As an F-1 student, part of the requirements for you is to maintain full-time status for the duration of your study.

This means that you must be registered for 12 credits each semester if you are an undergraduate student and 9 credits if you are a graduate student.

There only three possible exceptions and they are as follows:

• Medical illness or other medical reason - Must have evidence of medical condition from a licensed doctor. The medical condition cannot last more than one year.
• Academic difficulties or improper program placement - Initial difficulty with the English Language or reading requirements, unfamiliarity with American teaching methods or improper course level placement. The student must resume a full course of study next term, session or semester (summer session not included).
• Being in your final semester prior to graduation - In final term, session or semester, the student is enrolled in the number of credits needed to complete the course of study.

You can download the form here.

If you need help or have more questions, visit International and Experiential Education.