Visas overview
Full Time Enrollment Registration Requirements
Important considerations
As an international student, you’re required to maintain full-time enrollment every academic term for the duration of your program. This is reflected on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Full-time enrollment means taking a certain number of credits each term, depending on your program:
- Undergraduate programs: 12 credits per term
- Simon Master’s programs: 10.5 credits per semester
- Most other graduate programs: 9 credits per term, or equivalent registration (i.e. Continuation of Enrollment)
Most academic programs consider the summer term as a standard vacation period. For F-1 and J-1 students, full-time enrollment isn’t required during vacation periods, and you may remain in the US or travel abroad.
If you’re scheduled to complete your program during the summer term, this can’t be viewed as a vacation, and enrollment reporting is required.
Part-time study, either at the University or another institution, is allowed if you want to take additional courses during a vacation term; some students may be eligible to apply for off-campus work permission.
F-1 and J-1 students can take online courses while enrolled in their program, but they must still meet enrollment requirements each term. Only one online course or a maximum of three credits can count toward full-time status per term. International students can take extra online classes after the full-time enrollment requirement is met, or during a vacation term.
For F-1 students, hybrid classes count towards in-person enrollment if physical attendance is required at some point during the term, towards the completion of the class. For J-1 students, only hybrid classes that mostly require in-person attendance will count as in-person courses.
If you’re going to continue your University of Rochester enrollment during an academic term overseas in an authorized program of study or research abroad, ISO may be able to maintain your current F-1 or J-1 record, even while you’re gone.
For details and procedures to update your documents, please reference our Study or Graduate Research Abroad page.
In certain situations, an F-1 or J-1 student may apply to take fewer than the required credit hours in a specific academic term. The approved reasons for requesting a reduced course load are limited and determined by regulation, and include:
- Academic difficulties (only available during the first term)
- A documented medical condition
- Additional enrollment at another school
- Fewer credits needed in the final term
Complete and submit the RCL Authorization Form (PDF) to ISO. Your RCL authorization must be in place prior to registering for fewer than the required credit hours.
Each term, ISO must report to SEVIS that every F-1 and J-1 student is:
- Actively pursuing their academic program
- Enrolled full-time or authorized for part-time study
At the start of classes, ISO submits a SEVIS registration event for all international students who are registered for that term. After the allowed add/drop registration period, our office must verify full-time enrollment.
Any student who isn’t registered for the required credits or its equivalent (and wasn’t previously authorized for a reduced course load) must then be reported to SEVIS as failing to enroll for sufficient credits. This causes your SEVIS record to be terminated and puts your immigration status in jeopardy.
To avoid this, be sure to follow procedures for a reduced course load, or research alternative options with your department and ISO in advance.
When you are first admitted to your program of study, the University of Rochester is required to estimate your completion date for government reporting purposes. This date is listed on your I-20 (under “Program of Study”) or DS-2019 and is tied to the standard period of time allowed for students to complete their studies toward a particular program.
Many students require additional time to complete their studies, while others are able to finish early. In either case, you may need to update your F-1 or J-1 record. Use the Program Completion Date form (PDF).
In order to extend your academic program there must be a compelling academic or documented medical reason. The extension must be based on academic requirements and you must continue to make academic progress for the completion of your degree.
Failure to request a program extension in a timely manner can result in a violation of immigration status, which can cause significant complications and may impact your eligibility for future F-1 or J-1 benefits.
Reminder: Your permission for on-campus employments (F-1 or J-1) will be tied to your new completion date.