4 Immigration

Enrollment Requirements

International students are required to maintain full-time enrollment while studying at IU.

Undergraduates need to enroll in at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester.

Graduate students need to enroll in at least 8 credit hours each fall and spring semester (or 10 credit hours for PD/AD programs). If you have a student academic appointment at 37.5% FTE (15 hours per week) or higher, you may be able to get departmental approval to take fewer courses.

Meet with an OIS advisor and discuss your options before you drop below full-time enrollment or withdraw from classes.

Taking Classes at Other Institutions

You may enroll at IU and another institution at the same time. However, to ensure your immigration status is not at risk, you should ensure you do the following:

• Talk with your academic advisor to make sure your credits will transfer.
• Submit your current registration at the other institution to OIS with the Concurrent Enrollment form in Atlas. This is due at the end of the first week of classes for each semester you’re concurrently enrolled.
• You must enroll in at least an equal number of credits at IU as you will enroll in at the other school.
• Submit your transcripts to OIS to ensure your credits get transferred.
• Contact OIS before enrolling at another university during the summer.

Online Classes

You can take online classes. However, only one online 3-credit class will count toward your full-time enrollment requirement each semester. More information is available on the OIS website. Contact us with any questions.

Program Changes

Program changes often mean that you are required to update your I-20 or DS-2019. Contact OIS as soon as possible if you:

• Plan to extend your studies at IU past the program end date in “Program of Study” on your I-20 or section 3 of your DS-2019;
• Change degree level or major;
• Seek employment off campus during study;
• Plan to work after graduation; or
• Want your spouse or children to join you in the United States.

Always work with an OIS advisor before you withdraw or drop any classes. If you decide to transfer to another school, OIS will help you complete the proper immigration transfer procedures before moving.