Full Time Enrollment Requirements
Overview
Students on F-1 and J-1 visa status are required to complete a full course of study each fall and spring semester. Full-time enrollment is defined below.
Undergraduate Students:
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Minimum of 12 credits per semester
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At least 9 credits must be fully in-person
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Graduate students:
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Minimum of 9 credits per semester
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At least 6 credits must be fully in-person
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Dropping below full-time enrollment without prior approval from ISS will result in the termination of the student’s SEVIS record, and the student will lose valid F-1 or J-1 visa status in the United States.
Exceptions
Students must obtain authorization from ISS prior to dropping below full-time enrollment. Students may request authorization for the following reasons:
Reduced Enrollment for Academic Reasons
Students may be permitted to take a reduced course load for the following academic reasons:
- improper course level placement
- initial difficulties with the English language*
- initial difficulties reading requirements*
- unfamiliarity with American teaching methods*
*Authorization for reduced enrollment due to initial difficulties with the English language, reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with American teaching methods may only be authorized during the first semester of study.
Reduced Enrollment for Medical Reasons
Students may be authorized to drop below full-time enrollment due to health reasons.
- Students must provide documentation from a licensed Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Psychologist, or Clinical Psychologist
- Documentation must specify the dates recommended for the reduced enrollment
- Reduced course load is authorized on a semester basis
- Students cannot exceed a cumulative period of 12 months during their degree program
Reduced Enrollment for Final Semester
A reduced course load may be authorized in the student’s final semester if fewer than full-time credits are required to finish their program.
- Students must complete a Less Than Full-Time Request and their academic advisor must confirm the number of credits needed for the student to complete their program.
Requesting Authorization for a Reduced Course Load
- Students must complete the Less Than Full-Time Request on the International Student Portal and provide their Academic Advisor’s contact information.
- The Academic Advisor will receive the recommendation request via email, review the request, and complete the recommendation.
- Students must submit the completed request for processing.
- Upon approval, your SEVIS record will be updated to reflect the reduced course load authorization.