News

Fall 2022 Enrollment Requirements for Students in F-1/J-1 Status

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (F-1) and Department of State (J-1) have provided enrollment flexibilities since March 2020 which have permitted students to take online (including hybrid) courses in excess of what the regulations normally allow. Starting in summer 2022, however, university operations returned to normal, so all students must once again meet normal enrollment requirements and register for courses accordingly. Under normal enrollment requirements, students may take no more than one online (including hybrid) course per term in order to meet the minimum full-time enrollment requirement. What does that mean for you?

1. If you will begin a new program in fall or continue your current program in fall, you must comply with this requirement.
2. Students completing their programs this fall who do not maintain continuity of their SEVIS record inside the U.S. will lose eligibility for F-1 Optional Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training.
3. If approved for a Reduced Course Load for your final semester in fall, you are required to comply with this requirement. Of your remaining courses required for program completion, you may only take one online (including hybrid) course. If you only have one course remaining in your program, you must take that course in-person.
4. Once you have fulfilled the normal full-time enrollment requirement for your program, you may take additional online (including hybrid) courses over and above the full-time threshold.
5. You should expect to follow normal enrollment requirements for the remainder of your degree program.

Students in F-1 status or J-1 status who have been studying or conducting research outside the U.S. must return to campus for in-person courses or research this fall in order to maintain their F-1 or J-1 student status unless specifically approved by their school for a formal study away program. If you will complete your program from abroad, please notify us by email so we can end your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record. If summer was a break for your program and enrollment was not required, you must return to the U.S. by the start of fall 2022 or your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record will terminate.

Check-in Reminder

New students must check in immediately after arrival and not later than 30 days from the beginning of your program to avoid potential immigration problems. Students who transferred their visa status to JHU to begin a new program or who are beginning a second degree program at JHU are also required to check in no later than 30 days after the start of their program. Refer to the check-in email sent separately for instructions.

If you have any questions about enrollment requirements, please reach out to an OIS advisor by email at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Office of International Services