All F-1 and J-1 students are responsible for maintaining their immigration status. Briefly, you must follow these regulations:
- Register for a full course of study each term (except summer term when attendance is optional). A student enrolled for three or more units per semester is considered a full-time student.
- Make normal progress towards completing the degree program as noted on your I-20. Normal progress at Puget Sound is defined as the successful completion of three (3.00) units per semester, and cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above (3.00 cumulative GPA for graduate students).
- Do not let your I-20 expire. Be aware of the program end date listed on your I-20/DS-2019. If you need additional time to complete your degree requirement, contact the International Student Advisor BEFORE your program end date. It is not possible to extend your I-20 after your program end date has passed.
- Accept on-campus employment only with permission from the Director of International Programs or the International Student & Scholar Advisor.
- Accept off-campus employment only if authorized to do so by USCIS (see the employment section for more information)
- Make certain that all information on your I-20/DS-2019 is current and complete. If anything changes (such as your major), or is incorrect, contact the International Student & Scholar Advisor immediately. Be sure you have a valid Travel Signature (less than one year old) if you plan to leave the US. (Please find a safe place for your passport and I-20/DS-2019, since these are your legal identification. Obtain a Washington State ID Card, so that you don't have to carry your passport and I-20/DS-2019 with you.)
- Report any change of address, email or phone number to the International Student & Scholar Advisor within 10 days of the change.
- Keep your passport valid at all times.