The F‑1 student visa is the most common type of visa for international students who want to study full-time in the United States. It allows non-U.S. citizens to enroll in academic programs at accredited institutions such as universities, colleges, high schools, seminaries, and language training programs. 

For many, the F-1 visa is a gateway to new academic and professional opportunities. But with this comes responsibility, in order to keep the F-1 visa, students must follow strict rules, this involves full time enrolment and consistent class attendance. 

In this blog, we’ll explain how the F‑1 visa works and the attendance requirements it brings with it. 

How Does the F‑1 Student Visa Work?

The F‑1 visa process starts well before a student arrives in the United States. Here’s a quick overview of the key steps and responsibilities every international student needs to understand.

1. Get accepted by a SEVP-certified school

Firstly, to apply for the F-1 visa, the student must be admitted to a school that is certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, the school issues a Form I‑20, which outlines the student’s program and expected duration.

2. Pay the SEVIS fee and complete the DS-160

After receiving the I‑20, the student must pay the SEVIS I‑901 fee. This activates the SEVIS ID, a unique number used to track student visa records. Next, they complete the online Form DS‑160 and schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. 

3. Attend the visa interview

At the interview, students must show proof of school admission, financial support, ties to their home country, and intent to return after studies. If approved, they receive the F‑1 visa and can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before their program starts.

4. Check in with your school upon arrival

After arriving in the U.S., students must report to their Designated School Official (DSO) to confirm their arrival and activate their SEVIS record. Failing to do this may result in visa termination.

5. Maintain your visa status

To stay in status, F‑1 students must:

• Enroll full-time (usually at least 12 credit hours for undergraduates).
• Attend classes regularly.
• Avoid unauthorized employment.
• Get approval from their DSO before making changes like dropping courses or transferring schools.

6. What happens if you break the rules?

Violating visa terms, like falling below full-time enrollment or missing too many classes, can result in your SEVIS record being terminated. This means losing your legal right to remain in the U.S. Reinstatement is possible in some cases, but it can be a long and uncertain process.

F‑1 Visa Attendance Requirements Explained

Maintaining full-time enrollment is one of the core requirements of the F‑1 student visa. But it’s not just about being registered for enough courses, students are also expected to show up and participate.

Full-time study is not optional

F‑1 students must be enrolled full-time during each academic term (excluding official school breaks). For undergraduate students, this typically means at least 12 credit hours per semester; for graduate programs, the requirement is usually 9 credit hours.

Dropping below full-time status without prior approval from your DSO is a violation of visa terms and may result in the termination of your SEVIS record.

Schools monitor your attendance

While there is no federal rule that defines a specific number of allowed absences, U.S. schools are responsible for ensuring that F‑1 students are actively participating in their academic programs. That includes monitoring attendance in class and flagging any signs of disengagement.

Many institutions now use digital tools to track attendance patterns. If a student stops attending or misses too many classes without valid justification, the school must report this through SEVIS; potentially putting the student’s visa at risk.

Absences can affect your legal status

Missing too many classes isn’t just a matter of academic performance. If a school determines that a student is no longer attending or participating meaningfully in classes, they are required to terminate that student’s SEVIS record. This makes the student immediately out of status, meaning they are no longer legally allowed to remain in the U.S.

Even legitimate reasons like illness or emergencies need to be properly documented and communicated to your DSO in advance to avoid negative consequences.

Academic probation is not the same as visa violation

It’s important to note that academic probation and visa status are two separate issues. A student may be placed on academic probation due to low grades but still maintain their F‑1 status if they’re enrolled full-time and attending class. On the other hand, a student with good grades who stops attending or drops below the required course load without approval may be in violation of their visa, even if their academic standing remains high.

Attendance tracking tools and compliance for F‑1 visa students

Schools must monitor whether students attend and participate in their programs, and they must report prolonged non-attendance through SEVIS. If a student stops attending without approval, the school can terminate the student’s SEVIS record, which may cause the student to lose legal status in the U.S.

Why early alerts matter

Even a few weeks of unexplained absence can put a student at risk. That’s why it’s critical to detect attendance issues early, before they become visa problems. Institutions need systems in place that flag patterns of non-attendance and help staff intervene in time.

For example, if a student is missing classes regularly, an early notification system can give advisors or DSOs a chance to contact the student, understand what’s going on, and take appropriate steps, such as medical leave documentation or academic support, before SEVIS intervention is required.

Attendance tools that support both students and DSOs

So how are teachers meant to keep track of students’ attendance?

“U.S. colleges are legally required to track attendance for F‑1 visa students and report significant absences.” DSOs are trained to frequently review attendance and enrollment data to ensure compliance. 

Institutional methods may vary, some include: 

• Manual roll calls or paper sign-ins, common in small classes
• QR codes or seat assignments, though they can be susceptible to misuse
• Mobile check-in apps: apps/systems which allow you to track attendance online in a quick and reliable manner. 
• Biometric systems (e.g. fingerprint or facial recognition) in more security-driven environments

Compliance oversight by federal regulators

Institutions are subject to regular audits and on-site reviews by SEVP. They must demonstrate both that attendance policies are enforced and that records are maintained accurately. Failure to do so can lead to loss of SEVP certification and the ability to host international students.

Institutional follow-up protocols

Once an alert is triggered, universities typically:

• Contact the student to verify the situation (e.g. illness, personal emergency)
• Document official reasons (doctor’s notes, court summons, etc.)
• Update SEVIS via the DSO if necessary
• Create academic support plans when warranted

These steps form a structured compliance process, ensuring students stay on track and visa risks are minimized.

Finding the right tool

For universities managing F‑1 visa compliance, choosing the right attendance system is critical. Many international students attend short on-campus residencies just a few times per semester, so schools need a system that doesn’t waste time, disrupt teaching, or leave room for error.

In this context, the most effective attendance tools share three key qualities:

1. Accuracy: Because attendance records can impact a student’s visa status, schools need tools that reduce the chance of false check-ins or missed logs. Traditional systems like QR codes or sign-in sheets are easy to manipulate or forget. Bluetooth-based check-ins, on the other hand, ensure students are physically present and reduce the risk of proxy check-ins. 

1. Speed: International student residencies are often short and intensive. With only a few days on campus, instructors can’t afford to spend valuable class time taking attendance manually. 

1. Easy access to information: DSOs and academic staff need fast access to up-to-date attendance data to respond to any issues in real time. Exportable logs, attendance dashboards, and absence alerts help institutions monitor trends and act before non-attendance becomes a SEVIS issue.

While many platforms offer one or two of these features, tools like Attendance Radar combine all three: accurate location-based check-ins, real-time reporting, and simple access to exportable records. This makes it a practical option for institutions juggling compliance needs with limited classroom time.

Case study: Indiana Wesleyan University’s international residency program

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) runs international residency programs for students on F‑1 visas as part of its hybrid degree offerings. These short, on-campus sessions are critical for maintaining visa status and qualifying for CPT or OPT. In July, IWU started using Attendance Radar across three residencies to streamline attendance tracking.

Key results:

• 20,000+ check-ins
• 3,000+ students
• 500+ sessions
• Virtually no support requests

Deedee Smith, Director of International Student Program Residencies, said:

“Attendance Radar provided our faculty with a low-stress method of student accountability… Codific has felt like a true partner rather than just a vendor.”

Following the rollout, the team made improvements based on feedback – such as more flexible course import tools and enhanced export formats. IWU plans to continue using Attendance Radar for all residencies through the 2024–2025 academic year.

Final Tips for F‑1 Visa Holders

Studying in the U.S. on an F‑1 visa comes with great opportunities and important responsibilities. Here are a few key reminders to help you stay on track:

1. Stay informed on your visa responsibilities: Make sure you understand the rules around full-time study, work eligibility, and travel. U.S. immigration regulations can change, so it’s smart to stay updated through your school’s international office and political resources. 
2. Maintain full-time enrollment, and show up: Being enrolled full-time is a core requirement of the F‑1 visa, but attending class consistently is just as important. Poor attendance can lead to a loss of legal status, even if your grades are fine.
3. Use Attendance Radar as your safety net: Keeping your attendance on record is not just helpful, it’s protective. Tools like Attendance Radar give you a simple, reliable way to ensure your attendance is logged and visible, reducing the risk of accidental violations.
4. Talk to your DSO before making changes: Thinking about dropping a course, switching programs, or taking a break? Always speak with your DSO first. They can guide you on what’s allowed and help you avoid unintentionally breaking visa rules.

With the right tools and a proactive approach, you can focus on what you came here for: learning. And by staying on top of your attendance, you’re not just protecting your visa, you’re building a habit of accountability that will serve you long after graduation.