F-1 and J-1 student visa holders are required to enroll full-time on the campus that issued their I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1). There are restrictions on how many online credits can count toward minimum full-time enrollment requirements.
Students studying only online are not able to enter or remain in the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student.
Reminder:
F-1 Students: Maximum of 3 online credits toward full-time status per term
J-1 Students: Maximum of one online course toward full-time status per term
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Fall and Spring Semester Enrollment
Full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters is required. The minimum full-time credit loads by program of study are listed below, including federal limitations of online enrollment.
If full-time enrollment is required for a summer term, the credit requirements differ from what is required for a fall or spring term; please consult an ISS advisor for what constitutes full-time summer enrollment for your program and degree level.
Fall/Spring Semester Enrollment Requirements
| wdt_ID | Student Classification | Minimum total credits | Minimum "in-person" or "hybrid" credits | Maximum online/remote credits to count toward full-time enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undergraduate | 12 | 9 | 3 |
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | Graduate | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| 4 | Graduate w/ TA/PA 33.3% | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| 5 | Graduate w/ TA/PA 50% | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 6 | Graduate w/ RA 33-50% | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| 7 | Dissertator | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Student Classification | Minimum total credits | Minimum "in-person" or "hybrid" credits | Maximum online/remote credits to count toward full-time enrollment |
Graduate students should get familiar with Graduate School policies as listed on the website.
Professional program full-time enrollment requirements may vary. Students in a professional program should confirm the minimum full-time enrollment requirement each semester with their program coordinator.
For J-1 Students: One online course can count towards full-time enrollment.
Summer Enrollment
Summer enrollment is generally not required for continuing students (that is, students who enrolled full-time for the spring semester and intend to enroll full-time for the fall semester). However, there are two important exceptions which require summer enrollment. If full-time enrollment is required for a summer term, the credit requirements differ from what is required for a fall or spring term; please consult an ISS advisor for what constitutes full-time summer enrollment for your program and degree level.
- Summer program start date: If you start your academic program at UW–Madison in the summer, you must enroll full-time during that term. This includes students who are returning from a break in their studies and returning to resume studies during summer. In-person/hybrid course enrollment is required.
- Summer program end date: If you will complete your enrollment requirements during the summer term, you must enroll in UW–Madison in-person/hybrid credits. During summer, you must take all course(s) that are required to complete your program of study. If your required credits are less than the full-time enrollment minimum, you must submit a Reduced Course Load for final semester. In-person/hybrid course enrollment is required. Any online credits you take must end at the same time or before your in-person classes end.
Students considering completion of final work while abroad or through another institution must discuss this matter with ISS in advance as there are serious consequences for F-1 and J-1 status and benefits.
| Duration of Session | Graduate | Undergraduate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 or more weeks | 4 | 6* | |
| 4-7 weeks | 2 | 3 |
*Accelerated BS Nursing is 14 weeks and requires undergraduates to take a minimum of 13 credits.
You may have institutional obligations that require you to enroll during summer, such as:
- Your academic program requires summer enrollment.
- Your award (such as a fellowship) or employment (such as a graduate assistantship) requires summer enrollment.
Online Course Enrollment
- Online course enrollment is restricted for F-1 and J-1 students. Please read below for full details.
- J-1 students are permitted to enroll in a maximum of one online course per semester. The number of online credits is not specified but limited to one class. These credits count towards maintaining full-time status.
- F-1 students are limited to 3 online credits per semester counting towards full time status.
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Fall and Spring Semester Enrollment
F-1 students can count 3 online credits toward their full-time enrollment requirements during fall and spring semesters.
For example:
- Graduate students must enroll in 8 credits, and 5 of these credits must be in traditional, on-campus courses.
- Undergraduate students must enroll in 12 credits, and 9 of these credits must be in traditional on-campus courses.
F-1 students can take more than 3 online credits as long as they meet the minimum traditional on-campus course requirement for their academic program.
J-1 students must take primarily traditional on-campus courses. One online course is permitted per semester and will count towards full time enrollment.
Summer Enrollment
Summer term is a vacation period, and therefore it is optional for most continuing students. F-1 and J-1 students can enroll only in online courses during summer if both conditions are met:
- The student has been enrolled in at least the preceding spring semester full-time at UW–Madison
- The student will be enrolled in courses during the next fall semester full-time at UW–Madison
If summer term is your first semester or last semester on your I-20 or DS-2019, then in-person/hybrid course enrollment is required. Any online credits you take must end at the same time or before your in-person classes end.
Final Term of Study (Fall, Spring and Summer)
If an F-1 or J-1 student needs only one course to complete the program of study and the student intends to remain in the US, that course must be in a traditional on-campus format. This will allow the student to maintain their visa status and be eligible to apply for post-degree work opportunities if they choose to do so.
If an F-1 or J-1 student chooses to take online courses during their final semester, that student must contact ISS, complete a Leave of Absence form, and depart the US. In this case, a student will no longer be eligible for work authorizations such as Optional Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1).
Impact on Post-degree Work Permission (OPT and AT)
If an F-1 or J-1 student wants to be eligible to participate in post-degree completion work opportunities such as Optional Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1), the student’s final degree requirements must be taken in a traditional on-campus course.