Immigration regulations require nonimmigrant students in F-1 or J-1 status to be enrolled in a full-time course load each Fall and Spring semester in order to maintain nonimmigrant visa status. Full-time enrollment is only required in the Summer if it is a student’s first or last semester of enrollment. International students in F-1 status may have the option of considering Concurrent Enrollment to meet the full-time enrollment requirements.
Defining Full-Time Enrollment
Online Coursework and On-campus Presence
For both undergraduate and graduate students in F-1 and J-1 status, only 3 credits of online/remote/distance education courses can count towards the full-time enrollment requirement.
- For example, if you are an undergraduate student, you can take a 3-credit class online, but you must have at least 9 additional on-campus credits that are for in-person classes that take place in a classroom.
Exceptions to Full-Time Enrollment
Dropping Courses
Continuing Education Courses
Grades
Resources
- Final Semester Guidance for Students in F-1 Status: Enrollment Requirements and In-Person Presence
- Study in the States: Full Course of Study