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.
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
F-1 and J-1 students can enroll in online courses during summer IF:
- 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
Summer term is a vacation period, and therefore it is optional for most continuing student
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.