Maintaining Status as F-1 or J-1 Students
Refer to the ISSS Registration and Full-time Status page for more details on the topics presented here. We also strongly encourage students to schedule an appointment with their international student advisor to discuss these matters.
Enrollment Requirements
All students on the F or J visa must show that they are enrolled as full-time students each academic semester, including summer semester only if it is your first or final semester.
Full-time enrollment can look different depending on your degree level, your eligibility for a reduced course load (RCL), or the allowances made for graduate students who have an assistantship in their department.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students must be registered in at least 12 credits per academic semester to be considered full-time and maintain their visa status. At least 9 of these credits must be “in-person” instructional delivery methods (see below Instructional Delivery Methods). Any credits beyond the first 9 credits can be taken online.
Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) Students
Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) students must be registered for 18 IELI class credits. IELI students may be eligible to take a combination of courses from their major degree program along with their final IELI classes. Please talk with the IELI advisor about this option.
Graduate Students
Graduate students will be considered enrolled in a full-time course of study if they match one of the following:
- Enrolled in 9 credits (with at least 6 credits being taught in-person – see Instructional Delivery Methods below)
- Have a >.37 FTE assistantship and are enrolled in at least 6 credits (at least 3 credits must be taught in-person)
- Have been approved through the graduate school for “full-time at 3 credits” and are enrolled in at least 3 credits (at least 3 must be taught in-person)
Instructional Delivery Methods
Please note that the new "Connect" delivery method will only meet the face-to-face requirements if the courses originate on the campus you attend (Logan or Price) and you attend those classes in person.
“In-person” or “face-to-face” instructional methods are listed in Banner as:
- In-person
- Hybrid
- Arranged
- Connect – only Connect courses originating from the Logan (or Price) campus count as face-to-face for Logan (or Price) students. You must attend these courses in person to meet the physical presence requirement to maintain your non-immigrant status.
Courses listed as the following in Banner are NOT considered “in-person”. These will count towards your “online” allowances:
- Online
- Virtual
- Connect – when they do not originate at the Logan (or Price) campus and are listed as broadcast classes in Banner
Summer Semester
Summer is considered the vacation semester for non-immigrant purposes. Registration is not required unless summer is your first or last semester.
If summer is your first semester, you must enroll in a full course of study. See Enrollment Requirements above.
If summer is your final semester, you will need to show that you are registered full-time. To be considered full-time in summer semester:
- Undergraduate students may request a Reduced Course Load (RCL) approval through the ISSS portal if they are in their final semester with fewer than 12 credits left of their program.
- Graduate students should review Enrollment Requirements above and meet with their immigration advisor if they still have questions
Defense Semester for Graduate Students
Graduate students need to enroll in at least 3 credits the semester that they defend, as noted on the School of Graduate Studies website. You will also need to have a Full Time at 3 Credits form on file.