Office of Global Engagement
International Students and Scholars

Full-time Enrollment Requirement

All J-1 students are required to be enrolled in a full-time course of study every academic semester for the entire length of their academic program

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The J-1 visa/immigration status was created for the purpose of allowing students to pursue academic programs and cultural exchange experiences in the U.S., and because of this in-person academic study is the primary responsibility of any student who has been admitted or approved to change status to the J-1 status. No more than one online class per semester may be counted toward the full course of study requirement.

Full-time Enrollment for Immigration Purposes

Undergraduate
3 credits/semester
Graduate
As defined by academic program -- full-time requirement can vary by semester for some Masters level program. Contact your academic department for further information.

Dropping below the full-time enrollment requirement at any point in the semester without prior authorization from OISSS is considered a violation of your J-1 immigration status.

Exceptions to full-time enrollment

Students are required to be full-time enrolled each academic semester of their academic program. However, there are a few exceptions to the full-time requirement and they are listed below. All exceptions need authorization from OISSS prior to the student dropping below the full-time requirement. If you are considering dropping below the full-time requirement, contact OISSS immediately. 

  • Illness or Medical Condition - If a student has an illness or medical conditions that prevents them from taking a full-time course of study, he/she may request an authorized reduced courseload that allows the student to remain in the U.S. to seek medical treatment while taking less than the full-time requirement or no courses.  
  • Academic Difficulties - If a student is having academic difficulties in their first academic term, the student can request a reduced course load authorization prior to dropping below the full-time requirement. A letter from the academic department supporting the request is required. Student cannot drop all courses. The types if academic difficulties considered for reduced courseload are:
    • Initial Difficulty with English Language
    • Initial Difficulty with Reading Requirement
    • Unfamiliarity with American Teaching Methods 
  • Improper Course Level Placement - If a student is improperly placed or advised to take a certain course that they do not have the pre-requisite knowledge to succeed in, the student can request a reduced course load authorization prior to dropping below the full-time requirement. A letter from the academic department supporting the request is required. Student cannot drop all courses. 
  • To Complete Academic Program in Current Term - If a student will complete all course requirements in the current term and there is less than the full-time requirement needed to complete their academic program, the student can request a reduced course load authorization prior to dropping below the full-time requirement. A letter from the academic department supporting the request is required. Student cannot drop all courses. 

Extension of J-1 Status

For an extension to your J-1 status, you must apply 30 days prior to the expiration of your current immigration document.

Taking a Leave of Absence

By taking a leave of absence, a student is no longer full-time enrolled and this will affect their J-1 status.

Transfer to Another U.S. Institution

When transferring from one school to another school within the United States, you must carefully follow certain procedures to maintain lawful J-1 status.