International Students: Can They Study Part-Time?

International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are typically required to maintain full-time enrollment, which involves enrolling in a predetermined number of credit hours or courses as defined by their educational institution. However, there are certain circumstances in which international students can study part-time while maintaining their F-1 visa status. This includes academic challenges, medical issues, or other qualifying conditions that may make it difficult for a student to achieve full-time enrollment requirements. In such cases, students can apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization, which allows them to continue their studies part-time while still holding an F-1 visa. It is important for international students considering part-time study to carefully understand the terms and limitations of their visa and to maintain open communication with their university's international student office to ensure compliance with immigration laws and visa requirements.

Can international students be part-time students?

Part-time study on an F-1 visa

International students on an F-1 visa are typically required to maintain full-time enrollment, which involves enrolling in a predetermined number of credit hours or courses as defined by their educational institution. Undergraduate students typically have to enroll in at least 12 credits per semester, while graduate students may have a separate full-time requirement, averaging around 9 credits per semester.

However, there is a mechanism known as Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization that allows international students to continue their studies part-time while still holding an F-1 visa. To be eligible for an RCL, you must provide valid reasons for your inability to achieve full-time enrollment, such as academic challenges or medical issues. Before reducing your course load, it is crucial to obtain clearance from your Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure that you understand the rules and regulations set by U.S. immigration.

If your request for an RCL is approved, you must follow the detailed reporting guidelines established by your DSO and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These guidelines may include submitting the required paperwork and maintaining regular contact with your DSO during your authorized part-time study period. It is important to note that an RCL is typically granted for a specific timeframe and purpose, after which you must return to full-time enrollment if you still meet the necessary requirements.

While on an F-1 visa, international students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is an off-campus employment option that must be an integral part of your degree program or a requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit. OPT is a form of temporary employment directly related to your program of study. Both CPT and OPT have specific requirements and restrictions that students should carefully consider before making any decisions.

Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorisation

International students with an F-1 visa are typically required to maintain full-time enrollment, which involves enrolling in a predetermined number of credit hours or courses as defined by their educational institution. However, there is a mechanism known as Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization that allows international students to continue their studies part-time while still holding an F-1 visa.

RCL authorization is typically granted in cases of academic difficulties, unfamiliarity with US teaching methods, or medical issues. Academic advisors or designated school officials (DSOs) must verify and approve these situations. For medical issues, a letter from a medical provider is required, recommending either that the student be part-time or not enrolled due to medical circumstances. This letter cannot be dated more than 30 days before the start of the term for which the RCL is requested.

The process for requesting an RCL authorization varies depending on the university. At the University of Michigan, for example, students log in to the M-Passport portal and click on Requests > Reduced Course Load (RCL). The U-M International Center then determines eligibility, reports the RCL to SEVIS, and generates a new I-20 form if necessary.

It is important to note that a lack of financial support does not constitute a valid reason to reduce the course load according to immigration regulations. Additionally, students must maintain health insurance coverage for their request to be processed.

Failing to obtain RCL authorization before dropping below full-time enrollment can result in losing F-1 status and facing immigration breaches. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to maintain open lines of communication with their university's international student office and their DSO to understand the terms and limitations of their visa and ensure compliance with immigration laws.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for your degree, or you must receive academic credit for it. You must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT). CPT employment must be directly related to your major or field of study, and you must have received a job offer that qualifies before submitting your CPT authorization request. Your DSO must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. While in school, you can only be approved for part-time CPT, and your total work hours cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term.

CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization. Prior authorization by your school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required. Once you receive CPT authorization, you can only work for the specific employer and for the specific dates authorized. Your CPT authorization will specify whether you are approved for part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time CPT employment (more than 20 hours per week).

Employment restrictions

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are typically required to maintain full-time enrolment, which involves enrolling in a predetermined number of credit hours or courses as defined by their educational institution. However, there is a mechanism known as Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorisation that allows international students to continue their studies part-time while still holding an F-1 visa. To maintain their visa status, students must follow immigration laws and keep open lines of communication with their university.

Regarding employment restrictions, F-1 students' total work hours cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term. They may, however, work full-time during their school's annual break or when school is not in session. To be eligible for off-campus employment, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and experienced severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include world events such as natural disasters, wars, and financial crises.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option for F-1 students when the practical training is integral to their curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for their degree or offer academic credit. CPT employment can be part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week), but students can only be approved for part-time CPT while still in school. Prior authorisation by the school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) are required for CPT employment.

Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total, and part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half. OPT EAD applications can be submitted without a job offer, but employment must be "directly related" to the student's major.

Maintaining student visa status

International students on an F-1 visa in the USA are typically required to maintain full-time enrolment, which involves enrolling in a predetermined number of credit hours or courses as defined by their educational institution. Undergraduate students, for instance, typically have to enrol in at least 12 credits per semester, while graduate students may have a separate full-time requirement, averaging around 9 credit hours each semester.

To maintain student visa status, international students must follow US government immigration regulations and maintain their F or M student status. This means that students must not take any action that detracts from the purpose of their visa, which is to study. Students must also maintain normal academic progress and standing. Failure to do so may result in academic probation, dismissal, suspension, or other negative consequences, which may impact their ability to maintain full-time enrolment and their F-1/J-1 status.

International students must be registered for a full course of study in classes that meet their degree requirements during the fall and spring semesters. Summer admits are required to enrol in a full course load during their first summer session. Students must also attend all their classes and maintain continuous academic progress towards the completion of their program of study.

In limited circumstances, students may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorisation if they are unable to achieve full-time enrolment. For example, if a student is having trouble keeping up with their coursework or transitioning to the American educational system, they may qualify for an RCL. A medical problem that prevents a student from enrolling full-time is another justification for studying part-time. To be eligible for an RCL under this category, students must provide supporting paperwork from a recognised medical professional.

Students should also be aware of the expiration date on their I-20/DS-2019. If they cannot complete their degree by this date, they must request a program extension before the expiration date. Students who do not file a program extension on time will be considered out of status and must depart the United States after completing their program of study.

Frequently asked questions