In order to maintain your lawful J-1 student status you must be a full-time, registered student each semester/term you are present in the U.S. with the exception of recognized vacation semester/terms. For some programs there are no recognized school breaks. It is important that you are aware of the expected registration requirements for your specific program.
Students must consult with their school and/or academic program to confirm the definition of full-time enrollment and make sure to enroll in the appropriate number of credits to be in full-time status.
- Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester to be considered in full-time status except when fewer credits are required to complete the program in the final term of study.
- Graduate students must follow their program’s requirements to remain in full-time status. Full-time is 9 credits per semester/term, but some programs may expect you to enroll in more credits to stay on track for graduation. Students should check with their program for specific requirements.
- If summer is the first or final semester/term for your program, it is not considered a break. In this case, you must enroll full-time in summer term unless eligible for Reduced Course Load (RCL).
University requirements for maintaining full-time status are as follows:
Degree Level | Fall/Spring | Summer (if not a break) |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 12 credits is considered full-time enrollment | 12 credits is considered full-time enrollment |
Graduate | 9 credits is considered full-time enrollment | 6 credits is considered full-time enrollment |
It is also important to note that:
- JHU’s course drop and withdrawal policies sometimes conflict with J-1 enrollment requirements. Even though the University policy may allow you to drop or withdraw from a course, you must also consider the J-1 enrollment requirements, which are separate. Dropping or withdrawing from courses and falling below the full-time credit load requirement is a violation of your J-1 visa status because withdrawal/dropped credits do not count toward full-time enrollment for immigration purposes.
- Audited courses do not count towards full-time enrollment.
Online Enrollment Limitations
In addition to enrolling full-time during each required semester/term, J-1 students are limited in the number of online courses that may be taken each semester/term. You may enroll in 1 online course each semester/term. Additional online courses are not permitted.
It is important to contact OIS and your academic program advisor if you have any questions about your enrollment. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure enrollment in a compliant courseload.
J-1 Non-Degree Students Engaged in Research Only
J-1 Non-Degree students engaged in research only are registered for a research practicum course as defined by the invitation letter. Registration in this course meets full time requirements. These students are classified as visiting students or research trainees (SOM only) by the University.
Reduced Course Load
Under very limited circumstances dropping below full-time status is allowed with approval from OIS. There are certain circumstances in which dropping below full-time status is allowed with PRIOR approval from the OIS. Reduced course loads are authorized on a term basis. Students must submit the Reduced Course Load Request form through iHopkins and receive approval from OIS before dropping below full-time enrollment. Dropping below full-time enrollment without prior approval from OIS is a violation of your J-1 status. J-1 students, both Degree Seeking and Non-Degree may be able to request a reduced course load as described below. Some restrictions apply, please review the RCL reasons below and contact OIS if you have any questions.
Reduced Course Load (RCL) Reasons
To Request a Reduced Course Load Authorization
Upon submitting your part of the RCL request, it will be routed to your academic advisor for their review. Once your advisor reviews their portion of the request and approves, it will be routed to OIS for final review and approval. Your request is not considered approved until you receive an email from OIS stating that the RCL authorization has been completed in your SEVIS record. Requests submitted to OIS before the semester/term start will be processed once the semester/term begins.
Submit the “J-1 Reduced Course Load” eFrom in iHopkins. To submit your request:
- Go to http://ihopkins.jhu.edu
- Click “Login” under “Active JHED Login.
- Login with your JHED ID and password.
- Once logged in, click on “J-1 Student Services” in the menu on the left, then click on “J-1 Reduced Course Load” eForm.
- Enter all required information and upload all required documentation, if applicable. This eForm will then be routed to your Academic Advisor for approval.
- Once OIS approves your eForm request, you will receive an email notification along with an updated DS-2019, if requested.
Failure to Maintain Full-Time Status
Dropping below full-time status without prior approval for a Reduced Course load from OIS is considered a violation of your J-1 status and will result in the termination of your J-1 SEVIS record. Once your J-1 SEVIS record is terminated, you will no longer be lawfully present in the U.S. OIS generally recommends departing the U.S. if your SEVIS record has been terminated.
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