Current Students

In order to keep your F-1 visa, you need to follow the requirements outlined below. If you need to make changes to your education plan or have any questions, please schedule a meeting with an ISP counselor.  

If you fail to follow regulations, you may need to sign a contract with MPC pledging to maintain F-1 status for subsequent semesters. Ultimately, if you don’t meet the requirements, you may be terminated in the SEVIS system.

1.    Remain in good academic standing

• • • You are expected to remain in good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, while you attend MPC. 
    • If you are placed on academic or progress probation, or disqualified for inadequate academic performance, please schedule an appointment with the ISP counselor immediately.

2.    Stay on track with a full course of study

• • • You must maintain full-time student status to satisfy U.S. immigration rules for students attending on an F-1 visa. To maintain full-time status at MPC, you must enroll and complete at least 12 units of coursework each semester – fall and spring.
    • You may complete classes online, as long as you enroll in 9 in-person units per academic term. Hybrid classes that include both online and on-campus instruction count toward the in-person requirement.
    • Please consult with the ISP counselor before you drop or withdraw from any courses or if you enroll in courses not on your Education Plan.
    • If you change your major, you must meet with the ISP counselor within 10 days to review program requirements, and if the change is approved, you will need a new I-20.
    • The “Program End Date” on Page 1 of the I-20 is the date by which you’re expected to complete all requirements for your current program. If you are unable to complete your program of study by that date, you must schedule an appointment with an ISP counselor at least 45 days before that date to request a program extension.
    • If you plan to leave MPC permanently before finishing your program, please notify the ISP office as soon as possible.

3.    Update the ISP office when you move or travel

• • • If your physical address and/or local phone number changes, update your information within 10 days. 
      • • Submit your new information to the ISP office through the Updating Student Information form for international students.
        • Log in to WebReg and update your contact information and address.
    • Whenever you plan to leave the U.S. temporarily and return to continue your studies at MPC, check with the ISP office at least 60 days in advance about the documents you’ll need to re-enter the U.S. Requirements include:
      • • Travel signature on Page 2 of your I-20 Form (signed by ISP)
        • Passport valid six months or more into the future 
        • Valid F-1 visa

There are strict F-1 regulations pertaining to all types of employment for international students. Prior to starting any type of employment, you must receive approval from the ISP office. You may be eligible for the following categories of employment:

• On-Campus Employment: Up to 20 hours per week on campus
  If you’re interested in jobs on campus, meet with ISP staff to discuss eligibility and visit the Job Center on campus to inquire about available positions.  
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Earn credit working in your field of study

If you meet eligibility requirements, you can pursue internship and work/study opportunities related to your major.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work in your field after graduation

If you complete an associate degree at MPC, you may be eligible for a work permit valid for up to one year that can be used anywhere in the U.S. Apply for OPT during your last semester before graduation.

You’re required to file documentation with the U.S Internal Revenue Service, even if you aren’t working or receiving income. 

Disclaimer: ISP staff are not tax professionals. ISP staff are not qualified to give advice on how to file taxes,  nor will they do so. You’re responsible for determining how to file your own taxes. 

• If you didn’t work or receive income, the only form you need to file is Form 8843, which you can complete without professional tax advice. If you have any dependents over the age of 6 months, you must also file a separate Form 8843 for them. You must mail the form to the IRS as instructed on the form.