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Harper College

Maintaining Lawful Status

When the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the U.S. Embassy approved your F-1 visa, you agreed to be a full-time student. Anyone who is not enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours or 15 credit hours for IEP students in both fall and spring semesters is considered to be out of status.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SEVIS regulations, Harper College is required to terminate your SEVIS record and student status if you do not maintain a full course load. It is possible to request reinstatement to legal, F-1 status, but there is no guarantee that USCIS will deem your reinstatement warranted.

In addition to the very serious reinstatement request procedures when you are not in full-time status, you also may have a difficult time transferring your Form I-20 to another college or you may lose employment benefits.

If you are not currently in at least 12 credit hours (or 15 for IEP students) of classes this semester, make an appointment to see the International Student Coordinator by calling 847.925.6756 as soon as possible.

Last Updated: 12/14/23