aware of the program end date printed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019. If students cannot complete their degree by the program end date, they must request a program extension before the program end date. Students who do not file a program extension on time will be considered out of status. 

If you have updated your major, please request a F-1 change of major I-20 request or a J-1 change of major DS-2019 request within the same semester as the approved change.

Passports must be valid at all times. If the passport will expire soon, students must renew it through their home country’s embassy or consulate. Visit our page on renewing your passport to learn more.

Form I-94 is an electronic record that documents the arrival and departure of students and scholars in the United States and serves as their official immigration registration. International students must carry a printed copy of their most recent Form I-94 at all times, including during domestic travel and daily activities. 

If you misplace your Form I-94, access and reprint it through the I-94 website.

Under Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, all non-U.S. citizens aged 18 and older must carry valid proof of immigration status at all times — even during domestic travel or daily activities. 

You must carry one of the following: 

• I-94 record
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (for students on OPT/STEM OPT Extension)
• Photo identification (highly recommended)

Students who accept responsibility for the violation and outcome do not have the option to appeal the decision and must choose between options A and B below.

Students who do not accept responsibility for the alleged violation may have the option to file an appeal through the Office of Academic Integrity or the Office of Community Expectations prior to their effective suspension or expulsion date. Students must inform OIS once they submit an appeal so OIS can delay SEVIS termination until the official appeals decision is made.

If the appeal is approved and the student is permitted to resume their academic program, the student must inform OIS to ensure their SEVIS record remains intact.

If the appeal is denied, but it’s still before the effective suspension or dismissal date, students should choose one of the options below.

Option A: Depart the United States

Students who choose to leave the United States must do so before the effective date of their suspension or dismissal to ensure their SEVIS records are terminated in a positive manner. 

Students must inform OIS of their decision via email with the subject “SEVIS ID, Suspension/Dismissal” and attach a copy of their flight itinerary as proof of departure from the United States.

Option B: Transfer to Another School in the United States

Even though F-1 or J-1 students cannot maintain their status at USC, they might be able to continue their F-1 or J-1 status at another university. 

Once they have been admitted to the new school, they must request a SEVIS transfer from OIS before the effective date of their suspension or dismissal so OIS can release their SEVIS record to the new school in active status. 

Refer to our page on attending another institution for instructions on requesting a SEVIS transfer from USC to another institution. 

If the appeal is denied and the decision is made after the original suspension or dismissal date, OIS must immediately terminate the student’s SEVIS record for “suspension” or “expulsion,” which is considered a negative action in SEVIS. There is no grace period offered to students in this situation.

Students who fail to take action by choosing either option A or B by the effective suspension or dismissal date are considered out of F-1 or J-1 status. OIS will terminate the SEVIS record for “suspension” or “expulsion,” which is considered a negative action in SEVIS.

According to a new policy effective Aug. 19, 2025, USCIS may now review students’ online activity and social media as part of its vetting process. Officers will also conduct a close review of a student’s immigration history and compliance with U.S. laws. 

Promoting or supporting anti-American or antisemitic views will be considered serious negative factors and may lead to a denial of a student’s application.

This policy applies to both pending requests and those filed on or after Aug. 19, 2025.