How do I maintain an F-1 Visa status?

As an F-1 student it is your responsibility to know and understand what it means to maintain your status. Failure to adhere to the requirements will result in the termination of your F-1 visa. Students with a terminated F-1 visa must discontinue their studies immediately and arrange to leave the U.S. No refunds of program fees, student services, or course fees will be given in the event of F-1 termination status.

In order to maintain your F-1 student visa status, you must enroll in and complete a full course of study. This means you must enroll in courses for credit, you must attend each class, and you must take the minimum quarterly course load of the following:

• 12 units undergraduate (course numbers X1–X199, XSB1–XSB199) or
• 12 units professional-level (course numbers X300–X499) or
• 8 units graduate (course numbers XSB200–XSB299) or
• 12 units in a combination of undergraduate/graduate/professional-level courses

• 8 units undergraduate (course numbers X1–X199, XSB1–XSB199) or
• 6 units graduate (course numbers XSB200–XSB299) or
• ​8 units in a combination of undergraduate/graduate/professional-level courses

Please note that online or distance learning classes are limited to three credits per session toward a full course of study for an F-1 student during each quarter. An online, or distance learning, course for the purpose of international student regulations means a course that is primarily offered through technology and does not require the student’s physical attendance for classes, examinations or other purposes integral to completion of the class.

You are expected to attend your classes and to fully participate in them. If you must miss a class due to illness, travel, or any other reason, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible and inquire about the possibility of making up any missed coursework. Students who miss classes and do not complete the missed assignments do not fulfill the "full-time" study requirements of the F-1 student visa.

You will be in violation of your F-1 status if you fail to do the following:

• Enroll in a full load of courses. 
• Apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization by published deadlines.
• Get prior authorization for dropping below a full course of study.

UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education is required to report your failure to maintain your status to SEVIS within 21 days.

If you have difficulty finding a full course of study, please contact the University Immersion Program Director for assistance at isp@extension.ucsb.edu.