Q. What is Full-time Enrollment for International Students?

International students in F-1 status are required to enroll in a full course of study during the academic year, as a condition of maintaining their immigration status. Although most often equated with what the school considers "full-time" enrollment for other purposes, the rules for "full course of study" also depend on whether the student is in F status, what level of education the student is pursuing, and whether the course of study is measured in credit hours or clock hours. The rules for maintaining a full course of study for immigration purposes are complicated, and do not always conform to the what might make the best academic sense. Because of this, academic advisers should recommend that students seek advice from the international services office before dropping a course or planning any other schedule variations.