You must enroll full-time and maintain a course load that meets your academic program’s requirements:

• Undergraduates: 12 credits
• Graduate students (semester-based programs): 9 credits
• Graduate students (trimester-based programs): 6 credits

Online Course Limit: You may count only one online course or 3 credits toward your full-time enrollment each term.

Special Notes:

• If summer is your final term, you must be enrolled in at least one in-person course. If you only need one course to finish, it must be in-person and not online.
• If you begin your program in the summer, you must enroll full-time and only one course or 3 credits may be online.

Making Normal Academic Progress

To maintain F-1 status, you must make normal academic progress toward completing your degree. This means enrolling full-time each required term, completing courses successfully, and meeting academic standards set by your program. Falling behind—due to failing grades, repeated withdrawals, or disciplinary issues—can jeopardize your immigration status. If you are struggling academically, contact your academic advisor and Global Innovation right away for support and guidance.

You must follow F-1 employment rules. You may be eligible for:

• On-campus employment
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT Extension
• Economic Hardship work authorization
• Employment with an international organization

Always get authorization from Global Innovation or USCIS before starting any off-campus work.

Your Form I-20 must always be accurate and valid. This includes:

• Keeping your program end date current
• Notifying Global Innovation if you change your program, degree level, name, citizenship, or funding source
• All requests for updates to your Form I-20 must be submitted through the International Student Portal

After program completion, you have a 60-day grace period to:

• Begin a new program
• Apply for Post-Completion OPT
• Transfer to another school
• Change to a different immigration status
• Depart the U.S.

Need More Time to Finish Your Program?
If you will not complete your academic program by the expiration date listed on your Form I-20, you must apply for a Program Extension before your current I-20 expires. Failing to request an extension on time may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and the loss of your F-1 status.

We strongly encourage you to review the Extension of Program eligibility requirements and contact Global Innovation well in advance to ensure you remain in compliance with immigration regulations.

You must have a valid passport at all times. It should be valid for at least six months into the future. Contact your embassy or consulate if it’s expiring.

You must report any change in your residential address within 10 days. To report an address change, use the Contact Information Update form in the International Student Portal.

You must have enough financial resources to support yourself while studying in the U.S. Keep records of your financial support in case you are asked to provide documentation.

Saint Peter’s University requires all F-1 students to have active health insurance coverage. Make sure your coverage meets university requirements and remains current throughout your stay.

If you need to temporarily stop studying for a semester or trimester, make an appointment with an international Student Advisor so that we can discuss your options. Failure to obtain authorization for a leave of absence prior to withdrawing will violate your F-1 status.

If you are experiencing academic or medical challenges, you may be eligible for a reduced course load. Submit a Reduced Course Load Request through the International Student Portal and wait Global Innovation approval before dropping below full-time.

If you’re finishing early or withdrawing from your program, notify Global Innovation. This helps us properly update your SEVIS record and maintain compliance.

If you’re leaving the U.S. for an extended time, inform the CGL. Your F-1 status may be terminated if:

• You’re not enrolled full-time during a required term
• You’re outside the U.S. for 5+ months for non-academic reasons

You may maintain F-1 status during extended academic research abroad, but you must be registered full-time in required terms. Summer registration is not required.

Authorized Early Withdrawal

F-1 students who plan to leave the U.S. for 5 months or more or before completing their program may request an Authorized Early Withdrawal. This allows you to end your F-1 status in good standing. You must submit the request before leaving the U.S. Once approved, you’ll have a 15-day grace period to depart the country. Failure to request early withdrawal before leaving may result in the termination of your SEVIS record without a grace period.

Stay informed about USCIS updates affecting F-1 students. Always consult Global Innovation for guidance if you’re unsure about your obligations or plan to make changes to your status.