Lana Oconnell
International students on an F-1 visa are required to be enrolled full-time and take a minimum number of credits in person each semester. The number of units required varies depending on the level of study and the institution. For example, at Golden Gate University, doctoral students must take a minimum of six units while completing coursework and four units while working on their dissertations. At UMBC, F-1 undergraduate students must take a minimum of six credits, while graduate students must take a minimum of five. SDSU requires 12 units for undergraduate students, nine units for Master's students, and six units for doctoral students. Additionally, F-1 students can take a reduced course load for medical reasons, but it cannot exceed an aggregate of 12 months at a particular program level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-1 student taking a reduced course load | 6 semester or quarter hours or half the clock hours required for a full course of study |
| Enrollment Requirements for Undergraduate students | 6 credits |
| Enrollment Requirements for Doctoral students | 6 units |
| F-1 students | Allowed to enroll concurrently at multiple institutions with the majority of classes at SDSU |
| F-1 students | Allowed to take one online class per semester |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 students and reduced course load
F-1 students are required to register full-time during the fall and spring terms. Failure to do so is considered a serious violation of F-1 regulations. However, F-1 students can request a reduced course load in certain situations, such as academic difficulties, medical reasons, improper course placement, unfamiliarity with US teaching methods, or if they only need fewer courses than a full course load to complete their degree requirements.
For example, if an F-1 student only has two classes left to complete their program, they only need to register for those two classes. Undergraduate students must maintain a minimum of 6 semester or quarter hours, while graduate students must maintain a minimum of 5 semester or quarter hours.
To maintain their status, F-1 students must obtain approval for a reduced course load from a Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO approves the reduced course load by entering the reason and start and end dates in the "Authorize to Drop Below Full Course" option on the student's SEVIS record. The DSO may also need to update the student's Form I-20. The total period of reduced course load cannot exceed 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a particular program level.
Additionally, F-1 students must be enrolled in a minimum number of in-person credits each semester. While online classes can count towards the minimum requirement, F-1 students cannot take only online classes to fulfill their full course of study requirement.
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Online classes and full-time enrollment
International students on F-1 visas are required to be enrolled full-time and take a minimum number of credits in person each semester. However, the number of units required for full-time enrollment varies depending on the level of study and the institution. For instance, at SDSU, full-time enrollment for undergraduate students consists of a minimum of 12 units each semester, while for Master's students, it is 9 units, and for doctoral students, it is 6 units. On the other hand, UMBC defines full-time enrollment for graduate students as a minimum of 5 credits and for undergraduate students as a minimum of 6 credits.
Online classes can be taken as part of a full-time course load, but there are restrictions. F-1 students are permitted to take one online class per semester towards their minimum requirement, which can be for a maximum of 3 to 5 units, depending on the institution. They can also take additional online courses beyond their minimum enrollment, but these should not exceed regulatory limits. For example, an undergraduate student at UMBC can take one online course for 3 credits and three regular courses for 9 credits to meet the full-time requirement of 12 credits. During summer or winter sessions, when enrollment is not required, international students can take as many online courses as they like, provided they are not completing their academic program during that term.
It is important to note that fully online programs are not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship, as the US government mandates that international students on F-1 visas engage in face-to-face learning. Hybrid programs, which combine online coursework with in-person classes held on campus, can meet the in-person study requirements of the F-1 visa.
Additionally, F-1 students must adhere to specific enrollment requirements, such as enrolling concurrently at multiple institutions, provided the combined enrollment equals a full course of study with the majority of classes taken at one institution. They can also take up to half of their credits at another school while their I-20 is at the primary institution. F-1 students experiencing academic difficulties or facing medical issues may be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) to drop below a full course load or take a reduced course load.
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Visa requirements for international students
To study in the United States as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The two most common student visas are the F-1 and M-1 visas.
The F-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a similar course of study. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F-1 students are required to take a minimum number of credits in person each semester.
The M-1 visa, on the other hand, is for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies or other non-academic programs. M-1 students are admitted for a fixed time, including the period necessary to complete their course of study, plus an additional 30 days to depart the United States, not exceeding a total of one year.
In addition to the F and M visas, there is also the J-1 exchange visitor visa, which is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs. Examples include visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.
To obtain a student visa, you must first apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. Once accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then issue you a Form I-20, which you will need to present during your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
It is important to note that visa applicants generally require an interview, and you may need to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also be required to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. Wait times for interview appointments vary, so it is recommended to apply for your visa early. For new students, visas can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of the course, but entry into the US is not permitted more than 30 days before the course commences.
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Maintaining immigration status
International students on an F or M visa must take action to maintain legal status while studying in the United States. Here are some key points to remember:
Fulfill Your Visa's Purpose: Your F or M visa is issued for a specific purpose, which is to come to the United States to study. Ensure that your actions align with this purpose. F-1 students typically enrol in traditional academic programs, while M-1 students enrol in vocational programs.
Follow Associated Regulations: Adhere to the regulations associated with your visa type and purpose. For instance, F-1 students must enrol full-time and take a minimum number of credits in person each semester.
Maintain Enrollment Requirements: Undergraduate students on an F-1 visa must maintain at least 6 credits of enrollment, while graduate students must maintain at least 5 credits. Doctoral students must enrol in a minimum of six units while completing coursework and four units while working on their dissertations.
Address Changes: If you plan to make changes to your major, program, degree level, or education level, be sure to speak with your Designated School Official (DSO). This includes situations where you wish to transfer to a new school, take a leave of absence, or request a program extension.
Comply with Time Limits: F and M students have specific time limits after completing their programs. F students have 60 days to leave the United States, while M students have 30 days. If you wish to extend your stay, discuss options with your DSO, such as transferring to another school or changing your visa status.
Understand Online Class Limitations: While you may take online classes, there are regulatory limits to the number of online courses that can count toward a full course of study. Ensure that you comply with these limits, especially if you are a new or re-entering student.
Maintain Valid Documentation: Keep your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," valid and up to date. This document outlines the details of your program and is crucial for maintaining your student status.
Obtain Necessary Authorizations: If you need to reduce your course load for medical reasons, obtain proper authorization from your DSO and provide the required documentation. Most employment opportunities also require authorization from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Be Aware of Benefits and Insurance: As an international student, you may be eligible for certain benefits. Additionally, while health insurance is no longer required for F1 visa holders, it is strongly recommended that you obtain coverage independently.
Report Any Issues: If you become aware of student visa fraud or nonimmigrant students working unlawfully, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities.
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Enrollment at multiple institutions
International students on an F-1 visa are required to be enrolled full-time and take a minimum number of in-person classes each semester. For instance, at Golden Gate University, doctoral students must be enrolled in a minimum of six units per academic period while completing their coursework.
Regarding enrollment at multiple institutions, it is possible to enroll in two colleges at once, a practice known as dual enrollment. However, it is important to carefully consider the time management, financial implications, and potential restrictions imposed by both institutions. Students must always inform both colleges of their dual enrollment plans to ensure compliance with their policies.
Some colleges may not allow dual enrollment in two degree-granting programs. Additionally, students receiving financial aid, such as FAFSA, should be cautious as aid can usually only be used at one school at a time. It is crucial to consult the financial aid offices at both institutions before proceeding.
Furthermore, students should be aware of the potential challenges associated with dual enrollment, including balancing multiple classes, assignments, and exams from different institutions. Transportation issues may also arise if the colleges are located far apart.
To ensure a smooth process, students should research and understand the requirements for dual enrollment at each institution and carefully follow the instructions for application. They should also work closely with their academic advisors to choose courses that will transfer and count towards their degree requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible for international students to take 6 units. Doctoral students are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units per academic period while completing their coursework.
International students must obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa in their home country. They must also pay the tuition deposit to secure their enrollment and begin the visa process.
The minimum number of units required for international students depends on the level of study. Undergraduate students must take a minimum of 12 units, Master's students must take a minimum of 9 units, and doctoral students must take a minimum of 6 units.
