Current F-1 International Student

Maintaining F-1 Status Requirements

It is essential that as an F-1 student, you take full responsibility for maintaining your status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You are responsible for learning and following pertinent regulations.

 

Federal regulations require that all students in F-1 status be registered for a full-time course load each fall and spring semester until graduation. Failure to be registered as a full-time student is a violation of status; this may result in the termination of your F-1 status. To be considered “in status” you must follow these requirements:

• Take at least 12 credit hours (full time) — developmental English (INRW) courses do not count toward your 12 credit hours in SEVIS.  
• Take a minimum of nine credit hours face-to-face or in a hybrid setting.
• You may take one three-credit hour course online.
• Web, synchronous and asynchronous, and blended classes are considered online.
• Face-to-face/hybrid classes must span the full duration of the term (starting at the beginning of the term and ending at the end of the term).
• You must show continued academic progress.

 

There are exceptions to the full-time registration requirement, and the criteria for each is strict. Those exceptions include:

• Medical — a temporary illness or medical condition
• Academic — completing the last semester of the program of study

 

You must obtain prior authorization from the International Student Office to reduce your course load. Visit the F-1 Student Requests page to learn more about how to request a reduced course load.

 

 

F-1 Student Requests

For a list of updates or changes to your I-20 or to request a status change, visit the F-1 Student Requests page.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, contact us at 972.881.5760, option 3, or email us at ISO@collin.edu.