Registration Requirements
F-1 and J-1 students must maintain their immigration status at all times. Maintaining status is necessary to remain lawfully in the United States and to receive the benefits of an F-1 or J-1 visa status. Part of maintaining status is enrolling full-time during each Fall and Spring semester.
Full-Time Enrollment Requirements:
Online Courses:
Students can register a maximum of 1 online class, which can be three credits or less, per semester, to count toward their full course of study requirement. If a student needs only 1 course to finish his or her program of study, it cannot be taken through online/distance education. There must be a physical presence requirement for the course.
Final Semester of Study:
Students can register for less than full-time only during their final semester of their academic program. You will need to apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) verifying that it is your final semester.
Apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) if you cannot register for a full-time course load prior to the start of the semester for any other reason. Contact OIS if you need to take a leave of absence prior to the start of the semester for which you will need the leave.
Full-Time Enrollment Requirements:
- Undergraduate Students - 12 Credit Hours
- Masters Students - 9 Credit Hours
- Doctoral Students - 6 Credit Hours
Registration for the Summer semester is not required for students who are continuing their programs and have registered for the following Fall semester. Students who will complete their programs in the Summer semester must be registered for summer semester.
Online Courses:
Students can register a maximum of 1 online class, which can be three credits or less, per semester, to count toward their full course of study requirement. If a student needs only 1 course to finish his or her program of study, it cannot be taken through online/distance education. There must be a physical presence requirement for the course.
Final Semester of Study:
Students can register for less than full-time only during their final semester of their academic program. You will need to apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) verifying that it is your final semester.
Apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) if you cannot register for a full-time course load prior to the start of the semester for any other reason. Contact OIS if you need to take a leave of absence prior to the start of the semester for which you will need the leave.