Immigration regulations require all F-1 students to report when they are completing their program, as their I-20 must be updated accordingly. Additionally, if the student is in the final semester and needs less than 12 credit hours to graduate, the student may be permitted to be enrolled in less than 12 credit hours for the final semester due to graduation. This information must be reported through SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System). ACC F-1 visa students who plan to graduate, must submit the F-1 Student Graduation Eligibility and Final Semester RCL Form.
F-1 students should work with their Academic Advisor to submit the Graduation Eligibility & Final Semester RCL Form to the International Student Office via email [email protected]. The completed form must be submitted to the International Student Office before the first day of classes in the graduating semester. The DSO is responsible for updating and authorizing the Reduced Course Load in SEVIS.
Pursuant to immigration regulations, an F-1 student who is not required to take any additional courses to satisfy the degree requirements for completion is considered to have completed the course of study and must take action to maintain status. Such action may include: submitting an application for Change of Status, SEVIS transfer, applying for OPT, Change of Level, or departure from the U.S.
F-1 students who graduate from ACC may not re-enroll in an additional program of study at ACC without being issued a new Form I-20 by the International Student Office.
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