Benefits of F-1 Status

• Eligible for immediate part-time on-campus employment, 20 hours or less per week while school is in session and full-time during vacation periods. Full-time employment is any amount of time more than 20 hours per week.
• May apply to the USCIS for off-campus work authorization for Practical Training after one academic year in F-1 status, or earlier if needed because of Severe Economic Hardship.
• May be authorized for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level. Some majors may be eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of OPT (OPT STEM Extension).
• Can stay in the US with an expired visa stamp as long as student status is maintained. There is no restriction on travel anywhere within the U.S.
• Eligible to transfer to other educational institutions within the U.S. without having to leave the U.S. by following USCIS transfer procedures.
• Not required to enroll during Summer Quarter as this is considered vacation period.
• Not required to enroll full-time for your last quarter of enrollment. Fill out the Final Quarter Form and submit to Cal Poly International Center for approval.
• Have 60 days to depart the U.S. after completion of a degree or Optional Practical Training. Can remain longer if waiting for Optional Practical Training employment approval.
• You may be authorized for 12 months of practical training, and become eligible for another 12 months of practical training when you change to a higher educational level.
• Have 5 months to begin a new degree program at the next available term.