Undergraduate Advising

F and J international students are required certain enrollment regulations to maintain their immigration status. The consequences of not meeting these requirements can extend to their ability to be in the United States as well as future employment possibilities.

Enrollment Requirements

Undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 credits each quarter unless authorized for an exception or eligible for a vacation quarter (usually during the summer). At the beginning of each quarter, our office checks the enrollment for each student and confirms with the U.S. government that they are meeting immigration requirements.

There are a few, limited exceptions to enrollment requirements including if a student has a specific academic reason, is enduring a medical condition, or is in their final quarter of study. In each case, the student must be authorized by ISS prior to the start of the quarter or before dropping below full-time. The allowable reasons are:

1. if a student is facing initial difficulties during the start of their studies with language, reading requirements, or American teaching methods;
2. if a student was improperly placed in a course;
3. if a student has a medical condition and a qualified medical professional recommends reducing coursework; and
4. if a student is in their final quarter and does not need a full course load to complete their program;

Online Coursework

Because the F and J visas are intended for students who must be physically present to pursue their program of study, federal regulations limit the number of online classes a student may take. In a quarter, a student must meet their 12 credit requirement with coursework that includes only 1 online class. For example, three 5-credit classes (2 in-person and 1 online) would meet requirements. However, any coursework that exceeds the full-time enrollment requirement can be online without concern. Note: hybrid courses are counted as in-person due to their hybrid nature.

At no point is an international student allowed to take only online coursework including if approved for a Reduced Course Load during their final quarter.

Majors and Minors

Undergraduate students oftentimes have multiple majors and minors. When a student adds an additional major, ISS will be notified by the University and issue an updated immigration document. There is no action needed by the student or department to receive this document. This can take up to 4 weeks, and we will reach out to the student once it has been processed. That said, because minors do not appear on immigration documents, students should not expect to receive an updated one when adding or removing a minor.

Academic Progress

F and J international students are expected by the government to make normal academic progress. What this exactly means is not outlined. That said, ISS relies on academic advisers and departments to assess whether a student is making progress in their program. While failing a class does not affect a student’s immigration status, if they are put on probation and ultimately dismissed from the university, there will be challenges to their status. When a student is struggling, ISS generally advises on options including changing grading to S/NS, taking a reduced course load if appropriate, or an immigration leave of absence.

Additionally, students should not plan to continue their studies beyond coursework completion. It is not appropriate for a student to delay graduation simply so they can take part in CPT or take an extra class for fun. Once a student has completed degree requirements, the government expects them to graduate.

Additional Resources