Passport & Visa Responsibilities Breakdown

An F-1 student renews or updates their passport through their own country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S., not the U.S. Department of State.

Passport & Visa Responsibilities Breakdown

Passport
• Issued and renewed only by your home country
• Renewal is handled through your country’s embassy or consulate in the United States

U.S. Department of State

• Responsible for issuing U.S. visas (such as the F-1 visa stamp)

• Does not issue, renew, or update foreign passports

After Renewing Your Passport (Important for F-1 Students)

• Notify your Designated School Official (DSO) so your SEVIS record can be updated with your new passport information

• Keep both your old and new passports, especially if your valid F-1 visa is in your old passport

Key point:

You can stay in the U.S. on an expired F-1 visa as long as your passport, I-20, and status are valid but your passport must always be valid.

Important Information:

If you update your name on your passport while you are in the United States, you cannot update the name on your active F-1 visa.

F-1 visa name changes and visa stamp renewals can only be completed while you are in your home country.

Therefore, if you change your name on your passport while in the U.S., you must carry all of the following documents when traveling or verifying your status:

Your updated passport

• Your updated Form I-20

• Your old passport showing the name that matches your current visa

• Your F-1 visa

Green Card Work EAD I-485 Application

If you’re an F-1 student who received your work permit EAD card through a pending I-485 Application the below information may be beneficial to you.

EAD Green Card through Marriage

Upon marrying a U.S. citizen, you are permitted to remain in the United States under Adjustment of Status (AOS) laws, without the need to maintain your F-1 visa status.

Once you receive your Green Card Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you will need to close your F-1 status.

Operating on both the Green Card EAD and F-1 visa simultaneously is not permitted.

EAD Green Card through Employment

If you have filed for an I-485 and are using an EAD, you will be considered to be in I-485 pending status.

After receiving your work EAD, you may cease attending college, as the EAD grants you the right to work and remain in the U.S.

If you choose to withdraw from school, you can return at a later date.

Before withdrawing your F-1 status, please consult with your lawyer. They may advise you to maintain your F-1 status until your Green Card is approved.

International Student Work Authorization

Studying abroad can be financially challenging, even for F-1 students who are required to demonstrate sufficient funds for their education. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise, impacting their financial stability. While academics should remain the top priority, employment opportunities may be necessary. Below is a list of work authorization options available to F-1 students.

  1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
    • Definition: Employment authorization for F-1 students that is an integral part of their curriculum.
    • Eligibility: Must have completed at least one academic year (except for graduate students whose program requires immediate training.
    • Work Hours: Can be part-time or full-time
    • Key Note: If a student uses 12 months of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
  2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)
    • Definition: Temporary work authorization for F-1 students directly related to their field of study.
    • Duration: Up to 12 months (can be extended for STEM students).
    • Eligibility: Must have completed at least one academic year.
    • When to Apply: Up to 90 days before program completion and up to 60 days after.
    • Types:
    • Pre-Completion OPT: Work authorization before graduation.
    • Post-Completion OPT: Work authorization after completing the academic program.
  3. Pre-Completion OPT
    • Definition: OPT used while the student is still enrolled in their program.
    • Work Hours:
    • Part-time: 20 hours per week while school is in session.
    • Full-time: Allowed during school breaks.
    • Key Note: Time used in Pre-OPT is deducted from the total 12-month OPT allowance.
  4. Severe Economic Hardship Employment
    • Definition: Off-campus work authorization granted to F-1 students who face unforeseen financial difficulties.
    • Eligibility:
    • Must have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year.
    • Must prove severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., loss of financial sponsorship, medical bills, currency devaluation in the home country).
    • Work Hours: Part-time (≤20 hours per week) while school is in session; full-time during breaks.

Note: OPT, Pre-OPT and Economic Hardship must be approved by USCIS before an F-1 student can start working.
Application Process: Requires filing Form I-765 with USCIS and receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).