Maintaining Your F-1/J-1 Status
Once you are admitted to the United States under the F-1 or J-1 status, you must follow certain regulations and procedures in order to remain in lawful F-1/J-1 status. Please ensure that you read each item below carefully.
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Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid at all times. In addition, re-entry into the United States typically requires a passport that is valid for at least six months.For more information on re-entry and passport validity, please visit the Department of Homeland Security website.
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Full-Time Enrollment
As an F-1/J-1 student, you must be enrolled full-time during the fall and spring terms. To be considered a full-time student, you must enroll in at least:
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Undergraduate: 12-credit hours
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Note: While 12 credit hours meets the full-time requirement, undergraduate students needing 120 credits to graduate should generally plan to register for 15 credit hours per fall/spring term in order to complete their degree within the new 4-year federal admission limit. Speak with your academic advisor to confirm the course load that fits your specific program.
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- Graduate: 9-credit hours
Full-time enrollment in the summer is required if it is your initial semester of enrollment. Please keep in mind that some programs do require full-time summer enrollment.
Important: Only one online or distant learning course can count towards your full-time enrollment. International Enrollment & Services cannot consider any online courses counting towards the on-ground requirement.
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Academic Mobility Restrictions
Transferring Schools or Changing Your Major/Degree Level
Beginning September 15, 2026, new federal restrictions limit your ability to transfer schools, change your major, or change your degree level while in F-1 status:- Undergraduate students must complete their first full academic year at ETSU before transferring to another school or changing their major, unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.
- Graduate students may not change their major or degree level at any point during their program, and generally may not transfer to another school, except in limited circumstances approved by SEVP for extenuating circumstances.
- All F-1 students are prohibited from moving to a program at the same or a lower educational level after completing a course of study — only progression to a higher educational level is permitted.
If you are considering a transfer, change of major, or change of degree level, please contact your DSO before taking any action, so we can advise you on whether an SEVP exception may apply to your situation.
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On-Campus Employment
F-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment. You are limited to a total of 20 hours per week during fall and spring semesters when classes are in session. If your program does not require enrollment in the summer term, you can work up to full-time hours during the summer semester.
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Report Changes
You are required to keep the Office of International Enrollment & Services informed of any changes to your telephone number, mailing address, or physical address. Notification is required within 10 days of the change in address. You can update our office by submitting the International Student Update Form at the following link:
- Current students
- Alumni (students who have graduated from ETSU and are not currently enrolled)
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Extending Your Program
If you (F-1 or J-1 student) are currently maintaining status and making normal progress toward completing your educational objective, but are unable to complete your course of study by the program end date on the Form I-20/DS-2019, you must apply for an Extension of Stay with the USCIS. Click here for detailed information.
Note: If you fall "out of status," you will not have employment benefits (including employment performed under GAs) until an application for 'Reinstatement' is made. Please visit this website for more information on applying for reinstatement.