General Information for F-1 Students

It is essential that you carefully follow the regulations set forth by the Department of Homeland Security. The following responsibilities apply to students who are in the U.S. with F-1 status for study at Purchase College:

• You must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at all times.
• You may not seek or accept paid employment off-campus without the permission of the Office for Global Education (OGE).
• You must follow the correct USCIS procedures for transferring from one U.S. school to another or from one educational level to another.
• Failure to maintain status or complete a program OR early graduation or completion of studies prior to the completion date on the I-20 must be reported to Global Education and the Registrar’s Offices within 21 days of change.
• Any disciplinary action taken by the College as a result of conviction of a crime must also be reported to Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 21 days.

SEVIS Check-In Appointment

Each semester the Office for Global Education is required to verify your continued enrollment at Purchase College for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). We hold specific days where students can drop in to meet with an International Student Advisor to do this. For new students, this will be during New International Student Orientation. For returning international students, this will be the two days after the add/drop period ends.

Registration

• You must be registered full-time in a degree program each fall and each spring semester.
  • For undergraduates, full-time is a minimum of 12 credits. 
  • For graduate students, full-time is 9 credits.
• Students are not required to enroll during the summer.

Reporting Requirements

Reporting a Change in Major or Adding a Second Major

Internationals student must notify OGE immediately when they file to change a major or add a second major. A new I-20 must be created. To report this change, please email international@purcahse.edu with this update. You will be contacted within two business days to come in to pick up a new I-20.

Reporting a Change in Address

International students must notify OGE within 10 days of changing their address. To do this, please email international@purchase.edu with your new address. A new Form I-20 does not need to be created, but OGE will update the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) with this update and confirm with you within two business days.

Changing Level

Notify OGE when changing educational level (going on to a certificate or master’s program) within 60 days of your current I-20 program end date. Submit your letter of admission to the new program and International Student Financial Statement with supporting evidence of funding for tuition and living expenses for the first academic year of the new program to OGE.