Maintaining Your F1 Visa Status – A Complete Guide for UCEDA Students

Studying in the United States on an F1 visa is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with important responsibilities.

Stay Compliant, Informed, and Confident as an F1 Student

At UCEDA English School, we are committed to helping international students understand and maintain their F1 visa status.

As a SEVP and SEVIS-authorized school, UCEDA works closely with international students to ensure they follow U.S. immigration regulations while attending our accredited English programs. Our Designated School Officials (DSOs) provide ongoing guidance on attendance, I-20 updates, transfers, change of status, and SEVIS requirements.

This complete guide explains everything UCEDA students need to know to stay in compliance and succeed throughout their studies.

Learn more about UCEDA’s mission and accreditation on the About Us page.

Maintaining Your F1 Visa Status

Understanding Your Responsibilities as an F1 Student

The F1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa that requires compliance with U.S. immigration rules at all times. These rules are monitored through SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

As an F1 student at UCEDA, you must:

  • Study full-time in an approved program

  • Maintain accurate and current information in SEVIS

  • Follow attendance and academic progress requirements

  • Keep your I-20 valid at all times

  • Report changes of address, phone number, or enrollment

  • Obtain authorization before transferring schools

UCEDA’s DSOs help you understand and meet these expectations from your first day to your last.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

F1 students must enroll in a full-time English program to maintain valid status.

At UCEDA, this requirement is met through the Intensive English Program, which provides:

18 to 22 hours per week of classroom instruction

Levels from beginner to advanced

Speaking, listening, reading, and writing development

Regular assessments to track your progress

Full-time enrollment must be maintained during every term unless you receive official authorization for an exception.

Learn more at
Intensive English Courses in Las Vegas and
Study English in Provo, Utah.

Attendance Requirements and Academic Progress

Studying English in Las Vegas offers more than just classroom learning. The city provides:

To maintain your F1 status, you must attend classes regularly and make satisfactory academic progress.

UCEDA monitors:

  • Attendance

  • Completion of coursework

  • Level advancement

  • Overall participation

Missing too many classes or failing to progress may put your visa status at risk. DSOs will notify you if you are in danger of falling out of compliance and will guide you through corrective steps.

Maintaining Your F1 Visa Status
Why Las Vegas and Provo Are Two of the Best Cities to Study English in the U.S.

Keeping Your I-20 Valid

Studying English in Las Vegas offers more than just classroom learning. The city provides:

Your Form I-20 is the most important document for staying in F1 status. It must always reflect accurate, up-to-date information.

You must contact your DSO if any of the following change:

  • Address or phone number

  • Program level or schedule

  • Funding or financial information

  • Name or passport details

Your DSO will update SEVIS and issue a new I-20 when needed.

To learn more about I-20 issuance and requirements, visit the
F1 Student Visa page.

SEVIS Reporting and Communication with Your DSO

UCEDA’s Designated School Officials are responsible for maintaining your SEVIS record and ensuring your status stays active.

Your DSO will:

Monitor enrollment and attendance

Update SEVIS with any changes

Authorize transfers or program extensions

Verify your eligibility for travel

Help you understand USCIS rules

Students should check in with their DSO regularly and notify them of changes within 10 days.

Transferring Your F1 Visa to UCEDA

If you are currently enrolled at another SEVIS-approved school and wish to transfer to UCEDA, our staff can help you complete a smooth, compliant transfer.

To transfer your SEVIS record:

  1. Apply to UCEDA

  2. Submit your acceptance documents

  3. Notify your current school of your intent to transfer

  4. Have them release your SEVIS record to UCEDA

  5. Receive your new I-20 and begin classes

UCEDA accepts international students in active status from schools across the U.S.

Visit Register Now to begin the process.

Changing Your Status to F1 While Inside the U.S.

If you are in the United States under a different visa, UCEDA can assist you in applying for a Change of Status to F1.

Our DSOs guide students through:

  • I-20 issuance

  • SEVIS requirements

  • Completing Form I-539 for USCIS

  • Understanding timelines and next steps

Learn more at
F1 Visa Change of Status.

Traveling as an F1 Student

Before traveling outside the United States, you must ensure:

  • Your I-20 has a valid travel signature

  • Your passport is valid for at least six months

  • Your F1 visa is valid for reentry

If you have questions about travel eligibility, speak with your DSO before leaving the country.

Common Reasons Students Lose F1 Status

Understanding these risks helps you avoid problems and stay compliant.

Students may fall out of status for reasons such as:

  • Not enrolling full-time

  • Excessive absences

  • Changing address without reporting it

  • Not updating personal information

  • Unauthorized withdrawals

  • Failing to follow transfer procedures

DSOs are available to help you prevent these issues and guide you if corrective action is needed.

Student Support Beyond Visa Guidance

Maintaining F1 status is only part of your UCEDA experience. Students also receive:

  • Academic advising

  • Assistance with school transfers

  • Help adjusting to life in Las Vegas or Provo

  • English practice opportunities

  • Guidance on local resources

UCEDA’s mission is to equip students with the English skills and support needed for success.

Learn more on the About Us page.

How to Stay in Status: Quick Checklist for UCEDA Students

  • Study full-time in the Intensive English Program

  • Attend class regularly

  • Make academic progress

  • Keep your I-20 current

  • Inform your DSO of any changes

  • Check your email for updates

  • Renew your passport on time

  • Get a travel signature before leaving the U.S.

Intensive English Courses in Las Vegas

How to Get Help Maintaining Your Status

UCEDA staff is available to answer questions, help update your documents, and support you throughout your studies.

Start today:

Frequently Asked Questions

You must speak with your DSO immediately. They will explain your options, which may include reinstatement or transferring programs.

F1 students must remain enrolled full-time unless they receive authorization for a reduced course load under specific circumstances.

You must notify your DSO within 10 days of any change to your address, phone number, or academic situation.

Yes. Any address change requires an updated I-20 and SEVIS record.

Yes, as long as you follow official transfer procedures and remain in good standing.

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