Undergraduate Advising

F and J international undergraduate 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.

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

F and J visas are designed for students to study in the U.S. in person. Federal regulations restrict online coursework to no more than one class within the required 12 credits each quarter. For example, students can meet the requirement with three 5-credit courses if two are in-person and one is online. Courses exceeding the 12-credit minimum may be online without restrictions. Hybrid classes are considered 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.

Majors and Minors

Students often pursue multiple majors or minors. When a student adds a major, ISS is notified and automatically updates the immigration document. This process can take up to four weeks, and no action is required from the student or department. However, minors are not listed on immigration documents, so adding or removing a minor will not trigger an update.

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. While failing a class does not directly affect immigration status, probation or dismissal from the university can jeopardize a student’s status.

When students face challenges, ISS advises on options such as:

• Switching to Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory (S/NS) grading.
• Requesting a Reduced Course Load.
• Considering 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