Under new regulations of the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration
Services (USCIS) the implement the Student & Exchange
Visitor Information System (SEVIS), it is critical that
F-1 international students take
responsibility for maintaining legal status while in the
United States. For more information on USCIS, please
refer to the following website USCIS
As an international student on an F-1 student visa, I understand
that I must fully comply with
the following:
1. I must maintain adequate medical
insurance coverage for illness and/or injury while
in the United States.
2. I must maintain and carry a valid
passport and I-20 at all times with me wherever
I travel.
3. I must complete an official
immigration transfer form if I change educational
institutions – (I must notify the Methodist University
International Programs Office of my intent to transfer,
for the procedures to be given and obtain an I-20 form
from the new institution, and report to the International
Programs Office of the new institution within 15 days
of the program’s start date listed on my new I-20).
4. I must attend Methodist University as authorized by
the USICE.
5. I must maintain a cumulative grade point average of
2.50 or higher on all course work attempted at Methodist
University and continue enrollment as a full-time residential
student (12 semester hours or
more each semester) to renew the Presidential Scholarship
awarded to me. Failure to maintain
a CGPA of 2.5 will result in a reduction or elimination
of the scholarship.
6. I am NOT allowed to work off campus while in the United
States without USCIS authorization. I may; however, work
on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week when school
is in session. During the summer, students in F-1 status
may work more than 20 hours per week as long as they are
registered for the upcoming year.
7. I must notify the
International Programs Office prior
to traveling outside the United States so that
my current I-20 form can be endorsed for travel or a new
form can be issued if necessary. (International
students who plan to apply for new Visas must contact
the International Programs Office for proper guidance
and completion of necessary letters of support).
Students must contact the IPO at Methodist University
one or two weeks prior to their anticipated travel date
to have their I-20 forms signed.
8. Off-campus employment is any type of work or service
performed in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books,
supplies, room, food, or any other benefit. A
work permit is required before any off-campus employment
is allowed. Please see an advisor in the International
Programs Office for assistance.
The International Programs Office has handouts and application
forms for the following:
