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We know that being an F-1 international student in the U.S. requires following a lot of rules that can sometimes be hard to remember. Broward College has provided this ISSO FAQ resource to make your educational journey as an F-1 international student a little easier.
The information provided on this webpage is based on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) legal requirements for F-1 international students, as well as internal Broward College policies and procedures. As a SEVP-certified school, BC is legally required to follow ICE SEVP regulations to be able to admit F-1 students.
For more information on how to study in the U.S. as an F-1 international student, please visit the official SEVP-approved Study in the States for students page.
The Form I-20, known by SEVP as the Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is an important document issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution to international students. It certifies that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to live and study in the United States. It is required for F-1 international students to maintain status, but it is not a visa itself.
The I-20 is essential throughout the entire student life cycle:
You would need to be accepted at Broward College as an international student to receive the I-20. To review steps on how to become an accepted F-1 student at BC, please review the ISSO webpage.
A BC Designated School Official (DSO) will provide the I-20 to international students once they are accepted as a BC student.
A Designated School Official (DSO) is an employee who works directly in a SEVP-certified school and oversees enrolled F-1 students. This individual must report all international students' data in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). A DSO's main purpose is to assist F-1 students with the SEVP-certified school admissions process for international students and to serve as a contact to help international students maintain their F-1 visa status.
The Form I-20 is a three-page Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 visa status, confirming admission to a U.S. school, student identity, program details, and financial sufficiency. Page 1 contains key personal/program data and signatures, Page 2 covers travel and employment, and Page 3 outlines legal regulations.
Page 1: Student and Program Information
Page 2: Employment and Travel Endorsements
Page 3: Instructions to Students
Terms & Conditions: Lists regulations for maintaining F-1 status, including instructions on visa application, employment regulations, transfer procedures, program extensions, and re-entry to the U.S.
Yes. The I-20 must be signed by both an authorized DSO and the international student.
No. International students must sign the I-20 with a physical black or blue ink wet signature. A DSO, however, can sign either electronically or physically.
Once an I-20 is signed by an international student, the form must be sent to the DSO and include all pages (including the student's signature page) of the I-20.
If you are outside the U.S. and applying for the F-1 visa, you are considered an initial international student. Once an initial international student receives the I-20, they can use it to apply for the F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy office in their home country. For more information, review the Getting to the United States (Study in the States Resource) webpage.
International students must complete their program by the Program End Date listed in their I-20. If an international student needs more time beyond the Program End Date to complete a program, they must immediately consult with an academic advisor. If authorized, an international student's I-20 can be extended by a DSO.
If international students anticipate that they will graduate before the Program End Date listed on their I-20, they must immediately consult with an academic advisor. If approved, an international student's I-20 can be shortened by a DSO.
International students are responsible for ensuring they graduate by the Program End Date listed in their I-20. If international students fail to graduate by the Program End Date listed on their I-20 and a BC DSO is not properly informed of a request to extend or shorten an I-20, international students will be in violation of their visa status. Subsequently, the student's SEVIS record will be completed, and the student must apply for reinstatement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), transfer to a new program, or depart the U.S. within the 60-day grace period. The reinstatement process of an F-1 visa is complicated and must be requested directly with USCIS. Reinstatements must be authorized by USCIS, and USCIS typically only allows a terminated F-1 visa reinstatement if the violation was due to circumstances beyond the student's control.
International students must be enrolled in a full course of study, which SEVP defines as being enrolled for at least 12 credits per term. Typically, 12 credits consist of 4 classes, as most classes are comprised of 3 credits. However, credit hours vary per class. Being enrolled with fewer than 12 credits is only allowed during periods of annual vacations or authorized Reduced Course Load.
In academic terms, credits are units measuring the amount of work, time, and academic progress completed in a college or university-level class. Upon successful completion of classes, students will earn academic credits that count towards their program of study. For example, if an associate degree program consists of 60 credits, then the student must successfully pass all classes and earn at least 60 credits to graduate from the program of study.
Per SEVP regulations, international students seeking associate or bachelor's degrees are allowed to take up to three (3) credits or one (1) online class per term. International students in the English Training Program educational level (known in Broward College as English for Academic Purposes [EAP] program) cannot take any online classes. However, during an authorized annual vacation, international students, including those completing the English Training Program education level, can enroll in more than one (1) online class.
International students who are unable to continue attending a class should immediately consult their class instructor to determine if any accommodations may be provided. The attendance policy of a specific class is determined solely by the Broward College class instructor. A BC class instructor can withdraw a student from a class for non-attendance if it is determined that the student is not actively participating in a class. If an international student withdraws from a class, it can result in a violation of visa status.
It is highly recommended for international students not to travel while they are actively enrolled in classes. If international students wish to travel while taking classes, they should consult with a DSO and class instructor before traveling. Missing classes can result in being removed from a class by an instructor, which can lead to a violation of visa status. In addition, BC cannot guarantee that international students who travel, especially outside the U.S., will be allowed to re-enter Florida or the U.S.
Dropping a class means removing the class from a student's record, which decreases a student's enrolled credits per term. International students who drop a class and who are not on an authorized annual vacation or reduced class load will be enrolled below a full course load (at least 12 credits per term) and be considered in violation of visa status. International students are responsible for ensuring that they always remain enrolled in a full course of study. If international students wish to drop a class, they should consult an academic advisor for assistance.
Withdrawing from a class (which can be done by a student or a class instructor during a class enrollment verification period) means stopping participation in the class, exiting the class, and receiving a 'W' grade before the 60% point of completion in a class. The 'W' grade will remain on the student's Broward College record and will be counted as an international student being enrolled for less than 12 credits for the term. If an international student withdraws from a class and does not replace it with another class and remains enrolled in at least 12 credits, the student will be considered in violation of visa status. International students are responsible for ensuring that they always remain enrolled in a full course of study. If international students wish to withdraw from a class, they should consult an academic advisor for assistance.
Auditing a class means that a student completes a class but does not earn any academic credit for that class. Audit courses will result in an 'X' grade, which does not count as normal academic progress towards a full program of study. The 'X' grade will remain on the student's Broward College record. It is strongly recommended for international students NOT to audit a class due to the following reasons:
For more information regarding auditing classes, international students should consult an academic advisor for assistance.
In the context of international students with an F-1 visa, an annual vacation is an authorized period (an academic term) in which an international student may choose not to register for classes. An international student is maintaining their F-1 visa status during an annual vacation if they comply with visa requirements.
To qualify for an annual vacation, international students must:
Because of these SEVP regulations, annual vacations cannot occur during the last term required for program completion.
An annual vacation does not need to be taken during a specific term. However, most F-1 students complete their annual vacation during the summer term because of the structure of Broward College's academic calendar and due to F-1 student travel regulations set by SEVP. Due to these factors, it is highly recommended for F-1 students to take their annual vacation during the summer term. Below is the recommended timeframe for taking an annual vacation:
If the program of study begins in the Fall term (August to December)
If the program of study begins in the Spring term (January to May)
If the program of study begins in the Summer term (May to August)
During an annual vacation, international students may:
International students who study at Broward College are not required to request an annual vacation to their DSO, and there is no specific process for annual vacations required in SEVIS. However, international students should contact their DSO if they have questions to ensure that they qualify for annual vacation and always maintain their status.
International students can travel within the U.S. without receiving prior authorization from their DSO. However, international students are responsible for ensuring that they have their travel documents readily available when they arrive at any U.S. airport, such as their student visa, Form I-20, and passport. They are also responsible for ensuring that they return to Broward College on time.
Before international students travel outside the U.S., they must obtain a travel endorsement in their I-20 from their DSO. When traveling outside the U.S., students must carry their passport, a valid visa, and an I-20 with a valid travel endorsement. These documents will be required at a U.S. port of entry when reentering the U.S. Travel outside the U.S. should not be done while the student is enrolled in classes, as Broward College cannot guarantee that the student will be allowed to re-enter the U.S.
As stated in an international student's I-20 on page 2, a travel endorsement issued by a DSO is valid for twelve (12) months (1 year). However, during an application or active working period of Optional Practical Training (OPT), a travel endorsement is valid for six (6) months.
The longest period of time that an international student can be outside the U.S. during an annual vacation is five (5) months or less.
If an international student leaves the United States for more than five (5) months and cannot remain enrolled at the student's ICE SEVP-certified school, the student will not be able to maintain student status. To resume the program of study in the United States, the student will need to seek readmission in initial status, which includes obtaining a new Form I-20.
International students can absolutely study full-time during an authorized period of annual vacation. International students should consider studying during the summer term, as it can provide many advantages and additional opportunities, such as:
Maintaining Status: Staying enrolled helps ensure your SEVIS record remains in good standing. Consistent enrollment shows a strong commitment to your educational goals.
Simplified Travel: Having an active enrollment status can make the process smoother if you plan to travel internationally later in the year.
Faster Eligibility: Consistent study can help you reach the "one (1) full academic year" requirement faster, which is often needed to apply for benefits like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
If you are changing education levels (e.g., associate to bachelor's) and maintaining continuous F-1 status at the same school, your previous academic year counts. You do not need to complete another full academic year in the new education level to be eligible for an annual vacation if you have completed one (1) full academic year in the prior education level prior to an annual vacation.
F-1 international students should refer to the official USCIS/ICE/SEVP Travel webpage for detailed information regarding how to maintain F-1 visa status while traveling outside the U.S.
On-campus employment occurs when an international student is authorized to work at an on-campus job located in the same SEVP-certified school that the international student is currently studying in. Students working on campus may be employed by the school itself or by any independent companies serving the school's needs, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria providing food on campus premises. The employment must not displace U.S. residents.
International F-1 status permits students with Designated School Official (DSO) approval to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session. During vacation periods, students may work more than 20 hours per week. At Broward College, international student workers typically can work up to 27.5 hours when class is not in session. Availability of hours, however, varies by department and is often at the discretion of the hiring manager.
There are many ways to find available on-campus jobs for international students:
To participate in on-campus employment, international students must:
Per SEVP, it is considered an extremely serious violation of status if an international student participates in unauthorized employment of any kind, whether on-campus or not. If a DSO is notified of any unauthorized employment activity performed by an international student, whether disclosed by the student or not, the international student's SEVIS record must be terminated. Termination of a SEVIS record results in revocation of F-1 visa status and may disqualify an international student from reapplying for F-1 visa status at Broward College or any other SEVP-certified school. Therefore, international students must always report their intention to participate in employment while in the U.S. to their DSO.
The primary purpose of an international student's presence in the U.S. is to complete a program of study. Employment is considered a benefit that is incidental to status but not required. This means that to maintain on-campus employment, international students must always maintain their F-1 visa status. Therefore, international students must always prioritize their academic requirements over on-campus employment.
If BC international student workers believe that you are not performing well academically due to on-campus employment interfering with their program of study, they should talk to their hiring manager to determine if any accommodation can be provided. Ultimately, the student is responsible for ensuring that both academic and employment requirements are met.
All international students who participate in on-campus employment must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
On-campus employment for F-1 international students must end immediately upon completion of their academic program, when the I-20 expires (by program end date), or if they withdraw from their program. Students cannot work on campus after their program end date, even if they have a grace period to remain in the U.S.
International students who wish to legally drive in the U.S. must obtain a government-issued driver's license. In general, the Driving in the United States (Study in the States resource) provides more information on the process for driving in the U.S. Each U.S. state has its own requirements for obtaining a driver's license.
International students who wish to obtain a Florida driver's license must visit a local Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and provide the appropriate documents.
International students should refer to the Florida DMV driver's license process for non-immigrants to determine which documents will be required to apply for a Florida driver's license. Typically, international students must bring a signed I-20, a valid passport, their most recent student visa, and proof of Florida residence to the Florida DMV.
Secondary school (high school) education credentials
Upon applying to Broward College, all international students must provide official proof of high school (secondary school) graduation. Different types of secondary school credentials include:
Post-secondary (university) education credentials
U.S. university transcripts - Students who enrolled (completed classes) in a U.S. university must provide official university transcripts with complete grades. Transcripts with classes in progress are considered incomplete and do not meet admissions criteria.
Non-U.S. university transcripts - Students who enrolled (completed classes) in a university outside the U.S. must provide original university transcripts with complete grades (transcripts with classes in progress are considered incomplete and do not meet admissions criteria), and a commercial evaluation of the university's credentials that is completed by a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The commercial evaluation must be based on original academic credentials and must include the following:
In addition, if the university transcripts are in any language other than English, the credentials must be translated into English by an American Translators Association (ATA) certified company. Typically, commercial evaluation companies include translation services.
Broward College can only determine transferability of foreign credits once the original non-U.S. university education credentials, commercial evaluation(s), and certified translation(s) (if applicable) have been officially submitted to BC. The student is responsible for evaluation fees, and there is no guarantee that coursework will be transferred.
Education credentials from other countries, whether they are secondary (high school) or post-secondary (university), are considered official when they are submitted to Broward College in their original paper in color and have not been altered by the student. Non-U.S. credentials are not required to be enclosed in official envelopes, and they are also not required to include apostilles, stamps, or seals. However, BC retains the right to determine if credentials are original. Photocopies of original education credentials are not acceptable.
High school education credentials are considered complete if it proves that the student graduated high school or has satisfied the equivalency of high school graduation in the U.S. Typically a high school graduation or a test completion date is provided.
Post-secondary education credentials are considered complete if all classes have been completed, final grades are posted, and there are no classes in progress.
Original non-U.S. high school and university education credentials should be submitted in person at a BC Admissions and Registration office (Central, North, or South Campus). Since original non-U.S. education credentials are typically difficult to obtain, non-U.S. education credentials should not be submitted via mail. Broward College is not responsible for lost mail. However, official commercial evaluations must be officially mailed or sent electronically to the Broward College's Registrar's Office or campus Admissions Office. If official commercial evaluations do not include photocopies of original education credentials, which commercial evaluation companies typically provide, then the student must also submit the original non-U.S. post-secondary education credentials in person.
U.S. high school and university transcripts must be officially sent via mail or electronically to the Broward College's Registrar's Office. Diplomas are not accepted. Students may also deliver U.S. education credentials in person at a BC Admissions and Registration office, if they are official and in a sealed envelope. If envelopes containing transcripts are unsealed or if electronic transcripts can be accessed by a student upon arrival at Broward College, such records will be considered unofficial and will not be accepted.
Yes, international students seeking associate degrees can opt out of providing a commercial evaluation for their non-U.S. university education credentials. If international students opt out of the commercial evaluation requirement, they are relinquishing their foreign (outside the U.S.) university credits from being transferred to Broward College. If a student opts out of this option and then completes any classwork that is later deemed equivalent to Broward College's coursework, the student will not be reimbursed for those classes taken at the College. Furthermore, regardless of opting out of the commercial evaluation requirement, all students will still be required to provide original education records and an ATA-certified translation, if applicable.
International students seeking bachelor's degrees are not eligible to opt out of the commercial evaluation of non-U.S. university education credentials, as the document is required for admission.
Placement testing determines students' readiness to succeed in university-level classes based on test scores that measure competence in certain subjects, such as Reading, English (also known as Writing), and Math. All Broward College students who are seeking an associate degree must satisfy placement testing as part of their admissions process.
There are three different ways to satisfy placement testing:
International students can use TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE test scores to satisfy their placement testing requirements if:
Please review the BC Test Score Reports and Score Transcripts webpage for more information on how to send official test scores to BC.
Students interested in taking a placement test at Broward College must make a testing appointment with the Testing and Assessment department.
A BC student's first attempt at a placement test on campus is free. However, taking a test remotely or retaking a placement test, whether on campus or remotely, will incur a cost. Please refer to the BC Testing and Assessment fees webpage for more information.
Test scores from placement tests are valid for two (2) years.
Yes. Students must make a remote testing appointment with the BC Testing and Assessment department, pay, obtain a testing voucher and code, and use the appropriate software to complete a placement test remotely. Students are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary hardware and software to complete this requirement.
Students can contact the Testing and Assessment department (see Contact Us section) if they experience issues with a BC placement test or need help scheduling a placement test.
Students can contact their DSO to determine which placement test they need to complete. The Testing and Assessment department cannot determine which placement test a student needs to complete.
Students must make a remote testing appointment with the BC Testing and Assessment department and submit an official, valid government-issued identification before a testing appointment can be made. In addition, students cannot take a placement test until their DSO submits a testing referral form to the Testing and Assessment department.
Students who intend to complete a placement test in BC must follow BC's testing requirements and guidelines, which include topics like acceptable IDs, testing preparation resources, and prohibited items while testing.
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Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the U.S. that is used by a US Social Security Administration (SSA) office to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes. Every F-1 visa student who is granted employment authorization in the U.S. needs an SSN.
Once international student workers are approved to begin authorized on-campus employment in BC for the first time, they will be contacted by Broward College's Talent and Culture department to begin the SSN application process. International students must visit an SSA office and provide the required documents, which typically include an I-20 with on-campus employment authorization, a passport, and an F-1 visa. International students must also ensure that their SEVIS record is in Active status for at least two days and that they wait at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. before applying for an SSN. Please review the Study in the States resource for Obtaining a Social Security Number for more information.
International students must provide their SSN to BC's Talent and Culture department as soon as it is available after receiving a Broward College job offer for the first time. International students must also ensure that their SSN is updated in their Broward College student record by providing the BC Admissions and Registration department with the new SSN card within 10 days of obtaining it. The Broward College International Student Services Office (ISSO) cannot view or modify international students' SSNs in their Broward College student records.