Academic Performance 

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.

Full-time Attendance

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. 

• Online Courses: You may complete online classes as part of the 12 units required to maintain full-time status as long as you enroll in 9 in-person units per academic term. Hybrid classes that include both online and on-campus instruction are considered the same as on-campus classes.

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. 

Update Information

Update your physical address and local phone number with the ISP office within 10 days of moving to a new location or receiving a new number. You must also update your WebReg portal with the new information within 10 days. 

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, the DSO will need to provide you with a new form I-20.

Update your information by submitting the Updating Student Information form for international students. 

Extending Your Program of Study

F-1 visa students are admitted to the United States for "Duration of Status" or D/S, which is defined as: 

• The time in which you are pursuing a full course of study and making normal progress toward completing your requirements, 

• The time you may be working in authorized practical training after you complete your studies – if you qualify and are so authorized, 

• 60 days to depart the U.S. after you complete your program.

The “Program End Date” on Page 1 of the I-20 Form issued to you by MPC's ISP office is the date by which ICE expects you 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.

Travel Signature

Whenever you plan to leave the U.S. temporarily and return to continue your studies at MPC, you must check with the ISP office about the documents you will need to re-enter this country. If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you must have the following:  

• 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

Please visit the ISP office 60 days in advance of any traveling in order to receive your travel signature.

Voluntarily Ending Program of Study

If you plan to leave MPC permanently, please notify the ISP office as soon as possible. If you have questions or would like a temporary leave of absence, please make an appointment with the ISP counselor. 

Not Maintaining F-1 Status

If you are unable to meet the following conditions of your visa: 

1. Remain in good academic standing

2. Maintain a full course of study during fall and spring semesters 

3. Update the ISP office of important changes to your status

You must meet immediately with the ISP counselor. You may also be asked to meet with the DSO and to sign a contract agreeing to maintain status for the following semesters.  If your status is not improved after signing a contract, you may not receive permission to return to MPC for the following semester.

Ultimately, if you fail to follow the F-1 status regulations outlined above, you may be terminated in the SEVIS system and will have to apply for Reinstatement through the USCIS.