J-1 students under U.S. immigration regulations are required to pursue a full course of study while at Teachers College. Failure to comply with this regulation may lead to termination of your status as well as all J-1 employment benefits, including on-campus employment.
You may meet the full course of study requirement in one of two ways.
For the autumn / spring semester the Registrar will grant the equivalent of 1 point for every 3 hours of approved activity. For example, if you are spending 6 hours per week studying for your comprehensive examinations, you would be granted the equivalent of 2 points of coursework. You must have a total of 9 points of coursework or COE-approved activity in order to be considered full-time.
You are not required to study during the summer vacation period. If you choose to study, you may study on a part-time or full-time basis according to your own interest.
In certain circumstances, an J-1 student may request authorization to engage in a reduced courseload (part-time study). A reduced courseload may be granted only in specific situations. You must request pre-approval for a reduced courseload directly from the Office of International Students and Scholars. Please note that authorization for a reduced courseload may be granted only for the following situations:
You may request approval for a reduced courseload by submitting to the OISS a Reduced Courseload Request eForm through TC-Compass.
How an J-1 student maintains a "full course of study" for Immigration purposes:
Fall and Spring Semesters |
COE filed by end of Add/Drop Required? |
Pre-Approval by OISS or your J-1 Sponsor Required? |
9 points of coursework (no more than 1 course/3pts. through on-line/distance ed. may be counted toward full course of study) |
NO |
NO |
Activities directly related to degree program (prep. for exams; thesis, project, or dissertation research; student teaching, internship, etc.) |
YES |
NO |
Internship, Practicum or Fieldwork under Curricular Practical Training provisions |
YES |
YES(if paid)** |
Research, teaching or graduate assistantship (less than 20 hrs/week) |
YES |
NO if TC, YES if CU*** |
Reduced course load for initial difficulty with English, unfamiliarity with US teaching methods, improper course level placement, illness or medical condition |
NO |
YES |
Last semester of degree program (fewer than 9 points needed to complete degree requirements) |
NO |
YES |
**For paid internship, practicum or fieldwork, Academic Training (AT) must be authorized by the Office of International Students and Scholars or your J-1 sponsor before employment can begin.
*** Employment paperwork through TC or CU Human Resources must be completed before employment can begin.