Douglas Olsen
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa must enroll in a full course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The number of credit hours required for a full course of study varies depending on the student's level and type of program. F-1 undergraduate students are typically required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, while F-1 graduate students must take a minimum of 9 credit hours. However, the specific requirements may differ depending on the institution and program, and international students should consult with an advisor to ensure they are meeting the necessary enrollment requirements for their visa status and maintaining their immigration status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate international students | Required to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester |
| Graduate international students | Required to be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours per semester |
| F-1 visa holders | Can count three credits in an online/distance learning course per semester toward the full-time enrollment requirement |
| J-1 visa holders | Cannot count online courses toward the full-time enrollment requirement |
| M-1 visa holders | Required to take at least 12 credit hours per term |
| Full-time enrollment | Defined differently for F-1 and M-1 students and depends on the program of study |
| Reduced course load | May be authorized for medical or academic reasons, with prior approval from the program sponsor |
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What You'll Learn
Undergraduate international students: 12 credit hours minimum
International students with F-1 visas who are enrolled in undergraduate courses are required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester to be considered full-time students. This requirement may vary depending on the student's specific situation and the regulations of their host country. For example, F-1 students can count three credits in an online/distance learning course per semester toward their full-time enrollment requirement, meaning that a minimum of 9 out of 12 credits must be on-campus and face-to-face.
In some cases, undergraduate international students may be allowed to enrol in fewer than 12 credit hours with special authorization. For instance, students with medical conditions or academic difficulties may be permitted to reduce their course load with approval from the appropriate authorities.
It is important to note that the requirements for maintaining full-time student status can vary based on the educational institution and the specific visa regulations of the host country. International students should consult with their academic advisors and international student advisors to ensure they are meeting the necessary requirements for their specific situation.
Additionally, the structure of an undergraduate course load can vary. Typically, an undergraduate student will take three in-person classes and one online/hybrid course for a total of 12 credits. However, this may differ depending on the credit distribution of each class and the requirements of the specific degree program.
In summary, undergraduate international students on an F-1 visa are generally required to maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, with at least nine of those credits being from on-campus courses. This requirement ensures their full-time student status, which is necessary for maintaining their visa status. Students should consult with advisors to ensure they are meeting all necessary requirements and to explore options for reducing their course load if needed.
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Graduate international students: 9 credit hours minimum
International students with F-1 immigration status are required to be enrolled full-time during the regular semesters (fall and spring). Summer and winter session enrollment is optional unless the student plans to complete their academic program during the summer term.
Graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester. However, students with a full-time graduate assistantship on campus (GA, TA, or RA) only need to take a minimum of 4 additional credits as their GA position counts as 5 credits. Graduate students must be enrolled in a full course of study as determined by their graduate study plans.
For F-1 graduate students, a minimum of 6 out of 9 credits must be on-campus, face-to-face. Only one online course can be counted toward the enrollment requirement. If it is their first or last semester, students who will take only one course during the summer term must take it on campus and not through online or distance education.
In their final semester, graduate students may be registered for less than 9 credit hours if they are registered for either the thesis or dissertation course during the fall and spring semesters. All previous classes must be completed before graduate students are allowed to take a reduced course load.
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F-1 visa: online course restrictions
F-1 visa holders are subject to several restrictions regarding online courses. Firstly, F-1 students are required to enrol in a full course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. This typically means taking at least 12 credit hours per semester, with a minimum of 9 out of 12 credits for undergraduates being on-campus and face-to-face.
Regarding online learning, F-1 visa holders may only transfer one online course or 3 credits per semester into their full-time degree program. This means that while they can take additional online courses of interest, these cannot be included in their regular curriculum. F-1 students must adhere to the requirements of a full course of study to maintain their visa status.
It is important to note that F-1 visa holders cannot count online courses towards their full-time enrolment requirement in their first or last term of enrolment. Additionally, online courses cannot be credited towards a full course of study for English language training students.
To summarise, while F-1 visa holders can take some online courses, they must primarily enrol in on-campus, face-to-face courses to maintain their visa status and meet the requirements of a full course of study. It is recommended that F-1 students consult with their educational institution or Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure they comply with the guidelines and maintain their residence status in the United States.
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J-1 visa: online course restrictions
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors, and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange. J-1 visa holders are subject to various restrictions and conditions, including those related to online course enrollment.
According to US federal regulations, F-1 and J-1 students may take one online course (up to a maximum of three credits) as part of each semester's full-time course load. This means that international students on a J-1 visa can take an online course for up to three credits per semester. However, they must still ensure they are enrolled full-time, which typically means a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students. These online courses must be listed by the University Registrar in the Schedule of Classes.
It is important to note that J-1 students must attend traditional courses with regular in-person meetings. Online courses cannot be the only course of enrollment in the final semester of study. Additionally, summer enrollment may be subject to online course restrictions if it is a required term or the first or final term of the student's academic program.
J-1 visa holders should also be aware of other restrictions and requirements. For example, participants in J-1 exchange programs cannot be candidates for tenure-track positions and must have sufficient English skills. There are also specific work restrictions, such as not being permitted to work off-campus without prior authorization. Additionally, taxation of income earned by J-1 visitors varies based on their category, country of origin, and duration of stay.
In summary, while J-1 visa holders can take online courses, their options are limited to one course for a maximum of three credits per semester. They must also comply with other J-1 visa restrictions and ensure they meet the full-time enrollment requirements of their academic program.
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Reduced course load: medical/academic reasons
International students in F-1 and J-1 status are required to maintain full-time enrollment during the school year. However, there are provisions for a reduced course load (RCL) due to medical or academic reasons.
Medical Reasons
A medical reduced course load (RCL) allows international students to remain in their host country and maintain their F-1 status while seeking medical treatment. To apply for an RCL, students must submit a letter from a licensed medical doctor, osteopath, or licensed clinical psychologist recommending a reduced course load due to a medical condition. The letter must be printed on official letterhead and include the contact information of the signatory. It should specify whether the recommendation is for part-time study or no study (0 credits) and the semester for which the RCL is recommended. The letter cannot be dated more than 30 days before the start of the term for which the RCL is requested.
Academic Reasons
Academic difficulties can also be a valid reason for requesting an RCL. Students must obtain a letter from their academic advisor recommending a reduced course load and elaborating on the circumstances.
Important Considerations
It is important to note that federal immigration regulations severely limit a student's ability to be less than full-time, and dropping below full-time enrollment without authorization can result in the loss of F-1 or J-1 status. Students should consult with an International Student Advisor or their academic institution's relevant office to understand the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an RCL.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can take electives for 12 credit hours. Undergraduate students are required to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester.
Undergraduate international students are required to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. Graduate students must generally be enrolled for at least 9 credit hours.
F-1 students can count three credits in an online/distance learning course per semester toward the full-time enrollment requirement. Therefore, a minimum of 9 out of 12 credits for undergraduates must be on-campus, face-to-face.
Yes, there are some situations where an F-1 student may be authorized to enroll in less than full-time for a given semester. For example, if the student is in their final semester or has completed all required coursework.
