Visas

Full Time Status

According to US Immigration regulations F1 and J1 students must be enrolled full-time or your immigration status will be revoked.

If you are not enrolled full-time according to the guidelines listed below (per U.S. immigration regulations), you must (1) ask your academic advisor to sign this form and (2) submit it to the Center for International Education. Note that your department may require you to take more credits than the minimum indicated below.

Full-Time Enrollment is Considered:

• Undergraduate students: Enrollment in at least 12 credit hours in Fall or Spring (or 6 in Summer if it is your first or final term)
• Masters or doctoral students without an assistantship: Enrollment in at least 9 credit hours in Fall or Spring (or 3 in Summer if it is your first or final term)
• Masters or doctoral students with an assistantship: Enrollment in at least 8 credit hours in Fall or Spring (or 3 in Summer if it is your first or final term)
• Doctoral students who have been admitted to candidacy and have a graduate assistantship: Enrollment in at least 6 credit hours in Fall or Spring (or 3 in Summer if it is your first or final term)

Deviation From Full Course of Study

Only in the situations below are F-1 or J-1 students considered to be maintaining status even if they are not registered for a full course of study:

1. Summer Vacation. 
   If you have otherwise maintained lawful status, you are considered to be in status during the summer vacation if you register for the fall term. If the academic program begins during the summer term, you must be enrolled for that summer.
2. Medical Problems.
   If you are affected by illness or another medical condition which would temporarily interrupt studies or require a reduced class load, you may be considered in status if prior approval in granted by ISS. You must contact ISS immediately and provide medical documentation requesting you to be less than full-time for that semester.
3. Graduate Students admitted to Candidacy.
   Students who have completed the required course work for the academic program will be considered to be full time when enrolled in Thesis, Dissertation, or 601.
4. Valid Academic Reasons.
   If you are having language difficulties due to improper course level placement or have adjustment concerns to the University system, you may be granted approval by CIE to take a lesser class load. You are responsible for contacting CIE immediately to follow appropriate INS procedures.
5. Final Term.
   Students in their final term needing less than the number of credit hours required for full time enrollment will be considered to be full time when they are enrolled in the number of hours required to complete the academic program.

Leave of Absence and Withdrawals

1. Whether you want to drop or withdraw from a class, there are important steps to take and timelines to consider. Dropping and withdrawing may impact your grade, refund, and financial aid. As a reminder, F-1 and J-1 international students cannot drop below full-time without prior approval from your academic advisor the Center for International Education Department.

Dependent Visas

Dependents

A spouse and unmarried minor children may accompany or join a student at a later time. Dependents must secure an F-2 or J-2 Visa to enter the United States. 

F-2 Dependent I-20 Request Procedure

J-2 Dependent DS-2019 Request Procedure

Visitors

A letter of invitation can be obtained at CIE, for family of students or scholars to visit the United States for a short time. The letter will enable the visitor to secure a B Visa at the Embassy/Consulate. The maximum amount of time for a B-2 visa is 6 months.

Employment

Dependents holding an F-2 or H-4 visa are not permitted to work in the United States.

J-2 visa holders may work only if prior written permission is obtained from an immigration specialist at CIE. They are subject to Social Security tax and income taxes. Consult with the CIE office for further information.