Lana Oconnell
International students are typically required to study full-time, but part-time study is possible in some countries. In the US, international students on an F-1 visa can study part-time, but they must first get approval from their university's international student office and comply with immigration laws. In Canada, international students can study part-time without affecting their student status, as long as they are enrolled in at least 9 credits during the Winter Term and their study permits are valid. At UMBC, international students on an F-1 visa must also seek approval from the ISSS before enrolling part-time. Additionally, students at UMBC can take up to half of their credits at another school while maintaining their full-time status. In the UK, international students can study part-time without a Student Visa for research courses, but they must attend the university for the equivalent of one week each year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate international students | Considered full-time for immigration purposes if they take 9 or more credits in each Winter Term. |
| Graduate international students | Required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester. |
| Undergraduate international students in the US | Required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. |
| International students in F-1 immigration status | Required to be enrolled full-time during the regular semesters (Fall and Spring). |
| International students with an F-1 visa | Able to study part-time. |
| International students in Canada | Allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. |
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What You'll Learn
Undergraduate students and part-time status
To study as an undergraduate student in the United States, international students typically need to obtain a student visa. The two main nonimmigrant visa categories are the F and M visas, with the F-1 visa being for academic students and the M-1 visa for vocational students. To maintain their visa status, international students must be enrolled as full-time students, taking a minimum of 12 units per quarter.
However, there are provisions for part-time study for undergraduate international students in certain circumstances. For instance, at UC San Diego, international students in their final graduating term with an F-1 or J-1 visa status may apply for part-time status. Approval for part-time study is granted for one full academic year or two continuous quarters. It's important to note that international students in F-1 or J-1 status must be approved by the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) and can only be approved for medical or graduating senior status.
Additionally, a Designated School Official (DSO) may authorize a reduced course load for F-1 students in specific situations, such as academic difficulties, illness, or medical conditions. This authorization can be granted once while the student is pursuing a course of study at that program level, and the student must resume a full course at the start of the next term, excluding summer sessions.
It's worth mentioning that international students on F-1 and M-1 visas can study at both public and private schools in the United States, as long as the institution is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified. This includes SEVP-certified K-12 schools, where international students can attend private schools but are restricted to only one year in public high schools.
In summary, while international undergraduate students typically need to maintain full-time status, there are provisions for part-time study in specific circumstances, and the relevant offices at the educational institution should be consulted for guidance on maintaining visa status.
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Graduate students and part-time status
Deciding whether to enrol as a part-time or full-time graduate student depends on various factors. The number of credit hours you take will determine your full-time or part-time status. Most educational institutions require graduate students to take a minimum of nine credit hours during each fall and spring semester to be considered full-time.
Full-time graduate students may be eligible for various financial aid opportunities, including grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans. Part-time students can also access financial aid, but they must be registered for at least six credit hours to qualify for the general eligibility criteria. However, part-time students may receive lower amounts of funding than their full-time counterparts.
Enrolling as a part-time student allows you to maintain a steady income during school and implement what you learn in class at your job. However, you may miss out on certain aspects of student life, such as clubs, organisations, or networking opportunities.
As a full-time graduate student, you can devote more time and energy to your studies and finish your degree faster. However, this may limit your flexibility to work outside of class. Additionally, full-time graduate programs often offer total or partial funding in exchange for working as a teaching assistant or research assistant.
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Immigration requirements for part-time study
International students in 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, in which case they must follow full-time enrollment rules. Undergraduate students are considered full-time for immigration purposes if they take 9 or more credits in each Winter Term. Graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester, while undergraduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
If an international student wishes to enroll for fewer than full-time hours, they must seek prior approval from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) using the "Reduced Course Load (RCL)" form. Students may be granted permission to enroll less than full-time for up to two semesters if they are in their last semester and only need to complete the remaining credits to graduate.
Students in F-1 status may also be concurrently enrolled at two different SEVIS-approved schools, as long as the combined enrollment amounts to a full-time course of study.
In Canada, international students are also generally required to be enrolled full-time. Undergraduate students are considered full-time for immigration purposes if they are enrolled in 9 or more credits in the Winter Term or Summer Session. Students who are enrolled part-time are considered to be maintaining their student status.
Additionally, international students in Canada who are enrolled full-time may be eligible to work off-campus without a work permit. To be eligible, students must meet certain requirements, such as being enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in their last semester without needing a full course load to complete their program.
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Work eligibility for part-time international students
International students in Canada and the United States are subject to different rules and regulations regarding their work eligibility, especially when studying part-time.
In Canada, international students with a valid study permit are generally allowed to work off-campus without a work permit, provided they meet certain requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and ensuring that their study permit allows them to work. As of November 8, 2024, students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without requiring a work permit. However, part-time enrolment can impact a student's ability to work on or off-campus and their eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To maintain eligibility for a PGWP, international students must have studied full-time during all academic terms.
In the United States, the eligibility to work for international students depends on their visa status. F-1 visa holders, considered full-time students, are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT provides training in the student's field of study, fulfilling academic credit requirements, while OPT allows work authorization related to the student's major for up to one year before or after graduation. To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and meet eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating severe economic hardship. M-1 visa holders, on the other hand, are classified as vocational students and are not permitted to work off-campus.
It is important for international students to consult with relevant authorities and advisors in their respective countries to understand the specific requirements and restrictions applicable to their work eligibility, especially when studying part-time.
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Visa requirements for part-time international students
The visa requirements for part-time international students vary depending on the country and the specific visa category. Here is a summary of the visa requirements for part-time international students in the United States and the United Kingdom:
United States:
To study in the United States as a part-time international student, you may need to obtain a student visa. There are two main non-immigrant visa categories: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa.
F-1 Visa (Academic Student):
- This visa is for full-time students enrolled in an accredited academic institution, such as a college, university, or language training program.
- To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
- F-1 students can work part-time on-campus, such as in a university bookstore or cafeteria, with proper authorization.
- Off-campus work authorization may be granted in case-by-case scenarios, such as severe economic hardship.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are also options for gaining experience in your field of study.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student):
- This visa is for students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
- M-1 students may be eligible for part-time on-campus employment under certain conditions.
It's important to note that working illegally in the US can lead to serious consequences, including jeopardizing your student status or even deportation.
United Kingdom:
- The UK offers a Student visa for those 16 or over, which may include part-time students.
- You must prove your identity and demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
- Part-time international students on a Student visa are restricted from working in the UK, including paid or unpaid work, placements, internships, or work experience.
- They are also restricted from working remotely for an overseas company while in the UK and cannot bring family members as visa dependents.
- However, overseas students can study research courses part-time without requiring a Student Visa, attending the University for the equivalent of one week per academic year.
Please note that visa requirements can change, and it is always best to refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Frequently asked questions
Undergraduate international students in Canada are considered full-time for immigration purposes if they take 9 or more credits in each Winter Term. They are considered part-time if they are enrolled in fewer than 9 credits.
International students in the US with F-1 immigration status are required by immigration law to be enrolled full-time during the regular semesters (Fall and Spring). Summer and Winter session enrollment is optional.
If you are enrolled part-time, you are considered to be maintaining your student status and can remain in Canada as long as your study permit is valid. However, you are not eligible to work on or off-campus for the remainder of the term.
Students who drop below full-time enrollment without prior approval from their international student advisor fail to maintain the terms of their status. They will lose the benefits of their status and be unable to stay and study in the US.
