It is essential that you carefully follow the regulations set forth by the Department of Homeland Security. The following responsibilities apply to students who are in the U.S. with F-1 status for study at SUNY Downstate:

  • You must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at all times.
  • You may not seek or accept paid employment off-campus without the permission of an International Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs.
  • You must follow the correct USCIS procedures for transferring from one U.S. school to another or from one educational level to another.
  • Failure to maintain status or complete a program OR early graduation or completion of studies prior to the completion date on the I-20 must be reported to an International Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs as soon as possible and no later than within 21 days of change.
  • Any disciplinary action taken by SUNY Downstate as a result of conviction of a crime must also be reported to Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 21 days.

SEVIS Check-In Appointment

Each semester the Office of Student Affairs is required to verify your continued enrollment at SUNY Downstate for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students can drop in to meet with an International Student Advisor to do this. For new students, this will be during New Student Orientation. 

Registration

You must be registered full-time in a degree program during every semester, including the summer semester (if applicable). (The summer semester counts as a regular semester in the School of Public Health, School of Health Professions and College of Nursing and students must be enrolled full time during that semester. For students in the School of Graduate Studies, there is no summer semester.)

  • For undergraduates, full-time is a minimum of 12 credits. 
  • For graduate students, full-time is 9 credits.

Reporting Requirements

Reporting a Change in Major or Adding a Second Major

Internationals student must notify an International Student Advisor immediately when they file to change a major or add a second major. A new I-20 must be created. To report this change, please email studentaffairs@downstate.edu with this update. You will be contacted within two business days to come in to pick up a new I-20.

Reporting a Change in Address

International students must notify an International Student Advisor within 10 days of changing their address. To do this, please email studentaffairs@downstate.edu with your new address. A new Form I-20 does not need to be created, but Student Affairs will update the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) with this update and confirm with you within two business days.

Changing Level

Notify an International Student Advisor when changing educational level (for example, going from a certificate to a master’s program) as soon as possible, but no later than within 60 days of your current I-20 program end date. Submit your letter of admission to the new program with supporting evidence of funding for tuition and living expenses for the first academic year of the new program to the Office of Student Affairs.