Course Load Requirements
International students in J-1 status must register for and complete a full course-load each semester (not including summer). Students who drop below a full course-load without international student advisor approval will be reported to SEVIS. If this occurs, your SEVIS record will be terminated, and you will lose your J-1 status, including employment eligibility and benefits. For immigration purposes, full-time enrollment is defined as:
- Undergraduate students: 12 credit hours (4 courses)
- Graduate students: 9 credit hours (3 courses)
- Graduate students with a Graduate Assistantship: 6 credit hours (2 courses)
Graduate students cannot take fewer than six credit hours, unless in their last semester.
SEVIS Registration Reporting
At the beginning of each term, the international advisor is required by law to verify class registration electronically to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through SEVIS that all international students are maintaining full course load.