Savanna Hoffman
International students are required to be enrolled full-time, unless they have a reduced course load authorization approved by the ISSO. The number of credits required for full-time enrollment varies depending on the student's level of study and the university they are attending. For example, undergraduate students at UMBC are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester, while graduate students at USF must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours. International students should also be aware of the physical presence requirements, which mandate that a specific proportion of their classes must be face-to-face. Additionally, there are regulations regarding the number of online courses that can be counted toward the total number of required credit hours. Understanding and complying with these requirements are crucial for maintaining their student visa status.
Characteristics and Values of Credit Classes for International Students
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students Minimum Credits | 12 |
| Undergraduate Students Full Time Summer Credits | 9 |
| Undergraduate Students Full Time Summer II Credits | 6 |
| Graduate Students Minimum Credits | 9 |
| Graduate Students Full Time Summer Credits | 6 |
| Graduate Students Full Time Summer II Credits | 2 |
| F-1 Students Minimum Physical Presence Courses | 1 |
| F-1 Students Reduced Course Load | 6 |
| EU/EEA Countries Minimum Credits | 60 |
| EU/EEA Countries Semester Minimum Credits | 30 |
| US Semester Minimum Credits | 30 |
| US Semester Average Course Credits | 7.5 |
| US Semester Course Minimum Contact Hours | 45-48 |
| PhD or Master's Students Thesis or Dissertation Course Minimum Credits | <9 |
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What You'll Learn
Undergraduate students: 12 credits per semester
Undergraduate students are required to enrol in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. This typically consists of 3 or 4 classes, with each class being worth 3 or 4 credits. For instance, an undergraduate could take one online course for 3 credits and 3 regular courses for 9 credits, totalling the required 12 credits. Beyond this minimum, additional online courses can be taken.
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa must adhere to specific regulations and guidelines. One such regulation is that F-1 students must enrol in a full course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The definition of a full course of study varies depending on the student's status and program of study. For instance, F-1 undergraduate students at a college or university must take at least 12 credit hours per term, while F-1 students in postgraduate programs must take a full course of study as certified by the institution.
Additionally, F-1 students enrolled in classes for credit may only count one class or three credits per academic session toward their full course of study requirement if the class is taken online or through distance learning. No online or distance learning classes may count toward an M-1 or English language training student's full course of study requirement. In some cases, F-1 and M-1 students may enrol in a reduced course load and still maintain their student status.
It is important to note that the academic credit system provides a consistent and transparent way of valuing students' learning achievements. Credits earned are recorded in a credit transcript, which can lead to qualifications and have various benefits, such as transferring credits between universities or using them to study abroad.
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Graduate students: 9 credits per semester
Graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum number of courses each semester to meet the full-time enrollment requirement. This is usually around 9 credits per semester, though it can vary depending on the institution and program of study. For example, Ph.D. or master's students working on their thesis or dissertation during the fall and spring semesters are considered full-time even if they are registered for less than 9 credit hours.
Graduate students on an F-1 visa must adhere to specific regulations and guidelines regarding their course load. They are required to enroll in a full course of study, which typically means taking 9 credits per semester. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, such as in cases where a student is medically unable to maintain a full course load or is having difficulty with the English language or reading requirements during their first semester. In such cases, a letter of recommendation from a counselor or physician, or written support from the instructor, is required.
International graduate students should be mindful of the physical presence requirements, which mandate that a specific proportion of their classes must be face-to-face. This means that they are expected to be physically present on campus and receive face-to-face instruction for the majority of the semester. Only one distance education or online course can typically count toward the full-time requirement for F-1 students.
Graduate students should consult with their academic advisor or international student advisor to ensure they are meeting the necessary credit requirements for their specific program and visa status. It is important to note that failure to maintain full-time enrollment or comply with the physical presence requirements may jeopardize their visa status.
Overall, graduate students are typically expected to enroll in 9 credits per semester, but there may be exceptions and variations depending on their specific circumstances and visa requirements. It is crucial for international graduate students to stay informed about the regulations pertaining to their visa category and to seek guidance from the appropriate university departments when needed.
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F-1 status: minimum 12 units
International students on an F-1 visa must maintain their legal F1 status very carefully to remain in the United States. This includes meeting full-time enrollment requirements, upholding good academic standing, and making normal academic progress toward their degree. Undergraduate students are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester, which equates to four 3-credit-hour courses. Graduate students, on the other hand, typically need to enrol in at least 8 to 9 credit hours, depending on the institution and their specific program requirements.
It's important to note that dropping below full-time enrollment without prior approval can be a serious violation of your F-1 status. In some cases, a Reduced Course Load (RCL) can be approved during the semester if you need to drop a class due to improper course placement, unfamiliarity with US teaching methods, or initial difficulties with the English language. However, these rules are strict, and it's best to plan appropriately.
To maintain your F-1 status, it is crucial to keep your records and address up to date. This includes updating your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records and meeting with your Designated School Official (DSO) upon entering the US. Additionally, ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months into the future whenever you return to the US from a trip abroad.
While in the US, carrying your passport and I-94 card is necessary to prove your legal F-1 status, especially if you encounter law enforcement. Working off-campus without prior approval is a serious violation of your F-1 visa regulations, and you may face deportation. However, all F-1 students are permitted to work part-time on campus by completing an I-9 form.
Lastly, remember that maintaining your F-1 status is crucial for your ability to remain in the US and utilize the associated benefits, such as practical training and employment. If you believe you may have violated your visa status, immediately contact your international student office or advisor for guidance and to discuss your options.
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M-1 students: 12 credit hours
International students in the United States on an M-1 visa must maintain a full course of study, which means taking at least 12 credit hours per term. This requirement varies depending on the student's status and program of study.
M-1 students at a community college or junior college must take a minimum of 12 credit hours per term. This is equivalent to studying at least 12 semester or quarter hours in a school where anyone attending for this duration is charged full tuition or considered full-time.
M-1 students at certain post-secondary vocational or business schools must also take a minimum of 12 hours of instruction per week. This requirement is in place to ensure that students are making normal academic progress toward their degree objectives.
It is important to note that M-1 students cannot count any online or distance learning classes toward their full course of study requirement. To maintain their status, M-1 students must also demonstrate strong ties to their home country and sufficient funds to cover all tuition and living costs for the duration of their stay.
In certain circumstances, M-1 students may be eligible to enroll for less than full-time hours or be considered full-time with fewer hours. This could be due to medical reasons or initial difficulties with the English language. Students in such situations should speak with an International Student Advisor or a designated school official (DSO) to discuss their options and ensure they meet the requirements to maintain their student status.
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Reduced course load: consult DSO
As a designated school official (DSO), you can authorize a reduced course load for your students at any time of the year while allowing them to maintain their status. However, this is only applicable under certain circumstances and for one term or semester at a time.
- Medical condition or illness: If a student is medically unable to maintain a full-time course load, they must provide a letter of recommendation from a counselling centre or physician.
- Academic difficulties: If a student is facing academic challenges due to unfamiliarity with US teaching methods or initial difficulties with the English language, you can allow a reduced course load. A letter of explanation from the student's academic advisor is required in such cases.
- Final term or semester: Students in their final semester or those who have completed all required coursework may qualify for a reduced course load.
- Part-time border commuter student: Part-time students who commute to school from a border location may also be eligible for a reduced course load.
It is important to note that you should receive appropriate documentation from the student to support the authorization of a reduced course load. Additionally, students should communicate with your office before withdrawing from classes and dropping below a full course of study.
For specific cases or questions regarding reduced course load authorization, you can contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) or refer to the Reduced Course Load User Guide available on the SEVIS Help Hub.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with an F-1 visa must take a minimum of 9 credits per semester, with at least 6 credits on-campus. F-1 students at the undergraduate level must take at least 12 credits per semester, with at least 9 credits on-campus. M-1 students must take at least 12 credits per semester.
Yes, there are some exceptions. For example, students in their final semester may be registered for less than 9 credits if they are working on a thesis, dissertation, or final project. Students may also be eligible to drop credits during their first semester if they are struggling with the language or teaching methods, with appropriate written support from an instructor.
Only one 3-credit online course can typically be counted towards the full-time enrollment requirement for F-1 students. For M-1 students, no online courses can count towards the full-time requirement.
Enrollment in summer sessions is usually optional for international students, except when they plan to complete their academic program during the summer term. In that case, they must follow the full-time enrollment rules for the summer session.
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