U.S. Immigration regulations require that all international students enroll in classes each term (fall and spring) and maintain a full-time course of study.
Full-Time Status is defined as follows:
| Status | Minimum # of Credits Per Term |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 12 |
| Graduate | 9 or full-time override |
Online Classes: Only ONE (1) online class per term can be used toward the minimum number of credits needed for full-time enrollment. If you only need 1 course to complete your program of study, the course cannot be online or distance learning. There are NO exceptions to this.
Note: If your final course is in the summer or winter term—it must be in person to comply. For example,
- Online only in both Summer Session 1 and 2: Your completion of studies date will be the end of the spring term. This does not impact your graduation date at UMass.
- In person for only Summer Session 1: your completion of studies date will be the last day of Summer Session 1.
- In Person for both Summer Session 1 and 2: your completion of studies date will be the last day of Summer Session 2.
- Winter Session: does not provide in-person courses. Your completion of studies date will be the end of the fall term. This does not impact your graduation date at UMass.
If you intend to apply for OPT (F-1) or AT (J-1), review our website for more information on when to apply.
Please make sure you meet the full-time enrollment requirements. Failure to follow these regulations will impact and possibly end your immigration status.
Full-Time Exceptions
Review the Full-time Exceptions specific to your visa status to see if there is an option for you but if you are planning to withdraw or choose to audit credits as contact your ISSS advisor.