Maintaining your student status: F-1 Visas
Take At Least 12 Units Per Quarter
All students with F-1 immigration status must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units each quarter. One online class may be part of this 12-unit minimum (3 units of online education is the maximum allowed). A hybrid (classroom/online combination) is not considered an online class, so you may take as many of these as you wish.
Some professional certificates do not offer 12 units per quarter. In this case, international students may:
- Enroll in other certificate courses. Please consult your program support contact before enrolling.
- Take courses at UCSC Main Campus through UCSC Extension’s Open Campus Concurrent Enrollment Program. Students should consult the International Student Adviser if they plan to enroll in this program.
- Enroll in a 3 unit internship. Click here for additional information regarding our Internship for Credit Program.
- Enroll in courses at another institution. Students should consult the International Student Adviser before enrolling. Click here for guidelines regarding enrollment at another school, other than UCSC Main Campus.
Students may take less than 12 units in their final quarter to complete a certificate with the International Student Adviser’s approval. You must request to enroll with a reduced course load before the start of a quarter.
Professional Certificates, Additional F-1 Requirements
I-20 and SEVIS Reporting Requirements
International students must have a valid I-20 at all times. If international students’ address or program change, the student must report this information to the International Student Adviser as soon as possible.
Travel
International students who wish to depart the country and return to study must have the International Student Adviser sign page 3 of their I-20 before departure. Please contact the International Student Adviser at least 3 weeks prior to your trip in order to obtain this signature. Students will be required to present their valid passport, I-94 and current F-1 visa at the border.
Vacation Quarter
After 9 months of full-time study, students can take one quarter off as vacation if they are planning to continue their studies the following quarter. Students cannot take a vacation quarter and then immediately transfer to another school or apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) without resuming their studies. Students cannot enroll in courses in the certificate program when taking a vacation quarter. International students interested in taking a vacation quarter should contact their international student adviser to obtain appropriate authorization in SEVIS.