Overview
Maintaining your immigration status as an F-1 or J-1 student comes with specific requirements that may not always be intuitive. This page is designed to help you understand the key expectations and common situations you may encounter during your time at CSUSB.
This information provides general guidance and may not address every individual circumstance. Immigration requirements are complex, and your specific situation matters. If you are unsure how a decision may affect your status, contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) before taking action.
ISSS regularly reviews student records to support compliance with immigration requirements, including during the fall and spring semesters and as students approach completion of their programs.
Your Responsibilities as an F-1 or J-1 Student:
In order to maintain status, F-1, and J-1 students are generally required to adhere to the following:
Disclaimer: If you are in a non-credit program, such as ELP, please consult your advisor.
You must maintain the enrollment required for your immigration status during required academic terms.
- F-1 undergraduate students: At least 12 units per semester.
- F-1 graduate students: At least 6 units per semester, or enrollment in an applicable culminating experience course.
- CSUSB incoming J-1 exchange students: 12–18 units per semester.
If you are considering dropping below the enrollment required for your status or program, contact ISSS before making the change.
Immigration rules limit how much online or distance-education coursework may count toward required enrollment.
For F-1 students:
- Undergraduate students generally need at least 9 units of in-person or hybrid instruction.
- Graduate students generally need at least 3 units of in-person or hybrid instruction.
- Generally, only one online course, or up to 3 online units, may count toward the full-course-of-study requirement.
For CSUSB incoming J-1 exchange students, the exchange program permits a maximum of one online course per term.
If you are unsure whether your schedule meets the requirements for your status, contact ISSS before finalizing your enrollment.
You must continue making appropriate progress toward completing your academic or exchange program.
Academic difficulties, repeated withdrawals, or significant delays in completion may affect immigration planning. If academic circumstances may prevent you from maintaining required enrollment or completing your program as expected, contact ISSS early.
Note: Graduate students may not be considered to be making normal academic progress if their program completion is significantly delayed beyond expected timeframes.
Keep your passport and your current Form I-20 for F-1 students or Form DS-2019 for J-1 students valid.
If you will not complete your program by the program end date listed on your immigration document, contact ISSS before that date to determine whether an extension may be available.
Portal Request Name: 02 F-1: Extending Program End Dates
Employment in the United States is limited by your immigration status. Do not begin employment or another activity that may require employment authorization until you understand the requirements that apply to you.
F-1 students should use the dedicated CSUSB Employment pages for information about on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and Social Security numbers.
J-1 students should contact an International Student Advisor before accepting or beginning employment or Academic Training.
For more information on Employment and maintaining status, visit our Employment Hub to explore CPT, OPT, STEM OPT and on-campus employment immigration regulations.
Maintain the health insurance required by CSUSB and, when applicable, by your immigration status.
J-1 students and J-2 dependents are also subject to federal Exchange Visitor Program health-insurance requirements.
Report required changes to your U.S. address and contact information within 10 calendar days.
Use MyCoyote to keep your university contact information current. Use the Coyote International Portal when a change needs to be reviewed or updated by ISSS.
Before traveling outside the United States, make sure your immigration documents are valid and properly endorsed for travel.
Review Travel Outside the United States for detailed travel and reentry guidance.
Important Reminder
Failing to meet the requirements that apply to your immigration status may affect your ability to remain in valid status.
If you are unsure about a decision or situation, contact ISSS before taking action.
Enrollment Requirements
To maintain F-1 or J-1 student status, you must meet the enrollment requirements that apply to your immigration classification and academic program during required terms.
For students advised by ISSS:
| Student Population | Required Enrollment | In-Person/Hybrid Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| F-1 Undergraduate / Bachelor's | 12 units per semester | 9 units per semester |
| F-1 Graduate / Master's | 6 units per semester or applicable culminating experience | 3 units |
| CSUSB incoming J-1 exchange student | 12–18 units per semester | Follow J-1 exchange-program requirements; maximum one online course per term |
Students enrolled through SUSA, APP, ELP, International Extension Programs, or another program administered outside ISSS should review International Education Programs or contact their program advisor for the enrollment requirements that apply to them.
International Education Programs
Full-time enrollment should consist of courses that apply to your academic or exchange program and require the academic engagement expected for your program.
For F-1 students, generally only one online course, or up to 3 online units, may count toward the full-course-of-study requirement during a required term.
This generally means:
- F-1 undergraduate students need at least 9 in-person or hybrid units; and
- F-1 graduate students need at least 3 in-person or hybrid units.
Additional online coursework may be possible after the student has already met the required in-person enrollment.
CSUSB incoming J-1 exchange students may take a maximum of one online course per term.
If your schedule relies heavily on online coursework, contact ISSS before finalizing your enrollment.
NOTE: There are no general exceptions to the in-person enrollment requirement.
F-1 students are generally required to maintain a full course of study during required academic terms. In limited circumstances, ISSS may authorize a student to enroll below the normally required course load.
Do not drop below full-time enrollment before ISSS has reviewed and authorized the applicable request.
Approval from an instructor, academic advisor, department, or another university office does not by itself provide immigration authorization to enroll below the required course load.
F-1 Reduced Course Load Requests
Use the Coyote International Portal to submit the request that matches your circumstances.
Use this request when a temporary illness or medical condition prevents you from maintaining a full course of study. A medical RCL requires qualifying documentation and is subject to federal limits on how long a student may be authorized for reduced enrollment because of medical circumstances. Portal Request Name: 02 F-1: Reduced Course Load (RCL) for Medical/Illness Reason |
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Use this request when you are in your initial academic term and are experiencing a qualifying academic difficulty. Qualifying reasons may include:
This is not a general option for poor grades or difficulty passing a course. Portal Request Name: 02 F-1: Reduced Course Load (RCL) for First-Term Academic Difficulties |
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Use this request when you are an undergraduate student in your final term and need fewer than the normally required units to complete your degree requirements. You must receive the required ISSS authorization before reducing your enrollment. Portal Request Name: 02 F-1: Reduced Course Load (RCL) for Undergraduate Final-Term |
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Use this request when you are a graduate student in your final term and either:
ISSS will review your remaining academic requirements and determine the appropriate immigration treatment. Portal Request Name: 02 F-1: Reduced Course Load (RCL) or Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) for Graduate Final-Term |
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J-1 Students
J-1 students do not use the four F-1 Reduced Course Load requests listed above.
If you are a J-1 student and believe you need to reduce your enrollment, contact an International Student Advisor before changing your schedule. J-1 reduced-course-of-study rules and authorization procedures differ from the F-1 process.
If you are in your final term and need fewer than the normally required units to complete your program, you may qualify for reduced enrollment.
F-1 students must receive the applicable final-term RCL authorization before reducing enrollment.
At least one course required for completion must meet the applicable in-person enrollment requirements. If your only remaining required course is online, contact ISSS before enrolling because this may affect your eligibility to remain in the United States for that term.
Important Reminder
Enrollment decisions can directly affect your immigration status.
Contact ISSS before:
- Dropping a course that would place you below required enrollment;
- Enrolling primarily or entirely in online coursework; or
- Reducing your enrollment during your final term.
Breaks & Vacation Terms
Enrollment requirements may be different during an eligible annual vacation or official school break.
Students should not assume that any term in which they do not plan to take classes automatically qualifies as a vacation term for immigration purposes.
Disclaimer: International Extension Program (IEP) or non-credit program students must have completed two (2) consecutive terms before taking a vacation term. Please speak to your IEP immigration advisor to confirm if you are eligible.
For many continuing students, summer may serve as the annual vacation term when the student is eligible and intends to enroll in the following required term.
You may need to enroll during summer if:
- Summer is your first term at CSUSB;
- Summer is your final term and you need coursework to complete your program;
- You are otherwise required to enroll because of your immigration status or program; or
- ISSS has advised you that summer enrollment is required in your circumstances.
F-1 students who are unsure whether they are eligible for an annual vacation should contact ISSS before deciding not to enroll.
Winter break is an official school break between the fall and spring semesters. Continuing students who maintained the required enrollment during fall and will continue in spring are generally not required to enroll during winter break.
CSUSB incoming J-1 exchange students participate according to the dates of their approved exchange program and Form DS-2019.
Do not assume that a term before or after your exchange period is an immigration vacation term. Contact an International Student Advisor if you have questions about enrollment during your J-1 program.
Important Reminder
Not all students are automatically eligible for a vacation term. If you are unsure whether you qualify for a break, contact ISSS before making plans.
Employment Overview
Employment in the United States is restricted by your immigration status.
F-1 students: Employment options may include authorized on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and other limited forms of employment authorization.
Use the CSUSB Employment pages for detailed eligibility, authorization, and application information.
J-1 students: Employment and Academic Training require advance review and applicable authorization. Contact an International Student Advisor before accepting or beginning employment.
Important: Do not begin employment or training until you have the authorization required for your immigration status and activity.
On-Campus EmploymentCurricular Practical Training (CPT)Optional Practical Training (OPT)
STEM OPT ExtensionSocial Security Number
Maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status is your responsibility, but you are not expected to navigate it alone. ISSS is here to support you.
Making informed decisions—and asking questions before taking action—can help you avoid issues and stay on track throughout your program.
Travel & Reentry
Before traveling outside the United States, make sure you understand the documents and requirements that apply to your return.
Common Situations
Below are some of the most common questions and situations international students encounter. If your situation is not listed, or if you are unsure, contact ISSS before taking action.
If you will not complete your academic program by the program end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, contact ISSS before the program end date.
An extension is not automatic. ISSS must review whether additional time is available for your immigration status and circumstances.
Use the applicable request in the Coyote International Portal when directed by ISSS.
Portal Request: 02 F-1: Extending Program End Dates
If you are considering a leave of absence, withdrawing from CSUSB, or otherwise stopping your studies before completing your program, contact ISSS before taking action.
A university leave of absence and immigration authorization are separate requirements. Approval of an academic leave does not by itself provide immigration authorization to stop studying or remain in the United States.
Students must also complete the applicable university process.
Graduate students: Review the Office of Graduate Studies Forms Page.
Undergraduate students: Review Academic Advising’s Forms & Petitions information for Leave of Absence.
Contact ISSS when you change your major, academic program, or educational level so we can determine whether your immigration record or documents need to be updated.
Use the Coyote International Portal for applicable immigration requests.
If you plan to leave CSUSB and continue your studies at another U.S. school, your SEVIS record may need to be transferred.
Review Transfer Students for the CSUSB process and contact ISSS before your transition.
If you have been away from CSUSB and plan to return or be readmitted, you may need new or updated immigration documentation.
Review Returning & Readmitted Students for the CSUSB process.
If you are considering changing from F-1 or J-1 status to another immigration status, or changing to F-1 or J-1 from another status, contact ISSS before making academic or immigration decisions based on the proposed change.
A change of status may affect enrollment, employment, travel, and immigration benefits.
ISSS can provide general information about how a proposed change may affect your CSUSB student record and F-1 or J-1 responsibilities. ISSS does not provide personal legal representation or private immigration legal advice.
As you approach completion of your program, review the immigration responsibilities and options that apply after your studies.
These may depend on your immigration status, employment or practical-training plans, transfer plans, and whether you will remain in or depart the United States.
This is probably okay. Your visa stamp is used for entry into the United States, not for staying in the U.S.
You may remain in the United States with an expired visa stamp as long as you:
- Maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status
- Have a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Have a valid passport
Travel Considerations
If you travel outside the United States and your visa stamp is expired, you will generally need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate before returning.
You cannot apply for a visa stamp from within the United States.
Travel to Canada or Mexico (Automatic Visa Revalidation)
In limited situations, you may be eligible to re-enter the U.S. from Canada or Mexico without renewing your visa stamp if:
- Your trip is 30 days or less, and
- You meet all eligibility requirements for automatic visa revalidation
Not all students qualify for this benefit. We strongly recommend that you contact ISSS before making travel plans.
Important Reminder
Even if your visa stamp is expired, you must continue to maintain your immigration status while in the United States.
If you have questions about your documents or travel plans, contact ISSS before traveling.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
You may be able to drop a class, but you must remain enrolled full-time.
If dropping a class would put you below full-time enrollment, you must receive authorization from ISSS before making the change. Dropping below full-time without authorization may result in a violation of your status.
No. You must be enrolled in primarily in-person courses.
Only a limited number of online classes can count toward your full-time enrollment requirement. If your schedule is mostly or fully online, you may not be maintaining your status—even if you are enrolled in enough units.
Yes, if you need fewer units to complete your program, you may be eligible for a reduced course load in your final term.
However:
- You must request authorization from ISSS
- At least one required course must be in-person
It depends.
If summer is your vacation term, enrollment is not required.
However, if Summer is your final term, then you may be required to enroll. If you are unsure, contact ISSS.
Not without authorization.
Off-campus employment requires specific authorization such as CPT or OPT. Working without authorization—even if the opportunity is unpaid—may result in the loss of your immigration status.
Changes to your academic program may require updates to your immigration record.
You should contact ISSS to ensure your SEVIS record and immigration documents are updated appropriately.
You may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load (RCL), but this requires prior authorization from ISSS.
Do not make changes to your enrollment until you have received approval.
Important Reminder
Every student’s situation is different. When in doubt, contact ISSS before making decisions that may impact your status.
Important Final Reminder
Maintaining your immigration status is an ongoing responsibility, but you do not have to navigate questions alone.
When you are unsure whether an enrollment decision, employment opportunity, travel plan, or another change may affect your status, contact ISSS before taking action when possible.
Get Help
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