Skip Navigation

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 LevelFall/Spring Summer (if not a break)
Undergraduate12 credits is considered full-time enrollment12 credits is considered full-time enrollment
Graduate9 credits is considered full-time enrollment6 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

If you are experiencing academic difficulties in your first term

You may request a RCL authorization due to: 

  • difficulty with the English language 
  • improper course level placement  
  • unfamiliarity with American teaching methods 

This authorization is only possible during the first semester/term of your program and only one time per degree level. You must be approved for a Reduced Course Load by OIS before dropping below full-time.   

Students approved for an RCL for an academic reason must enroll for at least a half-time course load. You may count one online course towards your half-time enrollment each semester/term.

RCL requests must be submitted by the student and will then be routed to a designated approver in your department or school such as your academic advisor, before OIS can authorize it. 

This reason does not apply to non-degree students, including visiting students and research trainees, who are engaged in research only.

If you are in your final term and require less than full-time credits to complete your academic program

You must submit an RCL authorization request if you are in the final semester/term of your academic program and need less than a full-time course load to complete degree requirements.   
 
Students authorized for RCL for their final semester/term are limited to one online course. If only one course is needed to complete your program, that course must be in-person. 
 
RCL requests must be submitted by the student and will then be routed to a designated approver in your department or school such as your academic advisor, before OIS can authorize it. You must submit the request to OIS no more than 30 days after the start date of your final semester/term. Requests submitted before the start of your final semester/term are welcome but can only be processed by OIS after the term begins.  You may enroll for only the courses you need in your final semester/term while your RCL request is pending with OIS.

This reason does not apply to non-degree students, including visiting students and research trainees, who are engaged in research only.

If you are experiencing a temporary illness or medical condition

You may request an RCL authorization for medical reasons, for either no course load (0 credits) or a reduced course load. You must upload a medical letter to the RCL request in iHopkins (see below for letter requirements and a template).  

You must be approved for a Reduced Course Load by OIS and your academic advisor, before dropping below full-time. 

Degree-seeking and exchange students approved to enroll less than full-time with a medical RCL authorization are limited to one online course per semester/term. If only taking one course, that course must be in-person.

Students approved for no course load (0 credits) with a medical RCL typically take a Medical LOA and are required to retain JHU health insurance if remaining in the U.S. 

RCL requests must be submitted by the student and will then be routed to a designated approver in your department or school such as your academic advisor, before OIS can authorize it.  

On the RCL request, you must upload medical documentation from one of the following U.S. licensed medical practitioners: 

  • Medical Doctor (MD)  
  • Psychiatrist 
  • Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) 

The medical letter must include all of the following (you may use this letter template): 

  • A recommendation for part-time or no enrollment in the specific term for which you are requesting the RCL    
  • Issued on the practitioner’s letterhead   
  • Written in English   
  • Signed by the medical practitioner  
  • Practitioner’s credentials, specifically indicating which of the above listed credentials they hold   
  • Practitioner’s contact information   
  • Date the letter was issued.  (Letters must be dated within 30 days of the date you submit the RCL eForm request in iHopkins.) 

*Students who will be outside the U.S. while on a medical leave of absence are not required to request an RCL. Instead, OIS can end your J-1 record and then you can contact us prior to your return to the U.S. to discuss your J-1 options. If you are taking a medical LOA and will not request an RCL, you must notify OIS of your plans so we can update your J-1 record accordingly. 

 

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.