This page reviews important course registration requirements for F1 student visa holders.
Failure to enroll in a full course load without authorized Reduced Course Load will result in termination of your F1 student visa status.
Full Time Course Load Requirements
Per the federal regulations, students on an F1 student visa must be enrolled in a full courseload.
Summer Courses
First Semester Summer Courses
- Due to the federal Department of Homeland Security regulations, F1 student visa holders may not start their studies at WT in the summer. There are not enough classes offered in the summer to be able to maintain the initial F1 student visa status.
Summer Classes - Returning for the Fall Semester
- As a continuing student, as long as you are returning to WT in the Fall semester, you may take as many or as few summer courses as you wish
- Taking summer course(s) are not required
- Courses may be taken online from within or outside of the US
Summer Classes - Graduating in the Summer
- If you will graduate in a summer semester, your schedule must be in compliance with normal Fall and Spring registration regulations:
- Graduates: at least 9 credit hours. At least 6 hours face-to-face
- Undergraduates: at least 12 credit hours. At least 9 hours face-to-face
- If your schedule will not meet these requirements, you must submit a Reduced Course Load request with our office
- If taking a Reduced Course Load, at least 1 class must be face-to-face during your graduating semester
Online Courses
Students in F1 visa status may count 1 online course towards their full-time enrollment. Any courses that are taken above and beyond the required 9 or 12 credit hours may be online courses.
Please note: As of Spring 2025, per new THECB (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board) definitions, hybrid classes are no longer considered face-to-face. They are now considered online. The following course types are considered online for immigration purposes:
- Hybrid
- Online (WEB)
- Web-Based
- Web-Based + Virtual Meetings