While international students who hold F-1 visa status have some flexibility regarding the course work they take toward their degree, there are a few important regulatory requirements to keep in mind such as the number of years given to complete their course of study (as reflected on the Form I-20), a limitation on the number of online credits that can count toward full-time enrollment, and enrollment for “administrative purposes.” This last limitation can cause some confusion.
The student visa regulations do not allow students who have satisfied all requirements for the completion of their program or who have successfully defended their master's thesis or Ph.D. dissertation to continue to be enrolled for administrative purposes. For example, students who have successfully defended their thesis or dissertation need not enroll in subsequent terms, therefore future enrollment would be considered enrollment for administrative purposes only. Students who completed all of the required course work for their major and/or minor cannot continue to maintain their F-1 status through enrollment because this would be considered enrollment for administrative purposes.
There are many reasons why a student may wish to continue to enroll after having completed all of their degree requirements:
- They wish to prepare for graduate school and additional course work, or improving their GPA, would be helpful.
- They wish to expand their knowledge of a particular topic and simply would like to take a few extra classes.
- They wish to delay graduation for personal reasons, such as a job search or wanting more time to apply for graduate school.
While ISSS understands these reasons, the visa regulations strictly prohibit enrollment for administrative purposes. If a student has completed the required course work for their degree, or if they have defended their dissertation, then their student visa program will be shortened to the last day of required enrollment. ISSS can advise students on other options to maintain U.S. immigration status such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), change of level, change of status, or transfer to another school.
It’s important to keep this limitation in mind and to plan accordingly. Make sure that there is required course work in the final semester– either for the major or minor. Make sure that the thesis/dissertation defense takes place in timely manner with the understanding that enrollment after the successful defense of the thesis or dissertation is prohibited.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact ISSS for clarification.