F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

Hi all,

So I've been accepted at a college in the US! My chosen major starts in January which is too short notice therefore I've opted for the 1st August 2016 course.

The total course is 25 credits over one year.

I'm just looking to see if I would be over complicating things visa wise if I were to also apply for a course, starting in 1st March and ending 30th July.

This course is 6 credits.


Both courses are of similar nature.

I've looked on London's website but can't find any reference to course credits. My understanding is that I must have a minimum of 12 credits per year.

Can anyone clarify this?

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

What is "London's website"?

What do you need a minimum of 12 credits for? Are you trying for a student visa? What college has just accepted you?

At your last post you were in the US on a VWP and intending to marry and try to remain in US.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

Actually, no I wasn't. I was asking what my options were.

My understanding is that you need 12 credits per semester to maintain your F1 status. My courses will be 16 credits per semester so I've answered that question.

By 'London's website' I refer to the embassy.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

Is this a community college you are talking to in order to get an F1?

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

It is, yes.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

Do you have the I-20?

Rene

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

Hello,

We've not gotten that far yet I'm afraid - Still awaiting info through the mail.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

I looked at the Dept of State website regarding F-1 visa, and it didn't list any credit requirements. I would assume once you get the I-20, you should be ok to apply for the visa.

Rene

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

Wonderful, thank you.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

...... but the school must be a recognised sponsor and able to provide you the I-20; and you have to apply for the visa from your home country.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

They are. I'm looking at courses which go from 25 credits over 5 semesters (somehow) through a more in-depth course which covers 61 hours over 4 semesters.

My concern was if choosing the 25 credit course would this create an issue.

My understanding was always that you must undertake a course of at least 12 hours per semester.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

If you still have concerns, the school foreign student advisor should know.

Rene

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

The requirement is that you be enrolled in a "full-time course". My recollection from when a friend of mine was studying in California on an F-1 visa a few years ago is that, in a California community college at least, "full-time" meant "at least 12 credits" per semester so it would appear that the 6 credits worth of classes that you could take between March and July would not be sufficient to qualify. If in doubt, the first step would be to consult the school's International Student Advisor who is probably also the "DSO" (Designated School Official) who would be issuing you with your I-20.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

The whole thing has to make sense.

Re: F1 - What can/can't I do?
 

It's got to be a full-time course of study. How many "credits" it is I assume you've got from the college but different colleges measure that in different ways. Must be full-time, that is the requirement for F-1. That is why there is nothing on the US Embassy website about it.

If you really want to knock yourself out, read the State Dept. manual: https://fam.state.gov/FAM/09FAM/09FAM040205.html

And the CFR: 8 CFR 214.2 Paragraph (f) is the relevant bit.