EIU Office of International Students and Scholars

Class Enrollment for F-1 Students

Maintaining proper class enrollment is critical for F-1 students to comply with U.S. immigration regulations and to ensure their continued eligibility for their visa status. Here is an in-depth look at the requirements and nuances of class enrollment for F-1 students at Eastern Illinois University (EIU).

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

Full-time enrollment is a fundamental requirement for maintaining F-1 status. The definition of full-time varies depending on the level of study:

• Undergraduate Students:

  • Must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester.
  • Summer term is typically considered a vacation period, and full-time enrollment is not required unless it is the student’s first term of study at EIU.
  • For students in their final semester, if fewer than 12 credits are needed to complete the degree, they may enroll part-time with prior authorization from the OISS.

• Graduate Students:

  • Generally required to enroll in at least 9 credit hours per semester.
  • For students engaged in thesis or dissertation work, full-time status may be defined differently based on the university’s policy.
  • Similar to undergraduates, if fewer than 9 credits are required to complete the degree in the final term, students may enroll part-time with OISS approval.

Key Points:

• Consistency: Full-time enrollment must be maintained throughout each semester.
• Registration Period: Ensure full-time status is achieved during the regular registration period at the start of each semester to avoid complications.

Online and Distance Learning Courses

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has specific restrictions on the number of online or distance learning credits that can count towards full-time enrollment:

• Limitations:
  • Only one online or distance education course (up to 3 credits) can count towards the full-time enrollment requirement each semester.
  • The remaining credits must be obtained through traditional in-person classes.

Example:

• • • An undergraduate student taking 12 credit hours may only count 3 of those credits from an online course. The remaining 9 credits must be from in-person courses.

Exemptions:

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary modifications allowed more flexibility with online courses. Check the current policy as it may revert to standard rules.

Exceptions to Full-Time Enrollment

F-1 students can request an exception to full-time enrollment under certain conditions. These exceptions require prior authorization from OISS and are documented on the student's SEVIS record.

Acceptable Reasons for Reduced Course Load (RCL):

1. Academic Difficulties:

   • Initial difficulty with the English language or reading requirements.
   • Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods.
   • Improper course level placement.
   • Note: This exception is typically allowed only once during your program of study and for a single term.

2. Medical Conditions:

   • If you have a documented illness or medical condition that prevents full-time study, you may request an RCL for up to 12 months.
   • Documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist is required.

3. Completion of Course of Study:

   • In your final term, if you need fewer courses to complete your program, you may enroll in the number of credits required to finish.
   • This exception is typically used only once, during the final term of study.

Process for Requesting RCL:

• Consultation: Meet with your academic advisor and OISS to discuss your situation:  Reduced Course Load Authorization Form
• Documentation: Provide necessary documentation (e.g., medical records, advisor’s notes).
• DSO Approval: Obtain prior approval from OISS before reducing your course load.
• SEVIS Update: OISS will update your SEVIS record to reflect the approved RCL.

Enrollment During Summer Term

Summer Enrollment:

• Generally, summer is considered a vacation term, and full-time enrollment is not required.
• Exceptions:
  • If the summer term is your first term of study in the U.S., you must enroll full-time.
  • If you have just completed your first academic year, you are not required to enroll during the summer.
  • If you choose to take summer classes, you can enroll part-time or full-time based on your preference.

Full-Time Definition in Summer:

• At EIU, full-time summer enrollment usually means enrolling in 6 credits.
• Check with OISS for any specific requirements or changes.

Maintaining Enrollment Status

Registration Responsibilities:

• Timely Registration: Ensure you are registered for classes within the designated registration periods each semester.
• Class Attendance: Maintain regular attendance and participate in all your enrolled courses.
• Dropping/Withdrawing Courses:
  • Consult OISS before dropping or withdrawing from any courses as it may affect your full-time status.
  • An unauthorized reduction of course load can lead to termination of your F-1 status.

Enrollment Monitoring:

• OISS regularly monitors the enrollment status of F-1 students to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
• It’s crucial to keep OISS informed about any changes in your enrollment status or academic progress.

Consequences of Failing to Maintain Full-Time Enrollment

Failure to maintain full-time enrollment can result in the termination of your F-1 status, which can have significant consequences:

• Immediate Impact: You may lose your legal status in the U.S. and become ineligible for work authorization, re-entry, or other benefits.
• Reinstatement: You may need to apply for reinstatement to regain your F-1 status, which is a complex and uncertain process.
• Leave the U.S.: In some cases, you may be required to leave the U.S. and reapply for a new visa to return and continue your studies.

Tips for Successfully Maintaining Enrollment

• Plan Ahead: Schedule your courses early and ensure they meet the full-time requirement.
• Seek Help Early: If you encounter academic or personal difficulties that affect your enrollment, seek assistance from your academic advisor and OISS as soon as possible.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with EIU’s academic policies and immigration regulations.