For many students, the summer vacation quarter is an opportunity to rest, travel, work, or focus on personal goals. As an F-1 or J-1 international student, you may have several options for summer quarter, but it’s important to understand the immigration requirements before making plans.
Who is eligible for a summer vacation quarter?
Most students! You are eligible for the annual vacation quarter if you:
- Completed three consecutive full-time quarters prior to the vacation quarter
- Intend to register full-time following the vacation quarter for three consecutive quarters again (unless you qualify for a different part-time exception, such as for medical reasons, final quarter, etc.)
- Did not work on campus more than 20 hours per week during the three consecutive full-time quarters prior to the vacation quarter without authorization
- Are not in the first quarter of a new degree program
- Are not in your final quarter; for part-time enrollment permission in your final quarter, apply for the “Final Quarter Reduced Course Load” which is a separate exception to the full-time rule.
*If you begin your UW program in winter or spring quarter, you will be eligible for your first summer vacation.
Option 1: Take a Vacation Quarter and Do Not Enroll
Most continuing students choose not to enroll during summer quarter.
If you are eligible for an annual vacation quarter, you may take the summer off and remain in valid F-1 or J-1 status without enrolling in classes. During this time, you may:
- stay in the United States,
- travel within the U.S. or internationally,
- work on-campus beyond the typical 20-hour-per-week limit if otherwise eligible, or
- participate in authorized employment such as CPT or Academic Training.
For many students, a vacation quarter provides an opportunity to rest, travel, focus on personal goals, or spend time with family and friends before returning to full-time enrollment.
Option 2: Take Some Classes
A vacation quarter does not mean you are prohibited from taking classes. During summer quarter, many students choose to take a course or two at UW or complete coursework at a local community college.
ISS authorization is not required to take classes during a vacation quarter, whether at UW or another institution. If you plan to transfer credits back to UW, be sure to consult your academic adviser and verify transferability before enrolling.
Option 3: Enroll Full-Time and Take a Vacation Quarter Later
Summer does not have to be your vacation quarter. If you enroll full-time during summer and continue making normal academic progress, you may be eligible to take a different quarter off in the future through the Alternative Vacation Quarter authorization.
Some students choose this option to stay on track for graduation, complete major requirements, participate in research opportunities, or otherwise make progress toward their academic goals. By enrolling full-time during summer, you may preserve the opportunity to use a future quarter as your annual vacation quarter.
For example, a student might enroll full-time during summer and then take winter quarter off later in their program. This can be a popular option for students who would prefer to travel home during the winter, such as for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Eligibility for an Alternative Vacation Quarter depends on your individual enrollment history and academic plans. Before deciding to take a future quarter off, contact ISS to discuss your options and confirm that your plans meet immigration requirements.
Before You Make Summer Plans
Summer can offer flexibility, but not every student’s situation is the same. Your enrollment history, academic goals, employment plans, and expected graduation date can all affect which option is best for you.
Before dropping classes, taking coursework elsewhere, or planning a future vacation quarter, check with ISS if you have questions about your eligibility or immigration requirements.