Maintain Your Status
While studying in the United States, it is crucial to maintain your F-1 student status. Your visa says that you are coming to the United States to study. You should not consider any action that detracts from that purpose.
Upon Arrival
Do not enter the United States more than 30 days before your program of study begins. Please contact Santa Ana College's designated school official (DSO) as soon as you arrive in the United States to finalize your records and plans. Please contact your DSO prior to the scheduled new student orientation date to confirm attendance.
Coursework & Study
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In coursework, international students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and make progress towards their degree by attending and passing your classes. If school becomes too difficult, contact your DSO immediately.
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Contact your DSO if you believe that you cannot complete your program by the end date listed on your I-20. Your program completion date must be updated on your I-20 prior to expiration.
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You must enroll in a full course (12 units) each semester, and at least 9 credit hours must be taken in-person/on campus. If you cannot enroll full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
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Do not drop a class without first consulting your DSO.
Program Completion
Once you have completed your program of study, you will need to take steps to maintain your legal status. Please notify us of your plans for ending your program via email at intl_students@sac.edu by submitting the 
SAC SEVIS Transfer out or Termination Form.pdf and any supporting documentation required. After completing your studies at SAC, you have the following options:
- Depart the USA within 60 days
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Continue your F-1 status through study at another educational level via transfer to another school
- Apply for Post-Completion OPT for employment authorization: OPT Form ISP.pdf
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Or, apply to change status to another nonimmigrant classification within 60 days of program end date.
Consult your DSO
If you have questions regarding the legal requirements for your stay in the United States, you should first contact your DSO. You can ask your DSO for assistance or ask them to assist you if you have questions. Please consult your DSO if you plan to do any of the following:
Employment Authorization
Working illegally is taken very seriously by the United States government. Please do not work without authorization. An F-1 student may only work when and where authorized.
If you decide to work, you should first speak with your designated school official. Your DSO may authorize specific employment; others may require your DSO's recommendation and authorization. Talk to your DSO about your options if you wish to work in the United States. Non-compliance with this regulation will negatively impact your status in the USA. The United States may immediately expel you if you work without authorization, and may not allow you to re-enter the United States in the future. Upon discovering that you have been working without permission, your DSO must report this to SEVIS, where your record will be terminated.
On-Campus Employment
As an F-1 student in Active Status, you are eligible for employment on campus. It is possible to work shortly after arriving; however, you must be in Active status, and your DSO must approve your request. After your DSO approves your request, you will receive a letter of approval. You will obtain a Social Security number with this letter and a letter from your employer. You may only work 20 hours per week when school is in session.
Off-Campus Employment
After completing a full academic year, you may be eligible for employment off-campus if you meet certain criteria, such as severe economic hardship or for Course Credit Curricular Practical Training (CPT Form ISP.pdf). Please contact the ISP office for information regarding these categories of work authorization.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is one type of work authorization available to eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study. A Designated School Official (DSO) may recommend OPT to SEVIS, but it is the student's responsibility to apply for work authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be issued if USCIS approves the OPT. Students must not begin working before the date specified on their EAD. If you are interested in OPT, submit the OPT Form ISP.pdf
