Lana Oconnell
International students on F-1 and J-1 visas are required to be enrolled full-time during the regular semesters (Fall and Spring). Summer enrollment is usually optional, unless it is the student's first or last semester, or they are graduating in the summer. F-1 students can count three credits in an online/distance learning course per semester toward the full-time enrollment requirement, while J-1 students cannot count online courses towards this requirement. Students may be authorized for a reduced course load (RCL) in certain circumstances, such as medical reasons or initial difficulties with the English language.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' full-time enrollment requirements | International students with F-1 or J-1 status must be enrolled full-time, with a minimum of 12 credits per semester. |
| F-1 students and online courses | Only one online course per semester can count toward the full-time requirement. |
| M-1 students and online courses | No online courses count toward the full-time requirement. |
| English language training | F-1 students can enroll in English language training, but it does not count toward their full-time requirement. |
| Reduced course load | International students can request a reduced course load due to medical or language reasons, with appropriate documentation. |
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What You'll Learn
International students with F-1 or J-1 visas must be full-time
International students who wish to study in the United States must obtain a student visa. There are two non-immigrant visa categories: F and M visas. The F-1 visa is for academic students, while the M-1 visa is for vocational students. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution or language training program. This means enrolling in a minimum of 12 credits per semester, with only one 4-credit class counting towards the full-time requirement.
International students with F-1 visas must adhere to specific enrollment requirements. They 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 the student plans to complete their program during the summer term. F-1 students must also maintain English proficiency or be enrolled in courses to achieve this. Additionally, F-1 visa holders are restricted in their off-campus employment, with specific conditions and restrictions for on-campus employment during the first academic year.
For students pursuing a language study program, online or distance education classes do not count towards the full-course requirement. If only one course is needed to finish the program, it cannot be completed through online or distance learning. F-1 students must also ensure their chosen institution is authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
The J-1 visa is an alternative option for international students. It is an exchange visitor visa, fostering cultural and educational exchange. To be eligible, students must have a substantial portion of their financial support from sources other than personal or family assets. This can include university funding or scholarships. Spouses and dependent children under 21 accompanying J-1 visa holders will hold J-2 status.
International students with either F-1 or J-1 visas must maintain their full-time status while studying in the United States. This ensures their compliance with immigration regulations and allows them to make progress toward completing their academic programs. It is important for students to carefully consider their visa requirements and plan their course load accordingly to maintain their visa status.
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Reduced course load (RCL) for medical reasons
International students with F-1 or J-1 status are required to maintain full-time enrollment during the school year. Failure to enroll as required will result in their immigration status being terminated, which means they will no longer have a legal immigration status and are required to leave the country immediately.
However, international students can request a Reduced Course Load (RCL) if they are facing medical issues. An RCL allows F-1 and M-1 students to attend classes part-time or not enroll at all (0 credits). For illness or medical cases, a DSO may excuse a student from all classes for up to 12 months for an F-1 or five months for an M-1. During this time, they remain in F-1 and M-1 status.
To request an RCL, students must submit a completed F-1 or J-1 RCL Request form for Medical Reasons. The form must be approved by the student's academic advisor prior to submission. Along with the form, students must provide documentation from a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist recommending a reduced course load due to illness or a medical condition. The letter must specify whether the recommendation is for part-time study or no study at all (0 credits). It should also state the semester the RCL is recommended for and cannot be dated more than 30 days before the start of the term for which the RCL is requested.
Students should note that authorization for reduced enrollment for medical reasons can only be given one semester at a time and cannot exceed a cumulative period of 12 months during the student’s degree program.
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Online courses and full-time status
International students with F-1 or J-1 status must adhere to specific full-time enrollment requirements. These regulations vary depending on the student's level and institution. For instance, at the University of Alabama, undergraduate students must enrol in a total of 12 credit hours, while graduate students need 9 credit hours to be considered full-time. Federal immigration rules allow only one online class per semester for F-1 students, amounting to 3 or 4 credits. This means that, for F-1 students, no more than 3 online credits per semester can count toward the "full course of study" requirement.
At Boston University, F-1 and J-1 students must be cautious when registering for online courses. The minimum full-time enrollment requirement is 12 credits, and only one 4-credit online class can be counted toward this total per semester. Therefore, if a student enrolls for 12 credits, they can only take one 4-credit online course. However, if they enroll for 16 credits, they may be able to take two online courses.
At UMBC, undergraduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester, with one class typically equating to 3 or 4 credits. Immigration regulations permit one online class per semester toward the minimum requirement, and additional online courses can be taken beyond this minimum enrollment.
Online courses offer international students the flexibility to pursue their degrees while managing other commitments. For instance, online programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) follow an asynchronous learning format, allowing students to complete coursework when it suits them within the course schedule. This flexibility enables students to balance their studies with full-time work.
It is important to note that the definition of a full course of study differs depending on the student's status and program. F-1 and M-1 students facing difficulties due to language barriers or medical issues can discuss a reduced course load with their Designated School Official (DSO) to maintain their student status.
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Graduate students and full-time status
The definition of a full-time student varies depending on the university and the student's specific circumstances. Generally, graduate students are considered full-time when they are enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester. However, this number can vary depending on various factors, such as the student's graduate assistantship status and the specific requirements of the university. For example, at the University of Alabama, graduate students are required to enrol in 9 credit hours per semester to be considered full-time, while at Boston University, international students with F-1 or J-1 status must maintain full-time enrollment of at least 6 credits per summer session or 9 credits per semester during the fall and spring.
International students with F-1 or J-1 visas have specific enrollment requirements to maintain their immigration status. These students must enrol in a full-time course load during the fall and spring semesters, and there are limitations on the number of online credits that can be counted towards the full-time requirement. Failure to maintain full-time enrollment can result in the termination of their F-1 or J-1 visa status, which would require the student to leave the country immediately.
Graduate assistantships can also impact a student's full-time status. For example, at UMBC, a full-time graduate assistantship on campus counts as 5 credits, so students in this position would only need to enrol in a minimum of 4 additional credits. Additionally, graduate students with assistantships typically enrol in fewer credit hours, with students holding a one-half time assistantship enrolling in at least 6 credit hours and a one-fourth time assistant enrolling in at least 9 credit hours.
It is important to note that some fellowships and financial aid opportunities are only available to full-time students. For example, the Graduate School Endowed Fellowships require nominees to be full-time students. Therefore, graduate students should carefully consider their enrollment status and the impact it may have on their academic and financial goals.
In certain circumstances, exceptions to full-time enrollment requirements may be granted. For instance, at Boston University, students may be authorised to drop below full-time enrollment due to physical or mental health reasons, provided they submit the appropriate documentation. Additionally, degree-seeking students in their final semester with F-1 or J-1 status may be authorised to drop below full-time enrollment if they will complete all program requirements by the end of that semester.
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International students and summer enrollment
International students on an F-1 visa are eligible to take classes during the summer. However, they are not required to enrol in courses during this period. If the summer session is an international student's first semester, they must maintain full-time enrolment, which is a minimum of 6 credits per summer session (12 credit hours for the full summer). Undergraduate students must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters to be considered full-time students.
International students at Harvard Summer School must obtain a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility, and apply for an F-1 student visa at a US embassy or consulate in their home country. They must also purchase a US-based insurance plan that fulfils the minimum requirements for coverage for the full duration of their time at Harvard Summer School and in the US.
International students at UC Irvine must submit proof of English proficiency, such as a TOEFL score of 213 on the Computer-based test, 79 on the Internet-Based Test, 550 on the Paper-based TOEFL, 685 on the TOEIC, 3.5 on the iTEP, or 6.5 on the IELTS or ISE II (B2). They must also maintain a minimum of 6 units of on-campus courses throughout their stay.
At the University of Alabama, international students must enrol full-time in a total of 12 credit hours as an undergraduate student or 9 credit hours as a graduate student to be validated as a full-time student. Undergraduate students can take one online course for 3 credits and three regular courses for 9 credits to meet the required 12.
Overall, the requirements for international students to enrol in summer courses vary depending on the university, so it is important to check the specific requirements for each institution.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are required to be enrolled full-time, unless they have been approved for a reduced course load. This applies to F-1 and J-1 visa holders, who must maintain full-time status while in the United States.
A reduced course load (RCL) is an exception to the full-time enrollment requirement. Students may be approved for an RCL for academic reasons, such as improper course level placement, or medical reasons. To obtain an RCL, students must submit a request through their university's portal and provide the necessary documentation.
Summer enrollment is optional for international students unless it is their first or last semester, in which case they must enroll full-time. Students who are continuing their enrollment in the fall semester after the summer are not required to enroll during the summer.
Online courses may count towards full-time enrollment, but there are restrictions. F-1 students can count a maximum of three online credits per semester, while J-1 students cannot count any online courses.
