Before we jump in, let me introduce Ganesh Kalyanaraman – a trusted immigration attorney and valued partner at Griffin Black. Ganesh has helped everyone from Fortune 500 companies to first-year students navigate the maze of U.S. immigration. He’s known for his practical advice, deep expertise, and, perhaps most importantly, his empathy for the unique challenges international students face. Today, we’re talking about what every Indian student (and their families) should know about maintaining F-1 status-especially as the U.S. tightens its focus on compliance under the current administration.
Manish Thomare:
Ganesh, thanks for joining us! Let’s start with a scenario: Picture an excited student arriving in the U.S., ready to take on the world. What’s the first thing you’d want them to know about keeping their F-1 status safe?
Ganesh Kalyanaraman:
Thanks, Manish. I always say: “Your documents are your lifeline.” You need your passport (valid for at least six months into the future), all your I-20s, and your I-94 record. I once worked with a student who misplaced her I-20 in her first week-she spent days in a panic before we sorted it out. Keep digital copies of everything in your email or cloud storage. Losing track of paperwork can cause more stress than any exam!
Manish:
That’s a great tip! With all the new headlines about increased immigration scrutiny, how important is it to follow the academic rules?
Ganesh:
It’s more important than ever. The new administration is watching these details closely-schools are under pressure to report any irregularities. For undergrads, that means at least 12 credit hours per term; for grad students, it’s usually 9. Only one online class per semester counts toward your full-time load. If you need to drop below full-time-maybe because of illness or a family emergency-get written approval from your advisor first. I’ve seen students lose status over a single dropped class because they didn’t follow the right steps.
Manish:
Let’s talk about work. Many students want to gain experience or earn a little extra. What should they know?
Ganesh:
On-campus jobs are the safest bet-up to 20 hours per week during the semester, full-time in breaks. Off-campus work is trickier. You need authorization through CPT or OPT, and both require your Designated School Official (DSO) to sign off. I had a client, Raj, who started an off-campus internship before getting CPT approval. He nearly lost his status, but we managed to fix things in time. Always ask first-better a few days’ delay than risking your future.
Manish:
What about travel? Any horror stories there?
Ganesh:
Plenty! Imagine this: you fly home for a family wedding, but at the airport on your return, you find your I-20 isn’t signed for travel. One student I know spent hours at the border, frantically calling her DSO. She made it through, but it was a close call. Always check your SEVIS status and get your I-20 signed before leaving. And with the current climate, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is more likely to check your documents-and even your electronic devices-at the border.
Manish:
Many students bring family. What’s the deal for F-2 dependents?
Ganesh:
F-2 spouses and kids can study part-time but can’t work. It’s crucial to keep your DSO updated on any changes-address, phone number, or anything else. I’ve seen families get tripped up by something as simple as forgetting to report a new address.
Manish:
What happens if a student accidentally falls out of status?
Ganesh:
It’s serious. The Department of State can revoke visas for all sorts of reasons, sometimes without warning. If your SEVIS record is terminated or your visa is revoked, you could face removal or even detention. I always tell students: if something goes wrong, gather all your documents-SEVIS records, I-20s, travel history-and talk to an attorney right away. Most problems are fixable if you act fast.
Manish:
Any final words for students, especially with all the changes in the air?
Ganesh:
Stay proactive and informed. Read every email from your school’s international office. Report any changes within 10 days. If you finish your program, you have a 60-day grace period to transfer, apply for OPT, or leave the U.S. And never hesitate to ask for help-most issues can be solved if you catch them early.
Manish:
Ganesh, thank you for your insights and stories. To our readers: your journey in the U.S. is full of opportunities, but it pays to be careful. If you have questions or want to share your own experiences, reach out to us. We’re here to help you succeed!
This interview is part of our ongoing series to empower the Indian community with practical guidance on both wealth and immigration matters. Stay tuned for more!
Quick Tips for F-1 Students:
- Keep digital and physical copies of all your immigration documents.
- Only one online class per semester counts toward full-time status.
- Always get DSO approval before any changes to your course load or employment.
- Report address changes within 10 days.
- Don’t leave the U.S. without a travel signature on your I-20.
- If in doubt, ask-don’t assume!
