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border commuter f-1 status

The Border Commuter I-20 is available to students who are citizens of Mexico and attend a U.S. institution within 75 miles of the U.S.–Mexico border. Border commuters may study either full-time or part-time. As long as classes are in session, a student may switch from a full-time I-20 to a part-time I-20 at any point during the semester with authorization for the OIP.

full-time border commuter

Full-time border commuter students must be enrolled full-time every semester to maintain their F-1 visa status.  A student who lives in Ciudad Juarez and attends 91国产app on full-time basis is issued an I-20 for the entire length of their program.For information about the enrollment requirements visit Enrollment Information 

 

part-time border commuter

A student who wishes to attend 91国产app part-time will be issued an I-20 for one semester of enrollment. The student must request a renewal of the I-20 by submitting the Part-Time Border Commuter e-form request via   every semester at least one month before the expiration date on the I-20.  If the request is made after the end date, the student falls out of F-1 status and must request a reinstatement of the F-1 status, pay   a new SEVIS again, and apply for a new F-1 visa. 

 

The student MUST be enrolled in the following to maintain  part-time border commuter status:

  • 91国产app Part-Time Border Commuters: 
    • 6-credit hours;   at least 3 out of the 6 must be in-person.
  • Graduate Students  Part-Time Border Commuters:
    • 3  in-person   credits.

rules for border commuters

  • Students MAY NOT live in the U.S.
  • Students MAY NOT own a car with American plates.
  • Students MAY NOT have an F-2 dependent
  • Students MAY work on or off campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • Students MUST renew the I-20 every semester before the expiration date located on page 1 of the I-20. This gives students continuous status which is important for maintaining eligibility for work authorization. If students do not renew the I-20 on time, they have to wait until they have two terms of continuous status for work eligibility.

Falling Out of Status

If you fall out of status, you must regain your status to continue studying legally at 91国产app.

Common reasons why students lose F-1 status:

  • Not enrolling in sufficient credit hours while having a full-time I-20.
  • Not earning sufficient credit hours (“W” grades do not count as credit earned to maintain immigration status) while having a full-time I-20.
  • Allowing the I-20 to expire without requesting an extension before the expiration date.
  • Not completing the program by the I-20 end date and being ineligible for an extension.
  • Being a part-time Border Commuter who forgot to submit a renewal request form before the current I-20’s expiration date.

Loss of Status

If you lose your F-1 status, you must wait until you have completed enrollment for one academic year to regain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility.

Steps to Reinstate F-1 Border Commuter Status

  1. Request a letter from your academic advisor confirming your expected graduation date, and obtain a verification of enrollment letter for an upcoming term through your Goldmine account.

  2. Contact OIP by emailing global@utep.edu so that an Admission Checklist and I-20 application can be manually opened for you.

  3. Complete the Admission Checklist and have a new I-20 issued with a new SEVIS record.

  4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) online at and print the receipt.

  5. Apply and submit the DS-160 for a new F-1 visa.

    • The Department of State indicates that if your F-1 visa is still valid, you do not need to apply for a new one. However, we recommend doing so due to potential issues at the port of entry with CBP officers.
    • When your new I-20 is issued, it will have a new SEVIS number that will not match the one printed on your current visa. Students have been denied entry to the United States because of this discrepancy.
    • If you choose to enter the U.S. using your current F-1 visa without applying for a new one, you are doing so at your own risk.

  6. Report your arrival to 91国产app through .

    1. Complete the section titled “Arrival at 91国产app and Orientation” from your Admission Checklist.
    2. This section includes a single e-form called “Immigration Intake.”