Full Time Studies- You must enroll full time (12 credits Undergraduate, 9 credits Graduate) during the Spring and Fall semesters and complete all of the courses -- pass or fail -- every semester.  No more than 3 credits (1 course) of online courses, per semester, are permitted to count towards your full-time requirement. If you will not be able to enroll full-time for any reason, contact International Student Services immediately. Under certain academic circumstances, you may qualify for a reduced course load (RCL) of 6 credits, or less for an illness or medical condition. A reduced course load based on academic difficulties may only be authorized for your first term during your program of study. A reduced course load warranted by an illness or medical condition may be extended if there are serious circumstances necessitating such an extension, but cannot exceed one year. You are required to resume a full course of study in the semester immediately following your RCL authorization (excluding summer). If you drop below full time, receive an "F" grade or withdraw from classes without prior authorization from our office, you will be out of status and not be eligible for an "Authorized Reduced Course Load". You must notify International Student Services BEFORE you reduce your course load. Please contact our office for more information.

Employment - All F-1 students maintaining status are permitted to work on-campus, a maximum of 20 hours per week (35-40 hours during vacation periods). Off-campus work is prohibited, unless you are authorized, in writing, by Dowling College and/or USCIS.

Report Significant Changes - You must report any significant changes in your information to International Student Services: Name, Address, Financial Sponsorship, Change of Major, Change of Educational Level. Address changes must be reported to International Student Services within 10 days. Please contact our office for more information.

Keep Documentation Valid- NEVER let your I-20 expire, please be sure to file for a program extension at least 60 days prior to the "program end date" listed on your I-20. Please contact our office to obtain forms for an extension. Your passport must be kept valid at all times. As mentioned earlier, your Visa can expire while in the U.S., but if you leave the U.S., you will need a valid (renewed) Visa to re-enter. Please be sure to satisfy these requirements in a timely manner, to avoid any problems in the future, your legal status may depend on it.

Transfers- If you wish to transfer to another school, you must notify us. Your SEVIS record has to be transferred with you. You must bring in a copy of your acceptance letter and a "Transfer Recommendation" form from the new school. You must begin studies at the transfer-in school within 5 months of date we officially release your records.

Travel - All F-1 students must obtain a travel endorsement from International Student Services before leaving the U.S. I-20's can only be endorsed for re-entry to the U.S. if you are eligible and intend to continue your studies at Dowling, or are employed through authorized practical training after completion of studies. If you have completed your program (even if you haven't yet attended graduation) and have not obtained OPT employment, your I-20 cannot be endorsed for travel. Please contact International Student Services for an application so that we can help to ensure you won't have any re-entry difficulties.


*If you fail to maintain legal F-1 status, Dowling College, by law, is obligated to report your actions to USCIS and your SEVIS record will be terminated. This will leave you with 2 options, depart from the United States or apply for re-instatement. If you terminate your course of study prior to completion and have properly notified our office, you will have a15 day grace period to leave the U.S. If you do not request prior approval, there is no grace period and you must depart immediately. To be eligible for re-instatement, you must demonstrate that there were reasons beyond your control that caused you to fall out of status. While a re-instatement case is pending, you are permitted to attend classes, but all other F-1 benefits are suspended until you are re-instated.