Full Course Load
All F-1 international students must follow the U.S. immigration regulations as outlined below in order to maintain their international student status. International students must be registered for at least a full course of study at Adams State during fall and spring semesters:
Undergraduate students – 12 semester credits
Graduate students – 6 semester credits
Only three (3) semester hours or one (1) online course per semester is applicable to the full-time enrollment total.
F-1 students must complete at least one full academic year (fall and spring semesters) at Adams State to be eligible for annual vacation (summer). Additionally, students must intend to register for classes in the academic term following their annual vacation. Enrollment for summer semester is optional for international students who have completed at least one full academic year.
International degree-seeking students who would like to discuss enrollment below a full course of study at Adams State need to gain authorization from a PDSO or DSO prior to the beginning of each semester. There are only a few exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement for the fall and spring semesters.
Do not drop a class unless you have spoken with a PDSO or DSO.
Semester Check-ins
At the start of every Fall and Spring semesters, it is mandatory and required that Adams State international students check in with an approved Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) or Designated School Official (DSO). Below are items that are needed for semester check-ins:
First Time Students
- Valid Passport
- Visa
- Proof of Health Insurance/Health Insurance Verification Form (PDF)
- I-94
- Current United States Address and Phone Number
- I-20
- Receipt of $350 I-901 Fee Payment
Returning Students
- Valid Passport
- Visa
- Current I-20
- Proof of Health Insurance/Verification Form (if updated/changed)
- I-94 (if traveled outside United States since last check in)
- Current Address and Phone Number (if updated/changed)
Maintaining Valid Immigration Documents
International degree seeking students must be aware of the expiration date on their I-20. If students cannot complete their degree by the Program End Date on their I-20, students must meet with a PDSO or DSO to request a program extension as soon as possible. Failure to obtain a program extension within the time limit allowed will result in cancellation of your F-1 student immigration status. Students need to keep their passport valid at all times. If the passport will expire within 6 months, student must renew it through the embassy or consulate of their home country.
Grace Period
F-1 students who complete an academic program or OPT have a 60-day grace period. During the grace period, students need to leave the United States, gain a new F-1 status, or seek another immigration status. F-1 students who have received prior authorization from a PDSO or DSO to withdraw from classes have 15 days to depart the United States after the withdrawal date. Students who withdraw from classes without prior authorization are not eligible for a grace period.
