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FIU Coronavirus Advisory – Visit our Panthers Protecting Panthers website for updates
During your stay in the U.S. in F-1 status, you are subject to many complex immigration law and regulations that relate to your legal status here. Advisors at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) are available to assist you and answer your questions about your immigration status, but it is your responsibility to know and abide by the law in order to maintain valid legal status. It is to your benefit to make sure to maintain legal status throughout the duration of your stay in the U.S.
New Panther Check-In
New Panther Check-In
In order to keep your I-20 or DS-2019 active, and to keep your status in the US, all new international students are required to check in using the New Panther Portal no later than 30 days after they arrive in the United States.
You can upload documents, confirm your student information, and complete your mandatory information session online. You will be directed to a sign in page, where you will need to use your panther ID and password to sign in. Click on the button below for directions on how to complete the ISSS Check-In.
International Student Sessions
International Student Sessions
All students at FIU in F-1 or J-1 student status are required to attend a MANDATORY Welcome Immigration Session for International Students conducted by ISSS. This is a separate session, different from from other academic, departmental, or university-wide orientations and it will cover information specific to international students that you MUST be aware of. These sessions are offered at both the Biscayne Bay Campus and the Modesto A. Maidique Campus every semester.
Immigration and enrollment policies
Immigration and enrollment policies
All international students MUST register FULL TIME or will fall out of status and become ineligible for immigration benefits.
Fall and Spring Semesters
Full Time = minimum total twelve (12) undergraduate credit hours
Minimum of nine (9) credits must be in-person (NOT online) classes; only 3 online credits may be counted toward the 12 credit total
You MUST be enrolled full-time from the beginning of each semester (Fall or Spring Term A).
You MUST be enrolled in at least one course in person in Term A/C.
Summer Semester
If Summer A is your FIRST semester
Full Time = minimum twelve (12) credit hours
Minimum of nine (9) credits must be in-person (NOT online) classes; only 3 online credits may be counted toward the 12 credit total
If Summer B is your FIRST semester
Full Time = minimum six (6) undergraduate credit hours
Minimum of three (3) credits must be in-person (NOT online) classes
Summer is OPTIONAL (no class requirements) for most continuing students
Immigration Advising
Immigration Advising
Any immigration questions must be brought to an advisor in the ISSS office. This semester, the ISSS is holding virtual office hours for general questions Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Students can also request individual appointments for change of status requests, reinstatements, or approvals for a medical reduced course load.
Commonly Asked Questions
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I drop below full-time?
Can I drop below full-time?
No. To maintain your immigration status you are required to enroll full-time during the fall and spring terms (12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 graduate level credit hours for graduate students). Exceptions to the full-time requirement must be approved by an ISSS advisor BEFORE dropping below full-time.
I am out of status. What should I do?
I am out of status. What should I do?
If you are out of status you must schedule an appointment to meet with an ISSS advisor immediately to review your options in returning to status.
How can I get a Social Security Number (SSN)?
How can I get a Social Security Number (SSN)?
You may apply for a social security number ONLY if you have been offered a job on-campus or if you have been granted practical training (CPT or OPT) employment authorization (keep in mind that practical training options are generally not available to new students). An SSN will be given to you for employment purposes only, NOT for purposes such as applying for credit cards, renting an apartment, etc.
If you do have a job offer and need an SSN, you must apply for a social security number through your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. If the SSN is for an on-campus job you must first bring your offer letter to ISSS because an ISSS advisor must sign off on the letter from your hiring department. For the SSA location nearest you, please visit the Office of Social Security and type in your zip code. You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit International Students and Social Security. You may download the social security application (Form SS-5) online.
Do I need a new signature on my I-20 every time I travel?
Do I need a new signature on my I-20 every time I travel?
No, the travel signature on page 3 is valid for 12 months.
What happens if my visa expires?
What happens if my visa expires?
A visa is an “entry document” used to enter the U.S. If it expires in the U.S., there is no need for concern as long as you are maintaining valid status (maintaining full-time enrollment etc). However, if you plan to leave the U.S., you will need a valid visa for re-entry to the U.S. Visas are issued at U.S. embassies/consulates abroad. Check with the U.S. embassy/consulate in your home country regarding visa renewal requirements.
What happens if my I-20 expires?
What happens if my I-20 expires?
You are considered to be out of status with the Department of Homeland Security if the program end date on your I-20 has passed and you have not graduated. DO NOT LET THIS DOCUMENT EXPIRE. If it has expired, schedule an appointment to meet with an ISSS advisor immediately to discuss how to get back in status.
What happens if I lose my I-20?
What happens if I lose my I-20?
If your I-20 is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must request a new I-20 from ISSS by completing a Document Request Form. If your I-20 is stolen, you should also file a police report with the police department as soon as possible.
I want to travel outside the U.S. What should I do?
I want to travel outside the U.S. What should I do?
If you want to travel outside the U.S. you must have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa, a valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature, and a valid passport (valid at least six months into the future). If you are planning to travel to a country other than your home country, visit The Embassy Website for travel guidelines and visa requirements.
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