Graduate Registration Waiver Fee

In general, international students must maintain a full-time credit load (typically 10 credits for graduate students) for three consecutive quarters in each academic year, with the exception of their final quarter, during which they may enroll for only those credits required for graduation. Students who are considering using the Graduate Registration Waiver Fee should consult their ISS adviser to ensure that it will not affect their F-1 or J-1 status benefits.

Some international students apply for employment authorization which follows the completion of their degree program. This authorization is called Optional Practical Training for F-1 students or Academic Training for J-1 students. Students must apply for this authorization based on their final registration quarter, which may differ from their graduation quarter if they use the Graduate Registration Waiver Fee.