F-1 & J-1 Online Course Restriction

U.S. federal regulations restrict F-1 and J-1 student enrollment in online courses.

F-1 and J-1 students may take one online course (for maximum three credits) as part of each semester’s full-time courseload. Online courses are listed by the University Registrar in the Schedule of Classes.

• For traditional courses, F-1 and J-1 students must attend each meeting in person even if the instructor offers a virtual option.
• Online courses are unrestricted for student visa purposes if taken above the minimum number of credits for each term.
• An online course cannot be a student’s only course in the final semester of study.
  • In other words, students approved for a part-time final semester must take at least one traditional course with regular in-person meetings for the entire duration of the term.
• Summer enrollment is subject to online course restrictions if summer is a required term of the student’s academic program, or if summer is a student’s first or final term.
  • Students for whom summer is not a required term may enroll in summer online courses as permitted by their academic program.
  • Students in non-degree summer programs may not enroll in any online courses as part of their full-time study.
• Students who accelerate degree progress by taking more credits that are minimally required must be mindful of how this may impact their graduation date.

Please contact your dedicated IS Advisor with any questions about online courses.