Lana Oconnell
International students in the United States are required to maintain their legal status by registering for a full course of study, which is typically a minimum of 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Summer session enrollment is usually optional for international students, unless it is their first term, their academic department requires it, or it is their final term. To maintain their legal status, international students must also abide by U.S. federal employment regulations, which stipulate that F-1 students may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during official college breaks. Additionally, international students must have prior approval before withdrawing from courses and are limited in the number of online classes they can take to meet full-time enrollment requirements. Understanding these obligations is crucial for international students wishing to undertake 8-week courses in the U.S. and maintain their legal status with USCIS.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Course requirements | International students must be enrolled full-time (12 credits, if undergraduate; 9 credits or 8 credits with an assistantship, if graduate; 800-level course, if law; 11 credits, if other law programs) each academic semester. |
| Online classes | International students can count no more than one online class or 3 credits, whichever is less, towards full-time enrollment requirements each semester. |
| On-ground classes | Students must be enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours of on-ground classes before they’re permitted to take online classes. |
| Summer session | Summer session enrollment is optional for international students unless it is their first term, their academic department requires it, or summer is their final term. |
| Work | F-1 students may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during official college breaks. |
| Off-campus work | F-1 students cannot work off-campus (including credit-bearing internships off-campus) without prior authorization from the college and the U.S. |
| Visa | International students must have an F-1 Visa (Academic Student) or M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) to enter the U.S. as a full-time student. |
| Residence | International students must maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up. |
| English proficiency | International students must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. |
| Funds | International students must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study. |
| Form I-94 | International students must carry a printed copy of their most recent Form I-94 at all times. |
| Address | International students who change their local address must report the change within 10 days of moving. |
| SEVIS transfer | F-1 or J-1 students who have been admitted to a new school must request a SEVIS transfer from OIS before the effective date of their suspension/dismissal. |
| Leave of Absence | F-1 international students who wish to take a semester off during the academic year must receive authorization for a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the International Student Advisor. |
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What You'll Learn
International students must maintain F-1 status
International students with an F-1 visa must maintain their status by adhering to several requirements and guidelines. Firstly, F-1 students must be enrolled in a full course of study each term. If they cannot study full-time, they should immediately consult their Designated School Official (DSO) and may be eligible for a reduced course load under specific circumstances. Maintaining F-1 status also requires seeking DSO approval before dropping a class.
To maintain their status, F-1 students must intend to register for classes in the academic term following their annual vacation. They are eligible for annual vacation only after completing at least one full academic year at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. F-1 students must also comply with the regulatory limits for distance learning, as outlined in relevant regulations.
In terms of employment, F-1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions. After the first year, they may engage in specific types of off-campus employment, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). Any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the DSO and USCIS.
Additionally, F-1 students must maintain English proficiency or be enrolled in courses to achieve it. They are required to have sufficient funds for self-support during their studies and retain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up. F-1 students must also comply with address reporting requirements, updating their local address within 10 days of moving. Failure to maintain F-1 status can result in negative consequences, and students may need to take prompt action to continue their status or depart the United States.
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Reduced course load requirements
International students in the US on F-1 or M-1 visas are required to be enrolled full-time at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution. This means that they must be taking at least 12 semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term.
However, there are certain circumstances under which international students can be authorised to take a reduced course load (RCL). This must be approved in advance by a Designated School Official (DSO). Reasons for a reduced course load may include:
- Initial academic difficulties
- Temporary illness or medical condition
- Fewer courses are needed than a full course load in the last term to complete the program of study
- Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
- Pregnancy or childbirth with complications
The period of time for a reduced course load cannot exceed an aggregate of 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a particular program level. F-1 students must still be taking at least 6 semester or quarter hours or half the clock hours required for a full course of study. M-1 students may only receive a reduced course load for illness or a medical condition and can be excused from all classes for up to five months while remaining in M-1 status.
It is important to note that the rules for reduced course load are very strict, and students must plan appropriately. Students who fail to maintain their F-1/J-1 status are considered out of status and may need to transfer to another university or leave the country.
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Visa options for international students
International students who wish to study in the US must obtain a student visa. The type of visa required depends on the nature of the course of study. The two most common student visas are the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa.
The F-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. To qualify for an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Their school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and accredited by the Department of Homeland Security. F-1 visa holders may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, F-1 visa holders may engage in off-campus employment in specific circumstances, such as severe economic hardship or special student relief.
The M-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. To qualify for an M-1 visa, students must be enrolled in a vocational or non-academic program at a school approved by the SEVP. M-1 visa holders may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies, and any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by a Designated School Official.
Another visa option for international students is the J-1 exchange visitor visa. This visa is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants. J-1 visa holders must maintain their status by following specific guidelines, and they must contact their responsible officer to determine if they qualify for work outside their program of study.
It is important to note that international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must maintain their status by complying with certain requirements, such as full-time enrollment and maintaining a valid address. Failure to maintain their status can result in negative consequences, including suspension or expulsion. Additionally, students on these visas may be required to carry specific documentation, such as Form I-94, which serves as their official immigration registration.
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Employment rules for international students
International students in the US can obtain work authorization under specific circumstances, whether during their studies or after graduation. The process for obtaining authorization is straightforward.
There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States: the F and M visas. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program. The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training. F-1 students who complete an academic program have a 60-day grace period, and J-1 students who complete an academic program have a 30-day grace period.
F-1 students who are experiencing "severe economic hardship" are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks. To be eligible, students must have been in valid F1 status for at least one academic year (9 months), provide evidence of economic hardship, and show that on-campus employment is neither available nor sufficient.
For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training or employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS prior to starting work. Students can also work on-campus, in jobs such as the school bookstore or cafeteria. This work must be an integral part of the student's educational program, and students must seek guidance and clearance from their International Student Office before applying for or accepting any employment.
Students can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work off-campus during and after the completion of their degree. OPT requires prior authorization from USCIS and the school's International Student Office, and students must have been enrolled for at least a year before starting employment. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, and there is no need to have a job offer before applying. Graduate students can also apply for CPT authorization, which allows them to work part-time or full-time during their internships. Unlike OPT, CPT authorization specifies a particular employer and dates of employment.
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International students and travel
International students must adhere to specific guidelines and requirements when studying and travelling in the United States. Maintaining legal status is essential to avoid complications with visa and immigration regulations. Here are some key considerations for international students regarding travel and their student status:
Visa Requirements:
To study in the United States, international students must obtain either an F-1 Visa (for academic students) or an M-1 Visa (for vocational students). The F-1 Visa permits full-time study at accredited academic institutions, including colleges, universities, high schools, and language training programs. The M-1 Visa, on the other hand, is for vocational or non-academic programs, excluding language training. Students must ensure they possess the appropriate visa for their intended course of study.
Maintaining Status:
International students on F-1 or J-1 visas must maintain their status by being enrolled full-time during the fall and spring semesters. At the undergraduate level, this typically means registering for a minimum of 12 credit hours. Students must also abide by employment regulations, with F-1 students limited to working 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and 40 hours during breaks. Prior authorization from the college is required for off-campus work.
Travel Documentation:
All students and scholars entering the U.S. must have Form I-94, which serves as their official immigration registration. Carrying a printed copy of Form I-94 is mandatory during domestic travel and daily activities. Additionally, international students must report any changes in their local address within 10 days of moving. This address update is crucial for maintaining accurate records with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Leave of Absence:
F-1 students intending to take a semester off during the academic year must receive authorization for a Leave of Absence (LOA) from their International Student Advisor. The student must be in good academic standing and should confirm their eligibility to return to their academic program after the LOA. The LOA requires the student to be outside the U.S., and they must obtain a new I-20 form with an updated SEVIS ID number if they will be away for more than five months.
Transferring Institutions:
International students who wish to transfer to another university while maintaining their F-1 or J-1 status must request a SEVIS transfer before the effective date of suspension or dismissal from their current institution. Failure to take the necessary actions may result in losing their visa status.
Change of Status:
Students initially admitted to the U.S. on a visitor (B) visa who wish to change their status to student (F or M) must apply to USCIS for this change before starting their academic program. This process can be lengthy, and students may encounter processing delays. Alternatively, students can depart the U.S. and re-enter on their student visa.
International students travelling to and studying in the United States must carefully navigate the requirements set by USCIS and immigration authorities. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, students can maintain their legal status and have a positive academic experience in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
USCIS stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
You need either an F or an M visa to study in the United States.
An F visa is for academic students, while an M visa is for vocational students.
Yes, international students can take 8-week courses, but they must be enrolled in a full course of study (a minimum of 12 credit hours) during the fall and spring semesters.
Yes, international students can count no more than one online class or 3 credits, whichever is less, towards full-time enrollment requirements each semester.
