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3. International students are legally in this country on student visas (F-1) issued by the United StatesEmbassy or Consulate in their home country. International students must always be careful to guardtheir visa status. These are some of the important legal restrictions for international students:i.) International students must, at all times, carry a full course load (Minimum of 12 credit hours peracademic semester) and maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree objective.ii.) International students may NOT work off campus without proper authorization from IPO. This isonly granted in demonstrated cases of severe economic hardship. The application process isvery complicated and is not guaranteed. However, there are two categories that allow a studentto work legally, Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Pleasesee your international advisors for additional information.iii.) International students must never let their I-20 expire.iv.) Before traveling outside the U.S., international students must have their I-20s signed on page3 by the Principal designated School Official (PDSO) or Designated School Official (DSO). Atravel signature is valid for one year, six months for Mexico and Canada. Failure to do so mayresult in students may not being allowed to reenter the U.S.*** Students who breach items i) and ii) are considered to be out of status and must reapply for anew student visa. This usually means that the student must return to his/her home country to obtaina new visa.4. International students must always inform IPO when you change your major area of study or address.5. When traveling in and out of the U.S., international students must carry I-20 form with them atall times.6. International students must keep their passports valid at least six months into the future.7. During the first week of each semester, ALL international students are required to come by InternationalPrograms Office for SEVIS registration. Failure to comply could result in termination from SEVIS.International students should always remain in touch with the International Programs Office. They must be incompliance with all United States immigration and naturalization regulations and with all Methodist Universitypolicies. They must report departure dates of travel and provide copies of social security cards, I-20 forms, I-94forms, and avoid working off-campus. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the loss of F-1 status.International Student Health InsurancePolicyAll international students attending Methodist University are required to be enrolled in a qualifying healthinsurance plan. Students are automatically enrolled and billed for Methodist University-sponsored healthinsurance plan. All UWC students are required to purchase the MU insurance policy.If you wish to be considered for a waiver, you must contact the MU Student Health Center by theDrop/Add date. Contact the International Programs office for the waiver form; failure to waive the planby the deadlines will result in your remaining enrolled in the plan offered by Methodist University andyou will be responsible for paying the insurance premium. A waiver is required each academic year youare enrolled at Methodist University.Your waiver request is subject to approval by the MU Insurance Coordinator and Dean of Students. Theywill determine if your policy meets the requirements set forth by Methodist University. A decision will bemade concerning your request for health insurance waiver within ten business days.If your waiver request is denied, or if you decide to use the MU health insurance plan at any time beforethe final decision is made, you will remain enrolled in the plan offered by Methodist University and youwill be responsible for paying the insurance premium.In most cases a Travel Insurance plan is not acceptable for a waiver. Please submit your waiver requestand policy information in English by scan/email lfrench@methodist.edu. You may contact Ms. Lori Frenchby email or phone (910-630-7652) for further waiver information.All insurance plans must meet the following requirements in order for the student to be eligible for the waiver:• Minimum coverage of US$50,000• Medical Evacuation – minimum coverage of US$10,000• Repatriation – minimum coverage of US$7,500• Co-insurance must not exceed 25%• Deductible must not exceed US$50048