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> Overview of immigration regulations

Who is an “international student”?
Immigration regulations for F-1 international students
Maintaining a full course of study
How can faculty help an F-1 international student maintain a full course of study?
Work Authorization
How can faculty help an F-1 international student get work experience?

Who is an “international student”?

The Office of International Student Services serves students and scholars in a variety of immigration statuses from over 90 different countries. The majority of these people are in non-immigrant statuses, meaning they are in the US temporarily. The most common non-immigrant statuses at UST are F-1 students, J-1 students, and H-1 temporary workers who are also taking classes.
UST also has students from other countries who are in immigrant status. The most common immigrant status is Lawful Permanent Resident, also called green card holders. Because the majority of our international students are F-1 students and because the university is required to track and report certain information about these students, this overview pertains only to F-1 students. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of International Student Services (OISS) at (651) 962-6650 or oiss@stthomas.edu

Immigration regulations for F-1 international students

The two main concerns for F-1 international students are maintaining a full course of study and authorization to work.

Maintaining a full course of study

F-1 international students are required to maintain a full course load every fall and spring semester during their course of study. A full course of study is defined as 12 credits for undergraduate students and 6 credits for graduate students. F-1 international students are not required to take classes at all during January term or summer; however, they may do so if they wish.

In certain situations, F-1 international students may receive permission from the Office of International Student Services (OISS) to carry less than a full course load. Approval may be given if a student is having initial difficulty with the English language, is unable to carry a full course load due to medical reasons, or needs less than a full course load during their final semester to complete their program of study. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT AN F-1 international STUDENT MEET WITH AN ADVISOR IN OISS BEFORE DROPPING BELOW A FULL COURSE LOAD OF STUDY.

How can faculty help an F-1 international student maintain a full course of study

Be aware of the requirement that F-1 international students must register for 12 credits as undergraduate students and 6 credits as graduate students. If you are aware of an F-1 international student who is not registered for a full course load or is considering dropping below a full course, advise them to meet with an advisor in OISS to discuss their situation.

Work Authorization

Under no circumstances should an F-1 international student begin working without authorization from OISS.

F-1 international students are authorized to work on-campus by OISS after confirming that all of their immigration documents are in order. F-1 international students may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and 40 hours per week during January term, spring break, and the summer. F-1 international students are not eligible for Federal/State Work Study.

F-1 international students are eligible to complete internships related to their field of study. Undergraduate students should consult with OISS about the application process. Graduate students should consult with their academic department. 

Following the completion of their studies, F-1 international students are eligible to work in the US in their field of study for up to 12 months. Students interested in working in the US should discuss the application process with an OISS advisor. F-1 international students must apply for this work authorization during the semester BEFORE they complete their studies.

How can faculty help an F-1 international student get work experience?

Faculty can help F-1 international students gain work experience in the US by hiring them for on-campus jobs when appropriate. Faculty can also encourage F-1 international students to gain practical experience in their field of study through internships and work after completing their studies. If you are aware of an international student who is interested in working off campus, encourage them to pursue opportunities and to talk with and advisor in OISS. Please remind F-1 international students that they need to obtain work authorization before they begin working.