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Frequently Asked
Questions
Registration and Course
Load
Registration and Attendance: You must enroll and
complete a minimum of 12 credit hours each fall and
spring term at the school which issued your I-20. If
you fail to attend classes, Iowa Lakes is obligated
to notify the BCIS, which could result in the
revocation of your I-20.
Withdrawals: You cannot withdraw from a class if it
means that you will have fewer than 12 credits hours
for the term.
Reduction in Course Load: With approval, in advance,
from the International Student Coordinator, you may
register for less than 12 credit hours if: (1) Final
Term of Study. If all requirements for your degree
will be completed at the end of the term, you only
have to take the courses needed to finish. (2)
Special Circumstances. If you have an illness of
other medical condition, a doctor can provide
documentation that you need a reduced course load.
You must resume full-time study when the condition
is resolved
Rights and Responsibilities of F1 Students
Employment
On-campus: You may work up to 20 hours per week in
any job on campus. To find out about job openings,
please contact the Financial Aid Office at
1-(712)-362-7920.
Off-campus: In some cases, students may apply to the
BCIS for permission to work off campus based upon
economic necessity. This requires substantial paper
work and effort, for which you are responsible.
Travel
Within the U.S.: You may travel if you maintain
your lawful status and have your valid passport,
I-94, and I-20 in your possession.
Outside the U.S.: You may leave the U.S. at any
time. You have the right to return, provided you
have (1) Valid passport containing an un-expired F1
visa. (2) New I-20 or one properly signed by a
Designated School Official for travel.
Return to a different school: You must obtain a new
I-20 from the new school before you attempt to
re-enter the U.S. Entering the country using the
I-20 for a school you do not plan to attend can
cause serious immigration problems.
Length of Stay in U.S.
You may study in your educational program for the
time allowed by item #5 of your I-20. If you need
additional time and meet certain requirements, you
may apply for an “extension of study” 30 days before
the I-20 expires.
Completion of Degree
Requirements
You have 60 days following the completion of your
program to decide if you wish to transfer to another
school for a higher degree, apply for a different
degree, or depart the U.S. Your 60-day grace period
begins at the end of your program, not at
graduation.
Dependents and other
family members
If you are married, you may be eligible to have your
spouse and children join you for the duration of
your studies. There are financial requirements and
students should check with Admissions for
procedures. Other members of your family may be able
to visit you during your study (usually in B-2
Visitor Status).
Address Change
You must inform Iowa Lakes and the BCIS within 10
days of moving. Students can download the
immigration form (AR-11) to report address changes
from
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
Health Insurance
All students in F1 status are required to carry
health insurance that includes repatriation of
remains.
Iowa Lakes purchases this insurance
for you.
Payment Plan
Iowa Lakes has a payment plan that allows students
to pay their tuition on installments. If you are
interested in signing up for this plan, please see
the Cashier on any campus.
Failure to Comply with
Responsibilities
If you fail to comply with your immigration
responsibilities, you may lose your student status
and not be eligible for benefits normally granted to
F1 students. |
