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International students must maintain their F-1 non-immigrant status to remain in the U.S. with full-time enrollment status, to study at Sarah Lawrence. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in 12 credits per semester. Graduate students must be enrolled in 10 credits per semester. It is critical that students understand the importance of maintaining their F-1 visa so as to not violate international status.

The below webpage has been archived by USCIS, but still contains information related to the established guidelines as of August 2018: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-changing-policy-accrued-unlawful-presence-nonimmigrant-students-and-exchange-visitors

If an international student (holder of F-1 visa) has been out of the U.S. for more than five months, they need a new I-20 and possibly a new visa. Contact the appropriate DSO with enough time to process the required forms.

Below is general information on F-1 regulations, though these guidelines should not be taken as legal advice. The following list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. While Sarah Lawrence and International Student Services are available to assist students, maintaining F-1 status is the responsibility of the student.

• Must be an enrolled student at Sarah Lawrence College. If you transfer to another school, you need a new I-20 and may need a new visa.
• Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months into the future, beyond your program completion date. Passports are renewable at your home country’s consulate.
• Do not lose your I-20 form as the replacement cost is $50.00.
• Data on your passport, F-1 visa, and I-20 must be consistent and accurate. Keep these documents in a secure location and always carry them when you travel, as they are always required upon re-entry of the U.S. Use registered mail if you need to send these documents somewhere. If the documents are lost or stolen, contact your DSO. If lost or stolen off-campus, file a report with the local police department, and notify your home embassy. Attempt to reenter the U.S. without these documents is likely to be denied, but temporary entry pending completion of I-515 may be allowed. 
• Present your name exactly as it appears on your passport for official record-keeping (with the College, immigration, SSA, banks, taxes, etc.)
• Mandatory health insurance through the College must be secured. 
• Upon completion of your degree, you have a 60-day grace period to depart the U.S., transfer to another program, change education levels, or apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• You are responsible for monitoring your visa expiration. A visa is an entry document, so you may remain in the U.S. on an expired F-1 visa, but must have a valid visa to re-enter the U.S. after travel. Visa renewal is only processed at a U.S. consulate in your home country, and your DSO can write a letter of support for visa renewal. If you are out of the U.S. for over 5 months (with the exception of approved off-campus study program), you need a new initial I-20.
• Notify the College registrar via email within 10 days of changes to your foreign address, U.S. address (including residence hall), and phone number.
• When applicable, your DSO issues a new/updated I-20. Present the newest document for travel, but keep old documents for record-keeping for your OPT application.
• Make normal progress toward degree completion. Change to expected program end date must be requested of your DSO prior to the I-20 expiration date. Program extensions require new financial documents and written support from your academic advisor recommending the extension, explaining reasons for the extension, and specifying a new completion date.
• If you transfer institutions during your program or attend another institution after completion at Sarah Lawrence, follow SEVIS transfer procedures. Communicate in advance with your DSO in this situation.
• You may ONLY work on campus at campus-sponsored jobs or participate in unpaid off-campus internships. View more information on the Employment page.
• F-1 students can typically participate in off-campus study, and advance planning is important to consider possible unique visa and employment issues. Your DSO's signature must be valid by the time of reentry to the U.S. from study abroad which may require FedEx or electronic request of your I-20 for a new signature.
• You are required to file a U.S. Federal Tax Return to report presence in the U.S. as well as any taxable income - even if you don’t have income. For more information, visit the Taxes portion of the Employment page.
• Family who wish to visit you in the U.S., may require a Letter of Invitation. Students should request this from your DSO with advance notice. 
• Do not throw away old immigration or tax documents. Maintain a file of important documents and photocopies of documents as a matter of permanent record. Contact your DSO for advice about which documents to keep, and which you may discard.