F-1 Student Status Maintenance

As part of your F-1 status, you are required to report changes in your personal contact information with 10 days of the change happening. This includes your local U.S. address where you are currently residing and receiving mail, to include temporary addresses. It is an important component to maintaining valid F-1 status throughout your time at Mines. Please follow these steps to update your address:

• Log on to Trailhead
• Click on the “Self Service” button
• Click on the “Personal Information” link
• Click on the “Update Addresses and Phones” link
• To update US address, select the “Local Mailing Address” in the drop-down menu for “Type of Address to Insert.”
• Enter a start date in the field “Valid From This Date: MM/DD/YYYY” – DO NOT enter an end date.
• Enter your complete U.S. mailing address where you currently reside as well as a telephone number.  Do not enter your address in your home country, departmental address, or a U.S. Post Office address.
• Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page and review your update for accuracy on the “View Addresses and Phones” page.

For additional assistance, please review this video. If you continue to experience difficulties in updating your address, please stop by the International Office and we will be happy to help you.

Standard U.S. format when writing your address for other purposes is as follows:

You may also update your address in the International Portal by logging in and updating your profile.

The Mines ISSS office has the ability to reprint the form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for various reasons. Ideally, as an F-1 student, you should maintain your F-1 I-20 document (and any F-2 I-20 documents) in a safe place. You are encouraged to make copies of this document for your records as well.

A new or updated I-20 document will be issued to you in the following circumstances:

• An update has been made to material information contained on the form I-20 (i.e name updates, program updates, change of degree level, curricular/optional practical training added, etc.)
• A new travel signature is needed and the four spaces have already been filled on your prior I-20
• Your I-20 was damaged
• Your I-20 was lost
• Your I-20 was stolen

If changes have been made to your SEVIS record and I-20 material information, an ISSS advisor will automatically issue the updated I-20 and notify you when the document is ready. If you need a travel signature, please review our travel information and visit the International Office to obtain a new document and valid signature.

In the event your I-20  is damaged, lost or stolen, please submit a request through the International Portal for a new I-20 document.

While studying at Mines, you may change your Major or degree field. To complete the formal process through the Mines Registrar, please review their website and complete the necessary documentation.

Once completed with the Registrar, your I-20 document and SEVIS record will also need to be updated to reflect your new field of study. Please visit the International Office to complete this process.

Upon completion of your degree program and formal graduation, if you will continue on to the next degree level you will need to complete a Change of Level with both the Mines Registrar and ISSS.

Undergraduate students – Please work with the Mines Registrar to complete all graduation requirements, as well as your Mines graduate-level department to complete all admissions requirements.

Graduate students – Please consult the Office of Graduate Studies for information regarding Change of Level.

While your documentation is pending with your department or the Registrar, you can submit your Change of Level documentation through  the International Portal to support the new I-20 issuance. The ISSS must receive a formal approval from the Registrar and your Trailhead/Banner record must be updated to indicate you are moving to the next academic level before ISSS can issue an updated I-20 document for you.

Change of Level Acceptable Forms of Funding

Personal funds:

• bank statements in your name showing balance of account (see below for criteria**)

Private sponsors: including parents (must include both of the following):

• letter(s) indicating the relationship between you and the sponsor(s), the amount of support, the length of support and co-signed by the sponsor
• the sponsor’s bank or other financial statements (see below for criteria**) issued within the last 6 months

Mines Awards (scholarships, fellowship, grants, on-campus employment, etc):

• The letter must be:
  • printed on formal Colorado School of Mines letterhead
  • signed by the sponsoring department
  • issued in the last 6 months
  • state the amount, duration and type/source of funding

Other institutional support/award letters:

• letter from an employer or another institution on formal business letterhead including a signature showing amount and length of support
• salary statements are not accepted

Loan certificates/letters:

• must indicate your name and the amount of approved loan
• conditional loan approvals may be accepted only if the condition is the receipt of your I-20 or DS-2019.
• pending or un-approved loan applications are not accepted as proof of funding

**Bank/Financial Statement Criteria:

• should be a single page document showing the criteria below. Please DO NOT submit several months worth of statements.
• is a single document showing bank/financial statements from multiple accounts is acceptable
• indicates the financial institution’s name
• indicates the account holder’s name
• clearly shows the current or more recent account balance
• be dated within the past 6 months (older statements will not be accepted),
• be translated into English (especially names) *unofficial translations are accepted*
• clearly show the type of currency
• be from statements that show liquid assets that can be converted to cash
• be co-signed by a banking official

IMPORTANT: The following types of funding are NOT accepted:

• Documents older than 6 months
• Income or salary statements
• Funds that are not immediately accessible
• Assets that are not in liquidated form (house, car, retirement, etc)
• Life insurance policy statements
• Pension funds
• Tax return forms or documents

What is a program extension?

A program extension is the process of obtaining a new I-20 with a later end date for F-1 students to extend the authorized period of stay in the United States to complete a degree program.

A program extension is appropriate when a student is unable to complete the original study objective before the expiration date on the current I-20 document.  Often this happens due to academic set backs or health problems that may cause course sequencing issues or require a student to apply for a Reduced Course Load during their academic program.

Am I eligible for an extension?

You are eligible for a program extension of your F-1 immigration document if you:

• Have been enrolled full time throughout your period of studies (or have an approved Reduced Course Load request on file for any applicable semesters),
• Have otherwise maintained your immigration status, and
• The additional time is needed to accommodate for delays caused by a compelling academic or medical reason.

You are not eligible for an extension if:

• You have been dismissed from the university
  • If you have been dismissed, please visit the International Office to discuss your options with an ISSS adviser.
• You have ever been enrolled less than full-time without an authorized Reduced Course Load request on file with the ISSS.
• You have completed all requirements of your program of study and are otherwise eligible to apply for a change of level, optional practical training, or transfer to another institution.
• You have otherwise failed to maintain your immigration status.

When should I apply for an extension?

The best time period to apply for an extension is generally 1-3 months prior to the expiration of your document. All extension applications must be submitted before the end date on the I-20 document.

Extensions submitted after this date cannot be considered and you will have limited options for remaining in the United States. Your options will include:

• Reinstatement
  • This process can take 6-9 months, if not longer, and will cost $370. During the time the application is pending with USCIS, you cannot be employed, even on campus. More information is available on Study in the States.
• 60-day Grace Period
  • If your end date passes and you have not applied for an extension, you will enter your 60-day grace period and will be required to depart the United States before or on the 60th day.

How do I apply for a program extension?

You will need to submit an online request with supporting financial documentation indicating you have sufficient funds to support yourself through the extended period. Additionally, your academic advisor will need to provide an authorization indicating they support your extension request. You will request their authorization electronically through the ISSS Portal by completing the ISSS portal submission “Program Extension Request”

Graduation is an exciting culmination of all the hard work you have put into your academic degree, research and time at Mines. The Mines Registrar and your academic department can help you navigate the necessary requirements to qualify and apply for graduation. Following the completion of your degree, you may have several options in order to maintain your immigration status, to include:

• Begin a new course of study at Colorado School of Mines during the next available semester – please speak with an ISSS advisor if you will change your degree level
• Transfer to a new school or new program sponsor within the U.S. to start in their next available regular semester or term
• Apply to change your non-immigrant status
• Apply for F-1 Optional Practical Training in order to gain practical work experience directly related to the degree or academic program you just completed
  • Eligible to apply during the 90 days before your program end date and in the 60-day grace period after
• Depart from the U.S. within 60 days

How do I know when I am eligible to graduate?

For most undergraduate degree candidates, information for determining whether or not you’re eligible and how to apply for graduation is available on the Registrar’s website here.

For most graduate degree candidates, information for determining whether or not you’re eligible and how to apply for graduation is available on the Registrar’s website here.

If you will graduate earlier than the date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 document, please visit the ISSS to discuss your post-graduation options in further detail so we can properly maintain your immigration status.

Graduation Delays

From time to time, things happen that can impact your ability to graduate. The Mines ISSS is here to help you navigate your immigration status to remain in-status for your F-1 visa while you work to complete your degree. Please review the information below regarding graduation and possible delays which can impact your immigration status.

I failed one class and need to retake it before I can officially graduate.

If you have not submitted your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application to USCIS, you will need to request an F-1 program extension and work with your academic department to determine when you will be able to retake the course in order to finish your degree. Please also visit the ISSS to discuss your unique situation with an advisor to determine the best course of action.

If you have already submitted your OPT application to USCIS, you will need to work with USCIS to withdraw your application. Additionally, you will need to apply for an extension of your status and work with your academic department to register and retake the course(s).

If you have been approved for OPT work authorization, please come to the ISSS office to discuss your options with an advisor.

I have not finished all the required coursework for my degree program, but my I-20 is about to expire or I had or have a Reduced Course Load for academic or medical reasons. I need extra time to finish my degree program.

Please review the eligibility information above for requesting an F-1 program extension. If you have determined you qualify to apply, please submit your request through the ISSS Portal for review by ISSS.

Everyone’s situation is unique. The ISSS is available to help discuss your options and explore possibilities to help you maintain your immigration status and complete your degree program.

Follow the instructions below to request a transfer out from the Colorado School of Mines to another SEVP-certified institution within the United States. This process is not required if you will be attending your next school in a different country.

Instructions

Eligibility

To be eligible for a transfer of your F-1 student status you must apply to another U.S. school and be fully admitted to that school. The school must be SEVP-certified and able to accept your F-1. Before the new school can issue an I-20 for you, your SEVIS records needs to be electronically transferred to the new school.  You will retain the same SEVIS number you currently have.

After the transfer of your status occurs, the new school will be able to issue a new I-20 for you. Mines ISSS will no longer have access to your immigration record and you will need to work with the new ISSS office for your status maintenance.

Transfer Procedure

To request a transfer out of your F-1 status to another U.S. institution, please complete a request through the International Portal. You will need the following documentation:

• Formal admission letter from new school you wish to attend – your record cannot be transferred if you have been granted “conditional admission.”
• Transfer-In Form from new university – this may be electronic. Please confirm with your new university whether they have a form and if yes, how it will be sent to ISSS for completion.

Transfer Release Date

Your new school cannot make an I-20 for you until Colorado School of Mines “releases” your immigration records in SEVIS to the new school.  To do this, we must specify a “release date.” The release date should be “the current semester or session completion date, or the date of expected transfer if earlier than the established academic cycle.”

After your record is released, Mines will no longer be able to access or change your records. You should work with Mines ISSS and your new school’s ISSS to determine the best date to have your SEVIS record transferred electronically.

Please be advised you must start your new academic program and begin classes within five months from the last day you were enrolled at Colorado School of Mines. It is best to speak with an ISSS advisor in order to consider your unique situation.

Canceling the Transfer Release Date

ISSS can cancel or change your transfer plans any time up until the day before your release date.  After the release date arrives, we have no further control over your SEVIS record, and you will then have to work with the new school if you wish to change your plans.  For this reason, you need to remember the transfer release date that we choose during your appointment and request any changes BEFORE that date arrives.

Special Considerations

Students Who Will Graduate From Colorado School of Mines

If you graduate or complete your program of study at Mines, then wish to transfer to a new school, your transfer should be requested either during your last semester at Mines or within 60-day grace period following the completion date of your last semester.

Students on OPT

If you are on OPT and wish to transfer to another school, you should be aware that once the transfer release date arrives, your OPT authorization automatically comes to an end.  On the transfer release date, your SEVIS records are sent to the new school and are no longer available to Mines. Because your OPT authorization is tied to your Mines student status and academic program, once your record is transferred, you are considered to be starting a new academic program and your OPT eligibility/authorization ends.

If your OPT end date occurs before classes at the new school begins, this date should be your transfer release date, unless you request an earlier date.  Please be aware that you must request and be approved for a transfer release no later than 60 days following the completion of your OPT.  If your OPT would not yet be expired by the time classes at the new school begin and you wish to continue your OPT employment until the latest possible date, you will need to discuss your transfer release date with the ISSS advisor.  You will be instructed to contact the Admissions office at your new school to discuss the latest date they would be able to issue your transfer I-20.

Initial Status Students

An initial status student is new F-1 student with an initial SEVIS record.  If you are an initial student who has applied for a visa using your I-20 from the Colorado School of Mines, has not yet entered the U.S. to start your program, and who has changed your mind about attending Colorado School of Mines because you want to attend another school, you are strongly advised to apply for an new F-1 visa using the I-20 from the school you intend to attend. You are required to enter the United States using the I-20 for the school you will attend.

If you are an initial student who has already entered the U.S. using your Mines I-20 but have not started your program, and you have decided you want to attend another U.S. school and have received an admission offer, you must first report in person to ISSS with all immigration documents as well as your admission letter for the new school.  You should report no later than the program start date listed on your I-20.

Please be advised that in order for our office to release your SEVIS record to the new school, your program start date at the new school must occur no later than 30 days after you enter the U.S. or your program start date at Colorado School of Mines, whichever is earliest. If you are unable to physically report to the Mines ISSS, please email isss@mines.edu for guidance on how to have your record provided to the school you will attend.

Employment Considerations

Employment Eligibility for Transfer Students

Transfer can affect your eligibility to work either on the Mines campus or on the campus of the new school.  Regulations allow on-campus employment only at the school whose I-20 is covering you. For example, a student who chooses June 1 as a transfer release date cannot work on the Mines campus after June 1.

Once your record is released to the new SEVP-certified school, you may be eligible to begin on-campus employment at that institution during the 30 days prior to the start of the new academic semester. You must have received an I-20 from the new school in order to be eligible.

Eligibility to Apply for CPT, OPT, etc. at New School

Students must stop all off-campus employment authorized by Mines by their SEVIS release date.  Transfer students might be eligible for such benefits of F-1 status like being able to apply for CPT, OPT, etc. at the new school without having enrolled there for an additional academic year, provided they had maintained status (including registering full-time) for an entire academic year at Mines.  However, policies vary between schools and you should consult with your new school’s international office to determine your eligibility for these work authorizations.

Other Issues to Consider

• If you have not yet completed your program, notify your academic advisor of your intent to leave Colorado School of Mines.
• If you are a student and are registered for the next term, remember to work with the Registrar, CASA and/or the Graduate School to withdraw your enrollment
• If you live on-campus, contact the Housing Office to determine your move-out date and obligations. If you live off campus and your lease has not ended, contact your landlord to cancel or sublet your lease and fulfill any move-out obligations.  Remember to cancel services such as gas, electric, water, phone, cable.
• Check your Mines account for any bills to pay and contact the Controllers Office with questions
• Submit a “Mail Forwarding” form to the U.S. Post Office to change your mailing address and have mail sent to your new address. The U.S. Post Office cannot forward mail to a non-U.S. address.