Savanna Hoffman
International students in F-1 immigration status are required to be enrolled full-time during the fall and spring semesters. However, this requirement does not apply to summer and winter sessions unless the student plans to complete their academic program during the summer term. F-1 students can take up to three online/internet-based credits per semester, but only one online course can count toward their total required credit hours. Students with extenuating circumstances, such as medical or academic difficulties, may apply for a reduced course load (RCL) with the appropriate documentation. It is important to note that the rules for RCL approval are strict, and students should plan accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student status | F-1, J-1, or M-1 |
| Enrollment | Full-time |
| Exceptions | Reduced Course Load (RCL) with prior approval |
| Enrollment period | Fall and Spring semesters |
| Minimum credits | 9-12 credits per semester |
| Online courses | Maximum of 3 online credits |
| Physical presence | Required for a minimum number of courses |
| Requirements | Proficiency in English, sufficient funds, and maintaining residence abroad |
| Authorization | Designated School Official (DSO) or International Student Advisor |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 and M-1 visa requirements
International students who wish to study in the United States must obtain a student visa, which can be an F-1 or M-1 visa. These visas have specific requirements that must be met and maintained throughout the student's stay in the country.
F-1 visas are for academic students and require full-time enrollment in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (SEVP), and the student must maintain a full course load each term. There are exceptions, however, as F-1 students may be eligible for a reduced course load under certain circumstances, such as academic difficulties, temporary illness, or medical conditions. To maintain their status, F-1 students must also attend all their classes and make academic progress. Additionally, they must enter the US no more than 30 days before their program begins and have sufficient funds to cover their studies and living expenses.
M-1 visas, on the other hand, are for vocational students and also require full-time enrollment. M-1 students must meet the minimum number of hours per week as determined by their school for normal progress toward graduation or completion of their program. Similar to F-1 students, M-1 students may be eligible for a reduced course load in cases of illness or medical conditions. M-1 students are not eligible for employment during their studies but may obtain authorization for practical training employment after completing their vocational program.
Both F-1 and M-1 students must maintain their legal status while in the United States and depart the country after completing their program of study. Students in either category may be eligible for extensions or changes to their visa status, but these require specific procedures and approvals.
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Reduced course load (RCL)
International students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to maintain full-time enrollment during the school year. However, in certain circumstances, they can apply for a reduced course load (RCL) to drop below the minimum number of credits required for full-time enrollment. Students who drop below the minimum number of credits without authorization will lose their F-1 or J-1 status.
Reasons for a Reduced Course Load
There are several reasons for which a student may be authorized for an RCL. These include:
- Academic difficulties during the first semester, such as initial difficulties with the English language or reading requirements.
- Medical reasons—a student may apply for an RCL if, due to a temporary illness or medical condition, they are unable to be enrolled full-time. This must be substantiated by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, psychiatrist, or licensed clinical psychologist.
- Final semester—students in their final semester who only have a few units remaining to meet their academic program requirements are exempt from the full course load requirement.
Requesting an RCL
Requests for an RCL must be made online and approved by the institution's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) department. Students must provide medical documentation or academic verification to support their request.
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Work eligibility
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are generally not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment, provided they are enrolled full-time and have valid F-1 status. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session.
After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Severe Economic Hardship Employment, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is employment that trains students in their field of study and fulfills academic credit or a degree requirement. To be eligible for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for one year on valid F-1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT). Students must have a job offer in their major or field of study before submitting a CPT authorization request, and their International Student Office must authorize CPT. There is no limit to how long a student can work on CPT, but those who work full-time for 12 months or more become ineligible for OPT.
Severe Economic Hardship Employment is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate financial hardship. OPT is a work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience related to their major field of study. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status. OPT can be authorized for up to 12 months, with an additional 24 months available for F-1 students who have graduated with an approved STEM degree, bringing the total to 36 months.
In Canada, international students may work off-campus without a work permit if they are full-time students at a designated learning institution, are in their last semester, and do not need a full course load to complete their program. They must have been full-time students up until their last semester and must continue to meet eligibility requirements to maintain their off-campus work privilege.
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Maintaining F-1 status
International students with F-1 status are required by US immigration law to be enrolled full-time during the Fall and Spring semesters. This means enrolling in a minimum number of "physical presence" courses. Students can take up to half of their credits at another school while their I-20 is at their original school. Students with F-1 status can request a reduced course load (RCL) in certain circumstances, such as for academic or medical reasons. However, this must be approved by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) before the semester begins. Failure to obtain approval may lead to the negative termination of the student's SEVIS record and the loss of their valid status in the US.
Graduate students with F-1 status 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. Students with a full-time graduate assistantship on campus will have their position count as 5 credits, so only a minimum of 4 additional credits is required.
F-1 students who were in Active F-1 status on March 9, 2020, can meet their full-time enrollment requirements with an entirely online course load. However, F-1 students who began their F-1 status after March 9, 2020, must take at least one course with in-person components each semester. Additionally, F-1 students may not take more than 3 online credits or 1 online course in their final semester.
To maintain their F-1 status, students must also ensure that their enrollment covers the full term. No semester can be made up solely of prerequisites, and enrollment must include the correct number of credit hours and the appropriate method of instruction. Students must also be aware of the deadlines for dropping classes, as ISSS does not have the ability to allow a student to drop a class after the deadline.
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Full-time enrollment requirements
International students in 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 unless you plan to complete your academic program during a summer term, in which case you must follow all full-time enrollment rules. 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.
F-1 students who were in Active F-1 status on March 9, 2020, can meet their full-time enrollment requirements with an entirely online course load. However, F-1 students who began their F-1 status after March 9, 2020, must take at least one course with in-person components each semester and be prepared to participate in the in-person components. Only one distance education course can count toward the total number of required credit hours for F-1 students.
F-1 and J-1 students must enroll full-time to maintain their student status. Students who wish to drop below full-time enrollment must first receive authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and obtain approval from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) by Census Day for the semester. Failure to enroll full-time by Census Day jeopardizes F-1 status. Students approved for a reduced course load for academic reasons must still enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours or half of a full course load.
Students may request a reduced course load (RCL) due to academic difficulty, medical reasons, or if it is their final semester of study. Students with medical documentation may request a medical RCL for physical or mental health reasons and are eligible for up to 12 months of medical RCL over their academic program. Students in their final semester can request authorization to enroll in an RCL to fulfill their remaining graduation requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students in 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.
To enroll as a full-time student in the US, you will need an F-1 or M-1 visa. You must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- Attend a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
- Be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
- Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
The minimum number of credits required for full-time enrollment varies depending on the student's status and the program of study they are attending. F-1 undergraduate students at a college or university must take at least 12 credit hours per term. Graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester.
