International Services

Information for Academic Departments – F-1 Regulations

International students must abide by certain regulations when they are here on F-1 visas. Some of these regulations have an impact on a student’s academic work and their experience in the U.S. Here are some of the main things that are helpful to know when working with international students:

 

Full-time Course Load

  • International students must be enrolled in a full-time course load each semester (Undergraduate: 12 credits; Graduate: 9 credits)
  • If they are struggling academically in their first year of study or they do not need a full-time course load in their last semester of study in order to graduate, they may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load.

 

On-campus Work

  • International students are able to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
  • They can work up to 40 hours per week during breaks (winter break, spring break, summer break).
  • Students must be on the WCSU payroll for a position to qualify as “on-campus employment” (they may not work and be paid by a grant or a professor).
  • They need special authorization to work off-campus.

 

Extension of Program

  • If a student w ill not complete their degree by the end date of their Form I-20, they must request an extension of their program before the end date listed on their I-20.
  • A letter is required by their department chair explaining how long they need to extend their program for and why.