Exchange Visitors in J-1 Status Enrolling in Classes

ISSS requires all Exchange Visitor scholars on J-1 visas to report their enrollment in classes. According to the U.S. Department of State (DOS), any class enrollment during an Exchange Visitor Program must be incidental to the objectives of the program in which the visitor is participating such as research, teaching, consulting, or observing.

Class Enrollment Limitations:

  • Exchange Visitors can only enroll in a maximum of 3 credit hours per semester at CU 麻豆影院.
  • If an Exchange Visitor wishes to enroll in classes at another institution, they must consult with ISSS before enrolling.

Full-Time Study Restrictions:

  • The DOS mandates that an Exchange Visitor cannot simultaneously be a full-time student in the US and an Exchange Visitor scholar.
  • CU 麻豆影院 defines full-time graduate study as 5 credit hours per semester.

Enrollment at Other Institutions:

  • The definition of 鈥渇ull-time鈥 varies among institutions. ISSS will determine the acceptable number of credits if you wish to take classes elsewhere.

Prior to enrolling in classes, either at CU 麻豆影院 or any other institution, all Exchange Visitor scholars must complete the Confirmation of J-1 Exchange Visitor Class Enrollment e-form available in the MyISSS portal under 鈥淛-1 Scholar Services鈥