Lana Oconnell
International students must navigate varying requirements and regulations when enrolling in classes at educational institutions outside their home countries. These requirements often depend on the student's visa status, the type of educational institution, and the specific program of study. For instance, F-1 and M-1 students have different enrollment requirements, with F-1 students generally needing to take at least 12 credit hours per term, while M-1 students must meet different hourly requirements based on their type of program. International students should be mindful of these regulations to maintain their status and ensure their academic progress.
Characteristics and Values of International Student Class Requirements
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-1 student enrollment requirements | At least 12 credit hours per term for undergraduate students; at least 9 credits per semester for graduate students |
| M-1 student enrollment requirements | 18 clock hours per week if the majority is classroom instruction; 22 clock hours per week if the majority of instruction is outside the classroom (e.g., laboratory work, flight training) |
| Reduced course load (RCL) | Allowed for medical reasons, improper course placement, unfamiliarity with US teaching methods, final semester, or leave of absence/gap semester |
| Online courses | F-1 students: one online course per semester toward the minimum requirement; J-1 students: one online course per semester toward full-time registration |
| Full-time enrollment | Required for international students during their first summer term; graduate students must be enrolled in a full course of study as determined by their graduate study plans |
| Transferring schools | Allowed for international students; must maintain F or M status and follow correct transfer procedures |
| Annual vacation | F-1 students are eligible after completing one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school; M-1 students are not eligible |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 student status and requirements
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are nonimmigrants intending to pursue academic studies at an accredited college, university, high school, or other academic institutions. F-1 students must be enrolled full-time and make progress toward earning a degree, diploma, or certificate. They must also be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
F-1 students must maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up their residency and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies. They are typically limited to one online or distance education course per term, with the rest of their classes requiring in-person attendance. F-1 students can take a reduced course load (RCL) for academic reasons, medical reasons, or during their final term of study. However, they must obtain approval from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and can only reduce their course load for medical reasons for a maximum of 12 months during their program.
F-1 students are eligible for annual vacations, during which they can take as many or as few courses as they want. To be eligible for vacation, they must complete at least one full academic year at a SEVP-certified school and intend to register for classes in the following academic term. During their studies, F-1 students can work off-campus, but only if it is related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. Practical training employment after completing the program also requires DSO recommendation and USCIS authorization.
F-1 students should consult their DSO if they plan to make significant changes, such as transferring to a new school, changing their degree level, or taking a leave of absence. They should also be mindful of the strict deadlines for dropping classes, as full refunds are only available for a short period, and no refunds are given after the Schedule Adjustment period. Additionally, F-1 students must provide proof of reimbursing the local educational agency for the full cost of their attendance if they enrol in classes for credit or classroom hours.
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M-1 student status and requirements
International students who want to pursue non-academic or vocational studies in the United States can apply for an M-1 student visa. This visa is intended for students who want to enrol in vocational studies, such as cooking classes, technical courses, mechanical classes, flight school, or cosmetology.
To be eligible for an M-1 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be accepted at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution. The SEVP has a list of vocational and non-degree-bearing institutions where M-1 students are accepted.
- Have high English proficiency. Proficiency can be demonstrated by taking a standardized English test such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Prove strong ties to your home country and the intention to return after completing your education.
- Demonstrate financial capability to support yourself and finance your education and stay in the United States. The I-20 form, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," outlines the estimated expenses for one year, so applicants must submit financial documents proving they have sufficient funds readily available.
- Be enrolled in a full course of study, which means studying in a community or junior college with at least 12 semester or quarter hours. It can also mean studying at a post-secondary vocational or business school that grants associate degrees or other qualifications.
- Maintain valid student status by complying with regulations, including restrictions on employment. M-1 visa holders are generally not permitted to work during their studies. However, they may be eligible for limited on-campus employment of up to six months, provided they obtain the necessary authorizations, including an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Form I-765.
M-1 students should be aware of certain limitations and differences compared to F-1 students. M-1 students are not eligible for an annual vacation, and they are subject to different rules for transferring and extending their status. Additionally, M-1 students cannot enrol in language courses, and their stay in the United States is typically limited to the duration of their studies, with a fixed time period that includes practical training and an additional 30 days to depart the country.
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Online courses
International students with F-1 visas are permitted to take only one online class per semester towards their minimum requirement. This means that only one online class can count toward a full course of study for an F-1 student during each term or semester. For example, if a student is taking four 3-credit courses, they should have three in-person courses and one online course. Students can take additional online courses beyond their minimum enrollment, but they must maintain the required number of in-person courses.
During summer or winter sessions, when enrollment is not required, F-1 students can take as many online courses as they like. However, if they plan to complete their academic program during a summer term, they must follow full-time enrollment rules and are only permitted to take at most one fully online course.
It is important to note that these regulations did not apply during the COVID-19 pandemic, as F-1 students were allowed to take online classes without any restrictions. However, with the return to normal regulations, international students are once again subject to the restrictions on online courses.
There have been calls for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lift the restrictions on online classes for international students. Students argue that online classes provide flexibility and allow them to fit more activities into their daily schedules. Additionally, the restrictions put international students at a disadvantage, as they may not have access to certain courses or electives that are only offered online.
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Transferring schools
International students can transfer schools in the US by following a few steps. Firstly, it is recommended that students take English proficiency tests and any required college admissions exams. Students should also be mindful of their reasons for transferring, which may include financial factors, the desire for smaller class sizes, or the need to explore different subjects.
The process of transferring schools involves working with the Designated School Official (DSO) at the student's current and new institutions. The DSO at the current school controls the student's SEVIS record until the transfer release date, which is chosen based on the student's academic needs, travel plans, and the projected start date at the new school. Students must continue attending classes at their current school until the SEVIS release date.
To initiate the transfer, students should contact the new school's International Admissions office and provide any required paperwork, such as an acceptance letter or contact information for the new school. The new school will then issue a new initial I-20 form with an updated SEVIS number, indicating the successful transfer of the student's record. Students should also request a new Form I-20 showing their status as a continuing student and that the transfer has been approved.
It is important to note that there is a maximum of five months allowed between transfers, and students must resume class attendance within this period. Additionally, while most college credits are transferable, it is essential to carefully review the "transfer of credits evaluation report" to understand how the transferred credits fit into the new study plan.
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Dropping classes
International students on an F-1 visa are required to maintain a full course load, which is defined as a minimum of 12 credits per semester, with one class typically equalling 3 or 4 credits. If an international student drops below this minimum credit threshold, they may lose their visa status and be required to leave the country. This is because, for immigration purposes, what matters is whether a student is enrolled full-time, not their academic performance.
Students on an F-1 visa are permitted to take one online or distance-learning class per semester or term, which can count toward their full course of study. However, online classes in excess of this limit will not count toward their full course of study.
Students wishing to drop a class should be aware of the refund schedule. Full refunds are only available for a short period at the beginning of each semester and decrease incrementally over the first two weeks. After this period, no refund is given. Students should also refer to the semester calendars for the deadline to drop a class, as it may not be possible to drop a class after this deadline. Students should also consult with their academic advisor to ensure that any dropped classes will not negatively impact their degree requirements or major.
International students on an F-1 visa are eligible to take an annual vacation after completing one full academic year at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. However, it is important to note that dropping below full-time enrollment may impact their visa status, as previously mentioned. Students considering dropping multiple classes or an entire course load should speak with an advisor to understand the potential consequences and explore alternative options, such as arranging a late transfer into another class to maintain full-time status.
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Frequently asked questions
International students must take a minimum number of classes to be considered full-time. The number varies depending on the student's status (F-1 or M-1) and the program of study. For example, F-1 students at a college or university must take a minimum of 12 credit hours per term, while M-1 students at a community college or junior college must take at least 12 credit hours per term.
Yes, there are different rules for online courses. F-1 students can count only one online course (up to a maximum of three credits) toward full-time registration in any given term. J-1 students can also count only one online course toward full-time registration in any given term.
Yes, international students can take up to half of their total credits during a fall or spring semester at another school. In summer or winter sessions, they can take as many credits as they like at another school without enrolling at their primary school.
Yes, international students can reduce their course load in certain circumstances, such as medical reasons or academic reasons (e.g., difficulty with English or unfamiliar teaching methods). Students must get approval from the designated school official (DSO) or the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) before reducing their course load.
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