Full time enrollment requirements
View credit requirements for maintaining full time status, reporting requirements, and caveats like summer terms.
Studying at Rochester
It’s important for our international student community to understand study and credit requirements, procedures, and potential impacts on your immigration status. Learn more on the pages below. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
Academic requirements and opportunities
Study or research abroad
Eligible students can conduct study or graduate research abroad during their time at Rochester.
Visitor studying
Visitors may qualify for recreational study, as long as it’s incidental to their primary purpose of visiting the US.
Non-University sponsored categories
There are non-student visa category considerations, as well as requirements for those studying through third-party sponsorship or scholarship.
Learning English
English language and cultural support
Is English not your first language? There are resources that can help you adjust—both to the new language and the new culture, including academic cultural differences in America.
Pausing or ending your studies
Leave of absence
There may be opportunities to take a leave of absence in extenuating circumstances—but it’s important to understand potential visa implications.
SEVIS transfer
Understand the steps to take if you wish to transfer out of Rochester and to another institution, ensuring your immigration status is maintained.
Departing the US
Keep ISO posted about your departure plans, and understand grace periods associated with your program completion.