Graduate 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

Graduate students must enroll in at least 10 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.

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.

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.

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: hybrid courses are counted as in-person due to their hybrid nature.

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

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