Frequently Asked Questions: F-1 Visas

Undergraduate students at Seaver and Graziadio need to be enrolled in at least 12 units.
Graduate students from all Pepperdine schools need to consult the academic advisor at their school for more information.

Yes. Failure to secure an extension prior to the program end date will result in loss of F-1 status and accrual of unlawful presence. The e-form to request a program extension needs to be submitted on the OISS Portal before the program end date printed on the latest I-20.

Only in certain cases. Students curious whether they fit the criteria can read our website under "Maintain "full-time" enrollment, or apply for permission to reduce course load").

Yes. For more information on on-campus jobs and other types of employment in F-1 status, please visit this webpage.

Yes, with authorization from their DSO before starting to work. For more information on on-campus jobs and other types of employment in F-1 status, please visit this webpage.

Generally, all F-1 students must submit at least a form 8843 for the first 5 years in F-1 status. For more information on tax requirements for students in F-1 status, please visit this webpage under "Report your tax status to the US government").

The OISS Portal is the location of most the OISS' e-forms. You may also make an appointment for an OPT Workshop (applicable within 4 months of your Program End Date).

Step 1: Access the portal at oiss.pepperdine.edu, click "LOGIN," and enter the Pepperdine Network ID and Password.
Step 2: Click on "F-1 Student Services" to expand and show available forms. Click "Travel Permission or I-20 Update".
Step 3: Complete the form, making sure that all required fields are correctly filled in. Click "Submit" to submit the form.

*Note: You may also access the form on the OISS website by clicking on "OISS Forms" in the left-hand column.

For technical issues that arise on the OISS Portal, feel free to contact oisstech@pepperdine.edu for support.

 Please follow the steps outlined in the Travel Permission question above as soon as possible. Calling our office at 310.506.4246 after submitting the Travel Permission eform is highly recommended.

 Yes. A dependent can travel without the F-1 visa holder, as long as they have a valid endorsed I-20, a valid passport, and F-2 visa. For more information on travel, please head to our Travel for F-1 page (page to be created)

After submitting the Exit or Transfer e-form on the OISS Portal, the student needs to call our office at 310.506.4246. Regulations require the F-1 student to depart the US within 15 days upon withdrawal."

The student should fill out the Exit or Transfer e-form on the OISS Portal.

Graduating students should either apply for Optional Practical Training (starting with submitting the OPT Request e-form) or submit the Exit or Transfer Request e-form. Both e-forms are available on the OISS Portal. For more information on post-graduation options, please visit this webpage under "Provide an "exit statement" and depart within the grace period").

Read the OPT Manual  at least 4 months before your expected program end date.

Travel while an OPT application is pending is to be undertaken with caution. Please fill out a Travel Permission e-form on the OISS Portal 2-3 weeks before leaving the US.

Please read page 28 of the OPT Manual for more information on travel during OPT.

Please read page 27 of the OPT Manual for more information on what types of employment are allowed during OPT.

Please read page 24 of the OPT Manual for more information on reporting requirements to maintain F-1 status on OPT.

The SEVP Portal is not a replacement for reporting the information to the OISS! If you choose to use the SEVP Portal to make changes, you must also continue to report these changes to the OISS. For more information regarding the SEVP Portal visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov.