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.

Full-time 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. 

You are also automatically considered full-time if you register for certain courses that hold full time equivalency, including:

• Dissertation Advisement 8900 
• Clinical Psychology Internship CCPX 6430
• School Psychology Internship HBSK 6480

Please keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list. If you are not sure whether the course you are interested in registering for holds full time equivalency, please check with your academic advisor or the Office of the Registrar. 

Online / Distance Education

No more than one online/distance education class or 3 credits per semester may count toward the full course of study requirement in the fall and spring terms. An online/distance education class is defined as one which does not require physical attendance at Teachers College to complete the course.  Any course that is not coded “in-person” is considered a distance learning course)

Study During the Summer Vacation Period

You are not required to study during the summer vacation period if you plan on enrolling continuously into the Fall. If you choose to enroll in courses during the regularly scheduled summer break, you may study on a part-time or full-time basis.  

If you are admitted to Teachers College to start your program in the summer, you will be expected to enroll full time.

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 study 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 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.