International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) ISSS Check-in ISSS Graduate Orientation

Full-Time Course of Study (F-1 visa students)

In order to maintain your F-1 status, students must register for 12 graduate credit hours every Fall and Spring. Further details, including limited exceptions, can be found on the International Student and Scholar Services "Full Course of Study" page.

Employment off-campus (F-1 students)

F-1 students who have completed one full academic year (both Fall and Spring) of full-time study immediately before the semester of their requested work are authorized and eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Students who receive part-time work offers from employers at the University of Illinois are not required to use CPT. Please consult the International Student and Scholar Services "Employment" section for further details.