Full-Time Enrollment

You must maintain full-time enrollment each academic term (except during designated vacation periods) and make normal progress toward the completion of your program of study. Full-time enrollment is as follows:

• Undergraduate students: 12 units during the spring and fall semesters
• Graduate students: 9 units during the spring and fall semesters

Address/Email/Phone Number Changes

If your address, email, or phone number changes, you are required to update your MySacState within 10 days of the change. ISSS then updates your SEVIS record.

In-Person Course Requirement

Students may only use 3 units of fully online coursework to count towards their full time enrollment requirement.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students are required to take a minimum of 12 credits every fall and spring semester. At least 9 of your credits must have an in-person component. Once you have enrolled in 9 credits of classes with an in-person component, the remainder of your credits can be fully online. Summer enrollment for continuing students is optional and is not subject to this requirement unless it is your final term. Students using a "final term" RCL must still meet the residency requirement and may not have a fully online courseload.

Example of acceptable enrollment:
9 units in-person + 3 units online
9 units in-person + 6 units online

Example of non-acceptable enrollment:
6 units in-person + 6 units online
3 units in-person + 9 units online

Graduate Students

Graduate students are required to take a minimum of 9 credits every fall and spring semester. At least 6 of your credits must have an in-person component. Once you have enrolled in 6 credits of classes with an in-person component, the remainder of your credits can be fully online. Summer enrollment for continuing students is optional and is not subject to this requirement unless it is your final term. Students using a "final term" RCL must still meet the residency requirement and may not have a fully online courseload.

Example of acceptable enrollment:
6 units in-person + 3 units online
6 units in-person + 6 units online

Example of non-acceptable enrollment:
3 units in-person + 6 units online

What is considered “in-person”? Classes with an in-person component include those that are listed as In-Person, HerkyFlex option 1, Hyflex option 1, Blended, and Hybrid.

What is considered “fully online”? Classes listed as Web Online and are either Online Synchronous or Online Asynchronous, HerkyFlex Option 2, and HyFlex options 2 and 3.

Making Normal Progress

To maintain status, an F-1 student is also required to “make normal progress.” Making normal progress includes, but is not limited to, enrolling in the proper courses required for degree completion, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and continually meeting all institutional enrollment requirements. Students who are academically dismissed, suspended, or expelled are not maintaining F-1 status.

Reduced Course Load

You normally must enroll in a full-time course load as explained in the "Full Time Enrollment" section above. However, there are certain limited circumstances where you may reduce your course load temporarily. These circumstances fall under several categories, Medical Condition, Academic Difficulty, Final Term, or a graduate student working on thesis, project, or comprehensive exam. In each case, you must receive approval from your International Student Advisor prior to the reduction in course load by submitting an RCL request in your Terra Dotta ISSS Portal. Each type of authorization has specific eligibility criteria, required documentation, and time restrictions.

Medical Condition: You must submit a letter written by a licensed medical doctor, or a licensed clinical psychologist on their professional letterhead stating that a specific (explained) illness or medical condition compelled the student to reduce or interrupt (state which one) his/her full course of study. The letter should include the semester involved and the number of the unit reduction. Please note medical condition RCLs are limited to 12 months. An F-1 or J-1 student may receive a medical condition reduce course load for a maximum of 12 months per degree level but must be approved each semester.

Final Term: Students who have less than a full course load remaining in their final term must have a Final Term RCL approved prior to Census. If a student is unable to graduate within the semester for which a request for a final semester reduce course load was made, they will need to report to IPGE as soon as possible.

Academic Difficulty: Federal Regulations list authorized reasons for Academic difficulty as (1) Initial
difficulties with the English language, reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching
methods and (2) Improper course level placement.

• An F-1 or J-1 student must apply and be approved by IPGE and their department prior to
  dropping the course(s).
• An F-1 or J-1 student must register for a minimum of 6 semester units.
• An F-1 or J-1 student can only be authorized for an academic difficulty reduce course load once during each academic level (Bachelor’s, Master’s). An initial difficulty reduce course load can only be approved duringan F-1 or J-1 student’s first semester in the U.S.

Concurrent Enrollment

Concurrent enrollment allows F-1 students to enroll in a limited number of classes at another SEVP approved institution while attending Sacramento State. Students seeking concurrent enrollment must follow the procedures below to maintain status.

1. Receive a Concurrent Enrollment letter from IPGE. This letter informs the other institution that you are in-status and eligible to take courses. This letter can be requested through your Terra Dotta ISSS Portal. You will need to provide the name of the institution where you are seeking to enroll.
2. Maintain full time enrollment throughout the semester. No fewer than 6 units may be taken at Sacramento State. Total enrollment between Sacramento State and additional school must meet full time enrollment minimums (12 for undergraduates, 9 for graduates).
3. Ensure you meet the online course restrictions.
4. By the end of week 2 of the semester, submit proof of enrollment and a Reduced Course Load request through your Terra Dotta ISSS Portal. Proof must contain your name, school, class, and number of units.
5. After course completion, submit an unofficial or official transcript to IPGE showing course grades.

Note: If you are registered in full-time units at Sac State and you wish to take additional units at another school, you do NOT need to submit a Reduced Course Load request.

Extension Of Program

If you are unable to complete your program by the end date on your I-20 or DS-2019, you must request an extension of your program through IPGE at least 30 days before the end date on your I-20 or DS-2019. However, we recommend you apply for an extension up to three months before expiration. Once your I-20 or DS-2019 expires, it is not possible to complete an extension and you are considered out of status. To request and extension, please submit the a Program Extension request through your Terra Dotta ISSS Portal. As part of the form, you will be required to receive a recommendation from your academic advisor.

F-1 Employment (On-Campus, CPT, And OPT)

International students must adhere to specific rules and regulations regarding employment according to the regulations. Before accepting any kind of employment, please read the employment information below carefully and contact your International Student Advisor with any questions.

On-Campus: F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to work on-campus while attending classes. See the F-1 Employment site for eligibility, restrictions, job search resources, and the approval process.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a type of off-campus work authorization which permits eligible F-1 students to engage in a work experience that is directly related to their major area of study. See the F-1 Employment site for eligibility and application procedures.

Optional Practical Training (OPT): Through OPT, F-1 students can gain hands-on work experience related to their academic field of study. See the F-1 Employment site for eligibility, the application process, and reporting requirements.

External Resources

• ICE Employment Information
• USCIS Student Employment Information
• USCIS OPT Information
• Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
• Department of Labor Volunteer Fact Sheet

J-1 Employment (On-Campus, Academic Training)

J-1 students may engage in part-time on-campus employment (full-time when school is not in session) if they have obtained approval from their program sponsor (a clearance must be issued by IPGE).

Full-time J-1 students in good academic standing may engage in part-time off-campus employment (full-time when school is not in session) if they encounter financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances. In order to apply for permission to work off-campus it will be necessary that you meet with your International Student Advisor and provide detailed information concerning the nature of your unforeseen financial difficulties. Employment permits will be issued when conditions warrant approval.

J-1 students may engage in academic training during their studies without wages or other remuneration, or for wages with the approval of their international student advisor. Paid academic training can be authorized for a maximum of 18 months during or after their academic studies. Academic training after completion of studies must begin no later than thirty (30) days after completion of studies and cannot be approved for a period of time longer than the student’s academic program. Paid academic training can only be undertaken by students whose primary reason for being in the US is to study, not to engage in academic training. In order to begin paid academic training, J-1 students must:

1. Be in good academic standing.
2. Plan to engage in academic training that is clearly related to their major field of study.
3. Receive written permission from their International Student Advisor.

Please meet with your International Student Advisor if you are interested in Academic Training.

International Travel

All F-1/J-1 students are advised to carefully follow the guidelines and advice regarding traveling outside of the United States.

Required documents for re-entry to the US:

• Passport valid at least 6 months into the future
• I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature less than one year old
• Valid, unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa

To request a travel signature, submit a Travel Signature Request in your Terra Dotta ISSS Portal. Please request travel signatures at least 7-10 days in advance of your travel. Signatures may not be available on a last minute basis.

In addition to these documents, students on Post Completion OPT or STEM OPT must also carry their EAD and proof of employment. I-20s should also indicate your OPT/STEM OPT is approved and list current employment. Please see the 12 Month OPT Responsibilities and Reporting Requirements and 24 Responsibilities and Reporting Requirements forms for details.

If you have an expired F or J visa and are traveling for a short period of time to Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island, you may be eligible to re-enter the United States under the Automatic Revalidation rules.

Transferring To Another Institution

F-1 students: Submit a copy of your acceptance letter from your new institution to your International Student Advisor and specify your requested SEVIS release date. If you have just finished your program at Sac State, your SEVIS record will need to be transferred before the end of your 60 day grace period. You also need to start your new program within 5 months of your program end date (or if on Post Completion or STEM OPT, the end of your OPT). Your on-campus work authorization ends when your SEVIS record is transferred, or your I-20 Program End Date, whichever is sooner.

J-1 students: See an ISSS Advisor. If you and your next school believe you’re qualified for a SEVIS transfer, discuss your travel and/or employment plans with us before choosing a SEVIS transfer release date. Considerations include:

• The start date of the new DS-2019 must be the day following the expiration of the current one.
• If you are going to work on Academic Training in the summer before enrolling in the fall at the new school, your release date must be on or after the last date of work or you will lose the employment eligibility.
• If you are currently on post-completion Academic Training, you need to choose a transfer release date on or after he last date of work. AT authorization will automatically end on the release date.

Gather your Documents

• A letter of admission from your new school
• Transfer in form from the new school

Submit a Transfer Out Request via your Terra Dotta ISSS Portal. Your advisor will review your documents for eligibility and transfer your record.

Completing Your Studies

F-1 Students: Once you complete your program, you have a "60-day grace period." During this grace period you may:

1. Transfer to another institution in F-1 status (see above). Be sure to complete this process early in your grace period, as processing can take up to 5 days.
2. Depart the United States, thereby ending your current F-1 status. You are free to travel within the U.S. during your 60-day grace period. However once you leave the United States, your F-1 status will end. If you plan on re-entering the U.S. after departure, it would need to be on a new status.
3. If eligible, you may apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
4. Change your education level. If you are a undergraduate student and admitted to a master's program at Sacramento State, inform your International Student Advisor and submit a New Degree Level Request through your Terra Dotta ISSS Portal. This entails submitting updated financial documents that meet your new program requirements. You will need to complete the change of education level process before your 60 day grace period ends.

J-1 Students: Once you complete your program, you have a "30-day grace period." During this grace period you are free to travel within the U.S. However once you leave the United States, your J-1 status will end. If you plan on re-entering the U.S. after departure, it must be on a new status.

Maintaining and Understanding Your Immigration Documents

You are required by law to keep your immigration documents up to date. It is solely your responsibility to keep and maintain your documents, so you are advised to keep physical copies and/or scans of all of your documents. It is common practice for agencies to ask for copies of past documents when you apply for benefits or a new immigration status (H-1B or Permanent Residency). Although ISSS retains copies of some of your documents as required by the regulations, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide you with a copy of a previously issued document upon request. The following are documents you should retain:

• I-20s and DS-2019s for you and your dependents, even if you transfer schools. Be sure sign and read your I-20 or DS-2019, including the instruction page.
• Passport. You must keep your passport valid at all times to remain in status.
• Visa(s). Your U.S. visa must be valid upon entry into the U.S. It can, however, expire while you are in the U.S. as long as you are maintaining your legal status.
• I-797 Notices, if applicable
• I-94 Arrival and Departure Records
• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)

Two-Year Home Physical Presence Requirement (J-1 Only)

The Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement [212(e)] applies to some J-1 visa holders. After completion of a J-1 program, the exchange visitor may be required to reside in the home country for a minimum of two years. If the J-1 is subject to this requirement, the J-2 is as well. This requirement limits the ability of some Exchange Visitors to change their status or obtain certain kinds of entry visas after participation in the program.You may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Residence Requirement if:

• Your program is financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the U.S. government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;
• You entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training
• Your field is on the U.S. government‘s Exchange Visitor’s "Skills List.”

During the course of or after the completion of your J program you may find it necessary to apply for a waiver of the requirement. Keep in mind that once you have submitted the waiver application, Sacramento State cannot extend your stay as a J-1 scholar.