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Full-time enrollment is essential to maintain your student visa status
Full-time enrollment is essential to maintain your student visa status
To maintain your legal status in the U.S., you must be enrolled full-time each fall and spring semester. You do not have to enroll in summer sessions unless you begin or finish your program of study at St. Edward’s in the summer.
Important Update: Recent Immigration Changes
Important Update: Recent Immigration Changes
Recent federal immigration regulations have changed how F-1 and J-1 students maintain their immigration status in the United States. These changes do not affect every student in the same way. How the regulations apply to you depends on factors such as when you entered the United States, whether you travel internationally after September 15, 2026, your current immigration status, and your academic plans. Some students may remain under previous provisions until certain events, such as international travel, while others may be subject to the new requirements immediately.
As a result, changes to your academic plans may have additional immigration consequences. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need additional government approval before continuing your studies or employment if you:
Need more time to complete your degree
Change your major or degree level
Transfer to another school
Apply for OPT or STEM OPT
Request certain other immigration benefits
Government approval may require filing fees and significant processing time, so plan ahead and contact ISS as early as possible.
Before making any academic or immigration-related changes, contact International Student & Scholar Services (ISS).
Full Time Enrollment Exceptions
Full Time Enrollment Exceptions
There are a few times when enrolling in a smaller course load is possible, but advance approval from ISS is always required. If at any time you do not think you can keep up with a full course load, meet with ISS and your Success Coach before dropping any courses. Recent immigration regulations make early planning more important than ever, as some academic changes may require additional government approval, filing fees, and extended processing times. If you need to request a reduced course load based on one of the circumstances below, then submit the Reduce Course Load Request form in myHilltop.
Instructors may drop or withdraw you from a class if you’re not attending or turning in work. For F-1 and J-1 students, this can be a serious issue because falling below the required number of credits can affect your visa status. It may also delay your graduation, and recent immigration regulations could require additional government applications, filing fees, and extended processing times if you need more time to complete your degree.
If you are dropping a class and will still be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, fill out the Lift International Hold request in myHilltop. ISS will temporarily lift the hold preventing changes to your class schedule to allow you to drop the class.
Full-time undergraduate students (12–18 credit hours) pay a flat tuition rate plus a comprehensive fee. If you're part-time (less than 12 credit hours) or taking summer classes, you’ll be charged per credit hour plus the fee. Optional costs—like parking permits, health insurance, housing, or meal plans—may apply to all students. Learn more about fees.
You may take courses at another school that will count towards your full-time enrollment requirement at St. Edward’s. However, you must:
Must take at least half of required hours with St. Edward’s
Maintain at least one in-person or hybrid (not online) course at St. Edward’s
Consult with your success coach to make sure any courses you take at another school will transfer to St. Edward’s and count towards your degree program
Report your concurrent enrollment by contacting ISS to complete the Concurrent Enrollment Verification form
Disclaimer: The ISS staff will provide regulatory and practice information related to F and J status, as it stands at the time of the consultation. Regulatory content is designed for SEU students and is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.
Disclaimer: The ISS staff will provide regulatory and practice information related to F and J status, as it stands at the time of the consultation. Regulatory content is designed for SEU students and is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.
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