Graduate Advising

ISS F and J international graduate students must adhere to specific enrollment and academic progress regulations to maintain their immigration status. Failure to meet these requirements can impact their ability to remain in the United States and affect future employment opportunities.

Enrollment Requirements

International undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 credits each quarter unless they qualify for an authorized exception or a vacation quarter, typically during the summer. At the start of every quarter, ISS reviews student enrollment and reports compliance to the U.S. government.

Note: Graduate students in a thesis or dissertation track may meet enrollment requirements by enrolling in a minimum of 1 credit in 700 or 800-level thesis/dissertation coursework.

Exceptions to full-time enrollment are limited and must be approved by ISS before the start of the quarter or prior to dropping below full-time. Allowable exceptions include:

• Academic Reasons: Initial challenges with language, reading requirements, or adapting to U.S. teaching methods, or improper course placement.
• Medical Conditions: A recommendation from a qualified medical professional to reduce coursework due to a health issue.
• Final Quarter: A reduced course load if the student needs fewer credits 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 10 credit requirement with coursework that includes only 1 online class. For example, two 5-credit classes (1 in-person and 1 online) would meet requirements. However, any coursework that exceeds the full-time enrollment requirement can be online without concern. Note: ISS considers hybrid courses as in-person due to their in-person component.

Important: Students are never allowed to take only online classes, even if they are on a Reduced Course Load or in their final quarter.

Summer Academic Appointments

Graduate students who have an academic appointment for the summer quarter may enroll in as few as 2 credits and count that quarter as a full-time enrolled quarter. This means that they would be able to take a true vacation quarter in the following quarter if desired.

Academic Progress

International students must demonstrate normal academic progress. Though regulations do not define “academic progress,” ISS collaborates with academic advisers and departments to assess progress. Failing a class does not affect a student’s immigration status. However, if a student is 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, taking a reduced course load if appropriate, or an immigration leave of absence.

Students must graduate promptly upon completing degree requirements. F and J international students cannot delay graduation to take extra classes or participate in CPT (Curricular Practical Training).

Additional Resources