Lori Meadows
International students are not permitted to take all classes outside of their university. In the United States, international students are required to take in-person classes to maintain their visa status and remain in the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities increased their online class offerings, providing international students with more program options. However, international students on F-1 visas can only take online courses if they are part of a hybrid program that combines online and in-person classes. Additionally, online or distance education classes do not count toward an M-1 student's full course of study requirement. To maintain their visa status, international students must also meet satisfactory attendance requirements, and missing too many classes can result in deportation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online classes | International students can take online classes, but these may not count towards their full course of study requirement. |
| Hybrid courses | International students can take hybrid courses, which combine online learning and on-campus classes. |
| Full-time enrollment | International students are usually required to be enrolled full-time. |
| Part-time studies | International students who plan to be enrolled part-time must submit a Reduced Course Load request. |
| Attendance | International students must maintain "satisfactory attendance" to meet the conditions of their visa and remain in the country. |
| Transferring schools | International students may be eligible to transfer to another Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school while maintaining their status. |
| Changing status | International students who want to change the purpose of their visit must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before their authorized stay expires. |
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What You'll Learn
International students can take online classes
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, international students studying in the US were only permitted to take one online class per term. However, the pandemic led to increased flexibility and accessibility, with many universities offering hybrid learning options that combine online and on-campus classes. This shift allowed international students to continue their studies despite travel restrictions and health concerns.
While online classes provide convenience and flexibility, they may not be counted toward the full course of study requirement for certain visa types. For instance, online or distance education classes do not count toward an M-1 student's full course of study requirement if they do not require the student's physical attendance.
International students interested in taking online classes should carefully review the visa requirements for their specific situation and consult with their university's international student services to ensure they remain in compliance with visa regulations. Additionally, developing a learning plan and creating a distraction-free environment can enhance their online learning experience.
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Online classes don't count towards full-time study
International students can take classes outside of their university, but they must be careful to maintain their visa status. For instance, international students holding an F-1 visa can take online courses in specific academic programs or online summer courses when studying in the US. However, to maintain their F-1 visa status, their program must not be fully online. This means that any online course offerings must be part of a hybrid program, with some classes online and others in person.
International students on an M-1 visa have additional restrictions. No online or distance learning classes may count toward an M-1 or English language training student's full course of study requirement. An online or distance learning course is defined as a course that does not require the student's physical attendance for classes, examinations, or other purposes integral to the completion of the class.
F-1 students in liberal arts, fine arts, or other non-vocational or English language learning training programs must meet 18 clock hours per week if the majority of instruction is in the classroom, or 22 clock hours per week if the majority of instruction does not take place in the classroom (such as laboratory work). For M-1 students in vocational or other non-academic programs, the same clock hour requirements apply.
DSOs (Designated School Officials) play a crucial role in helping international students navigate these requirements. They can verify that a student's class schedule meets the necessary requirements to maintain their visa status and can work with students to determine if they should change their education level or enroll in a reduced course load.
In summary, while international students can take classes outside of their university, they must carefully consider the type of visa they hold and ensure that they meet the necessary requirements to maintain their visa status. Online classes may provide flexibility and convenience, but they do not always count towards a full course of study, particularly for M-1 visa holders.
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International students need to maintain satisfactory attendance
During the COVID-19 pandemic, international students at US universities were permitted to take more than one online class per term, and some universities offered courses that were 100% online or hybrid programs. However, in 2020, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that international students must take classes in person to remain in the country legally. This caused concern among university officials, who were already struggling to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
International students on an M-1 visa have different requirements. No online or distance education classes count toward an M-1 student's full course of study requirement if such classes do not require the student's physical attendance. An M-1 student may not enroll in an adult education program if it is funded in whole or in part by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act or by any other federal, state, county, or municipal funding.
International students must carefully consider their attendance to remain in compliance with their visa requirements. Failure to meet "satisfactory attendance" will result in the student losing their visa and having to leave the course and country. Students will receive formal warnings before this happens, but continued failure to attend classes will result in immigration being notified.
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Travel restrictions increased online class offerings
International students have faced numerous challenges in recent years, with the Trump administration targeting those who have spoken out against Israel's military actions in Gaza or participated in pro-Palestinian protests. This has resulted in the revocation of hundreds of student visas. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the ability of international students to travel and study on campus. These factors have led to an increase in online class offerings by universities, providing flexibility and accessibility for students facing travel restrictions.
In 2018, only 34.7% of students took online classes, and international students at US colleges and universities were limited to taking only one online class per term. However, with the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its guidance, making online classes more accessible and flexible for international students. Universities have since offered hybrid programs that combine online learning with on-campus classes, ensuring students can maintain their F-1 visa status.
While online classes provide a convenient and flexible option for international students, there are restrictions on the types of courses that can be taken. For instance, online classes do not count towards an M-1 student's full course of study requirement if physical attendance is not required for any integral part of the class. Similarly, F-1 and M-1 students cannot enrol in adult education programs funded by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act or other federal, state, or municipal funding.
To take a hybrid course at a US university, international students must receive certification from SEVP through the Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Universities offering such courses include the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which provides hybrid courses in electrical and computer engineering. Students can begin their first semester online and complete the remaining classes on campus.
Overall, travel restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in online class offerings by US universities, providing international students with alternative options to pursue their academic goals. These online and hybrid programs offer flexibility and accessibility, ensuring students can continue their studies despite travel challenges. However, it is important for international students to carefully consider the restrictions and requirements associated with online courses to maintain their visa status and fulfill their academic requirements.
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International students can transfer to another SEVP-certified school
To transfer to another university, international students must first be enrolled in an accredited college or university in their home country or the US and complete at least one semester of coursework. Most universities accept transfer students with up to two years of study at another university.
There are two common types of transfers in the US: community college to a four-year institution and four-year institution to another four-year institution. Many community colleges accept international students and are often more affordable than four-year institutions. They may also accept students with lower GPAs and test scores. Most credits from community college are transferable to a four-year institution.
International students can explore different subjects at a community college before committing to a four-year program in the US. When applying to transfer, students can expect to submit academic credentials or transcripts from the local institution they attended, and standardised English language tests such as the TOEFL and IELTS. It is recommended that students take these tests before considering any transfer options.
Once a student is admitted to the new school, they can request their current school to transfer their SEVIS record so the new school can issue an I-20, a form that certifies the student is eligible for F-1 academic student or M-1 vocational student status.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can take online classes, but these classes do not count towards their full course of study requirement. In 2019, approximately 7,313,623 students enrolled in distance learning courses. With the COVID-19 pandemic, online classes became even more popular. International students can take hybrid courses, which combine online learning and on-campus classes.
Yes, international students must take in-person classes to stay in the country legally. In 2020, ICE announced that international students must take classes in person to stay in the US legally. This announcement caused concern among universities, as they had to adapt to new federal guidance quickly.
No, international students cannot take all their classes outside of their university. They must take a minimum of nine credit hours of on-ground classes before taking online classes. Additionally, they cannot take a full course load of online classes.
