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International students must enroll in and complete the minimum required number of credits to maintain legal student visa status.

F-1 and J-1

Federal regulations require full-time enrollment for students on an F-1 and J-1 visa. Enrollment requirements apply to spring and fall semesters as well as summer if that is the first or last term of a program. All other summer terms are considered vacation terms. The visa status of students on an F-1 or J-1 visa will end if they are not present and enrolled full-time at the start of each semester or if they drop below full-time at at any point during the semester.

Undergraduate Students

In the fall and spring semesters, full-time study for undergraduate students is defined as a minimum of 12 credit hours with at least 9 of those hours being traditional face-to-face classes.  

If it is the first or last term of the program, students must meet full-time enrollment requirements in the summer.  In the summer, full-time study is defined as a minimum of 6 credit hours with at least 3 of those hours being traditional face-to-face classes. Enrollment is optional in all other summer terms.  

Graduate Students

Fall and Spring

Full-time study for graduate students is defined as a minimum of 9 credit hours with at least 6 of those hours being traditional face-to-face classes.  There are a few specific circumstances that allow for enrollment in fewer hours and the approval must be entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).  Students must be enrolled in and complete at least 9 credit hours; at least 6 credit hours must be traditional face-to-face classes.

Students participating in assistantships or working on a thesis or dissertation must submit a Graduate Student Full-Time Enrollment Verification form if they are not registered for a minimum of 9 credit hours with 6 of those hours being traditional face-to-face classes. This form must be submitted to International Student and Scholar Services in the Center for Global Engagement within the first week of each semester in order to be considered a full-time graduate student.

If it is the first or last term of the program, students must meet full-time enrollment requirements in the summer.  In the summer, full-time study is defined as a minimum of 6 credit hours with at least 3 of those hours being traditional face-to-face classes. Enrollment is optional in all other summer terms.  

Exceptions

There are a few specific circumstances that allow for enrollment in fewer hours and the approval must be entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).  Final semester, academic difficulties, and mefidal.

Student is experiencing academic difficulty because: Student is in first year of study and is having initial difficulty with the English language. Student is in first year of study and is having initial difficulty with reading requirements. Student is in first year of study and is unfamiliar with American teaching methods. Student has been advised to drop a course because of improper course level placement. Student is in the final semester and will complete the course of study in the current semester.

(This option may be used only ONCE per degree level. Undergraduate students must still register for a minimum of 6 credit hours. Graduate students please seek confirmation of semester hours with the Center for Global Engagement.) 

Immigration Information

The information provided here is to help you with the most common immigration questions that arise for international students and scholars.

Maintaining Legal Status for ALL F and J Visa Holders

You are required to:

  • Check-in every semester within 10 calendar days of the first day of classes.
  • Report any changes in name, address, or phone number within 10 calendar days.
  • Maintain a valid passport.
  • Remain engaged in appropriate activities according to your DS-2019 or I-20.
  • Seek authorization prior to accepting any employment.
  • Report any changes of employment within 10 calendar days after employment is authorized.
  • Maintain health insurance.
  • Have your I-20 or DS-2019 signed prior to leaving the US for travel so you may be eligible for re-entry into the US.
  • Refrain from and report any criminal activity.

Maintaining Legal Status for all F and J STUDENTS

You are required to:

  • Remain full time which is 12 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students.
  • Obtain authorization to drop below full time-time BEFORE doing so. 
  • Report being placed on probation or suspension and any other academic difficulties.
  • Report any delay in completing your program BEFORE the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Report any changes to your degree program(s) or academic minors.
  • Ensure that you are enrolled in at least 12 (undergraduate) or 9 (graduate) credits of traditional, in classroom, courseses before enrolling in any distance/online courses. (J-1 visa)
  • Ensure that you are enrolled in at least 9 (undergraduate) or 6 (graduate) credits of traditional, in classroom, courseses before enrolling in any distance/online courses. (F-1 visa)
  • You must make normal academic progress towards completing your studies.

I-94

Website with Arrival and Departure information and records for nonimmigrant visitors.

Study in the States

Free resources that explain rules and regulations for nonimmigrant students in the U.S.

USCIS

Immigration Services

Report your Current Information

Report at the beginning of Each Semester

I-94

At the start of the semester, make sure to submit your latest I-94 record in your  INTERNATIONAL PORTAL under the "REQUEST CENTER->I-94" if you have left the country during a break. 

Health Insurance

You must submit proof of health insurance at the start of every semester.  Submit your health insurance through your INTERNATIONAL PORTAL under the "REQUEST CENTER->HEALTH INSURANCE". Your Health Insurance MUST include coverage dates and those coverage dates MUST go through the ENTIRE semester. 

Report as Appropriate

Change of Address

The Center for Global Engagement must have accurate contact information for all international students.  All F-1 or J-1 students must provide updated foreign or local address and telephone information within 10 days of any change.  All changes have to go through the Registrars office. Visit the REGISTRAR webpage->STUDENT FORMS->STUDENT ADDRESS UPDATE. Your "local" address is your CCU or Conway/Myrtle Beach address. Your "home or permanent" address is your address in your home country. 

Change of Major or Minor

If you change or add a major or minor, please make sure your advisor has updated the university systems. This information must be accurate in your SEVIS record.  If a major is changed or added, it will appear on the I-20 or DS-2019, so a new document will be created for you and uploaded to your International Portal. 

Maintaining valid documents is required for all international students on a student vis

Valid I-20/DS-2019

Do not allow your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to expire. You must have a valid Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1). Allowing your Form I-20/DS-2019 to expire will automatically end your student visa status in the United States. 

There is a grace period after the program end date that allows you to stay in the U.S.  F-1 students have a 60-day grace period and J-1 students have a 30-day grace period. You cannot depart and reenter, but you can travel within the U.S. during that grace period.   

If you complete your academic program before the end date on your Form I-20/DS-2019, we will shorten your program and change the program end date to your last day of required classes. 

If you will not be finished with your degree requirements by the program end date on your Form I-20/DS-2019, you must request an extension. If you need an extension, please contact our office at least 30 days prior to the program end date listed on your document.

Valid Passport

Do not allow your passport to expire. You must have a valid passport at all times. A current passport is required for entry into the United States, applying for an extension of stay, and for employment. You should NOT allow your passport to expire.

Contact your embassy or consulate to determine what procedures to follow to renew your passport. It can only be renewed by the foreign government authority that issued it in the first place. You should apply as far in advance as possible.

Due to many limitations that international students on F-1 and J-1 visas have pertaining to both employment and unpaid/volunteer activities, it is important to understand and follow certain guidelines.

Volunteer Activities MUST adhere to ALL of the following for all students in J-1 and F-1 status:

  • Any volunteer activity that is intended to take more than 20 hours per week is not permitted.
  • All volunteer activity must be done for a non-profit organization involved in civic, charitable, or humanitarian activity.
  • Any activity overseen by a campus department or organization that takes place on CCU’s campus and is available to any student, regardless of their citizenship, but as a part of their student status at the university can be the site of volunteering.
  • Activities sponsored by CCU clubs, organizations, or departments that are available to and encouraging of participation of a broad range of CCU student participants, may be excluded from the requirement of no in-kind remuneration, and allow for meals, transportation, housing and/or small gifts. Requests for this review must be provided to the PDSO/RO for Coastal Carolina University at least 1 week before participation. Such requests will be approved on a case-by-case basis and in the University's discretion.

All F-1 or J-1 Students who are considering volunteering must complete the “Volunteering as F-1 or J-1 Student Request to Participate in Volunteer Activity” form.

Completed forms should be returned to International Student and Scholar Services at the Center for Global Engagement in Kearns Hall Suite 207 or by email at internationalservices@coastal.edu at least 1 week prior to intended volunteer activity.