J-1 Full-Time Study Requirement

Full-Time Study at Teachers College

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.

1. Full-time Coursework (register for 9 points/credits of coursework): TC defines 9 points of coursework credit as full-time; anything below 9 credits is considered 'half-time' or 'part-time.' If you register for 9 credits you are automatically considered full-time and in compliance with J-1 requirements. Please be advised starting Fall 2021 full time equivalency will be at 9 credits. More information can be found on the Office of the Registrar website here. You are also automatically considered full-time if you register for certain advanced doctoral / dissertation advisement courses, including:
• Dissertation Advisement 8900 or 8901
• Clinical Psychology Internship CCPX 6430
• Counseling Pscyhology Internship CCPX 6460
• School Psychology Internship HBSK 6480
2. Full-time Equivalency (register for the equivalent of 9 points by taking courses and obtaining approval for a Certificate of Equivalency, or COE).  If you are taking fewer than 9 points of coursework credit, you may still obtain 'full-time equivalency' if you are also engaged in non-credit academic activities directly related to your degree program.  These activities must be indicated on a Certificate of Equivalency (COE) form from the Office of the Registrar. The COE must be approved by both your academic advisor and the Registrar by the end of the add / drop period (TC Academic Calendar), such that the total number of coursework and equivalency points equals 9.

A COE may be approved for appropriate non-credit academic activities, such as:

• Preparation for required language or comprehensive examinations
• Supervised research for the master's thesis or integrative project
• Supervised research for the doctoral dissertation requirement
• Required or elective internship / fieldwork / practicum / student teaching
• Graduate research or teaching assistantship

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.

Study During the Summer Vacation Period

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.

Reduced Courseload for J-1 Students

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:

• If you are new to U.S. higher education and are having initial difficulty with the English language or with academic adjustment, you may be authorized to reduced from 9 credits to 6 credits (students who have completed previous graduate work in the United States are not eligible for this type of reduced courseload)
• If you have a documented illness or medical condition, you may be authorized to enroll for fewer than 9 credits (or for no credits at all, if medically warranted). This authorization is granted for one semester at a time and must be re-authorized if the illness or condition persists. A reduced course load for medical conditions can be granted for no more than 12 months in the aggregate during any one course of study.
• If you are in the final semester of your degree program and do not need 9 points (or the equivalent) to complete the degree.

You may request approval for a reduced courseload by submitting to the OISS a Reduced Courseload Request eForm through TC-Compass.  

A Summary

How an J-1 student maintains a "full course of study" for Immigration purposes:

**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.