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International Student Affairs
Student Non-Immigrant Regulations
How to Stay in Legal Student Status
As a student admitted to the United States, you must meet certain obligations set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The general obligations are as follows:
- Maintain a passport that is valid for minimum period of 6 months into the future.
- Attend the school you are authorized to attend by USCIS.
- Pursue a full course of study and make normal progress towards the completion of the course of study. A full course of study at The Art Institute of California — Los Angeles is to complete 12 units or more each quarter.
- Apply for program extension as required by law.
- Follow USCIS procedures for transferring from one school to another.
- Follow USCIS procedures for changing from one program or educational level to another.
- Limit authorized employment, both on-campus and off-campus, to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session.
- Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization.
- Report a change of address to your International Student Advisor within 10 days of the change.
- Remain in close contact with the International Student Advisor to review all other regulatory compliance issues that might affect your status.
Violation of Status
According to the USCIS, a student is in violation if any of the following situations have occurred:
- Registration for less than a full course of study (12 credit hours) during one or more quarters of study without proper authorization.
- Taking a quarter off from school without proper authorization.
- Failing to make successful progress toward completing degree program (defined at The Art Institute of California — Los Angeles as any academic policy violation resulting in the suspension or dismissal of the student from school).
- Working illegally.
Students who fall out of status must consult the International Student Advisor regarding procedures for rectifying the problem. Falling out of status carries serious consequences and should be addressed immediately by students.