- see also: Maintaining Immigration Status
- The ISO must report in SEVIS to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, within 30 days of the start of each academic term (Reg Day), the enrollment status of each international student in F-1 or J-1 status. Students, to maintain status, must be enrolled full-time for each academic term:
- Undergraduate Students: 36 units each term (Fall and Spring) per MIT Registrar policy (MIT Bulletin)
- Graduate Students: 36 units each term (Fall and Spring) per MIT Registrar policy (MIT Bulletin)
- certain exceptions as certified by the Office of the Registrar for combination of coursework and research units (generally in first term/year required for all students in that academic program). Requirement that full-time tuition also applies to the student in that term.
- Also includes students officially enrolled Full-Time in Non-Resident Student status or Thesis-in-Absentia.
- Undergraduate Students: 36 units each term (Fall and Spring) per MIT Registrar policy (MIT Bulletin)
- If you cannot register as a full-time student in a given term, or plan to take a leave from MIT, please notify the ISO immediately so that you can be advised of your visa options that may allow you to remain in the U.S. or if you will be required to depart the U.S.
Exceptions to Full Course of Study Enrollment
International students may obtain an authorization for a Reduced Course Load from their F-1 or J-1 visa sponsor (ISO) only under the following circumstances:
- Final academic term of degree — student will complete all degree requirements in that final term (not required to take more units of credit than required to complete degree requirements).
- Documented initial difficulties in English language (generally only in first academic term in the U.S.)
- Improper course placement, and unable to change/add proper course in that same term (generally only in first academic term)
- Documented student health issue that would prevent student from pursuing full-time courseload in that academic term (requires official documentation from a medical doctor; must be authorized each academic term requesting the reduced courseload; limited to a maximum of 12 total months of authorized reduced courseload per degree level).
Students should consult with their ISO Advisor to determine eligibility for a potential authorized Reduced Course Load and verify procedures for requesting and receiving such authorization.
