Full-time enrollment

You can count a maximum of three credits of online coursework per semester toward the minimum number of credits for full-time enrollment during required semesters. Hybrid courses, (also referred to as blended courses) are considered in-person courses that will count toward the in-person enrollment requirement. If you only need one course to complete your program of study, the course cannot be online or distance learning. If the only course required to complete your program of study is online or distance learning, please contact an ISSS Advisor.

Authorization to drop below a full course of study may be available for the following reasons (IMPORTANT – do not drop below a full course of study without prior authorization):

• Difficulty with the English language or reading requirements (first-year students only).
• Unfamiliarity with US teaching methods (first-year students only).
• Final term – when less than a full course of study will be needed to complete your program of study in the final semester.
• Illness or medical reason – if a medical situation prevents you from successfully completing course requirements. Medical documentation with a specific recommendation is required from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist.

To request a reduced course load, you should submit and have approval for the reduced course load through iNAU before dropping a course or being underenrolled. Submission of a request on iNAU does not guarantee approval for a reduced course load. You will receive approval in the form of a confirmation email and/or a new SEVIS document.

Graduate students engaged in full-time research or dissertation after they have completed all required coursework work may be eligible for permission to be enrolled in research or dissertation credits below the full-time enrollment requirement. To discuss this possibility, meet with an ISSS advisor.

Students have a 60-day grace period from their program completion to depart the United States, apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), apply for change of status, or transfer to another school/program/education level.

Once you have met all degree requirements, you are considered to have completed your academic program. The end of your academic program correlates with the end of your F-1 students status. Thesis and dissertation students should talk with an ISSS advisor about their program completion date.

This 60-day period may be used to prepare for departure home or to travel in the United States. You will not be permitted to re-enter in F-1 status to the United States after leaving its borders, even if your planned return to the US falls within this 60-day period.

If you are intending to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), apply for change of status, or transfer to another school/program/education level, contact your ISSS advisor for more information.

F-1 students must be enrolled full-time every required semester unless eligible for a reduced course load. If students are not eligible for a reduced course load but need a temporary gap in their studies, they may be eligible for a Leave of Absence (LOA). Common reasons for a leave of absence may include medical issues, required military service in your home country, family emergencies, or other personal issues.

International students may be absent from NAU for up to 3 semesters before admission re-application is required. It is important to remain in close contact with the ISSS office regarding the status of an LOA so your SEVIS record can be updated accordingly. In order to apply for a Leave of Absence, you need to:

1. Speak with your academic advisor as to how your plans will impact degree completion and notify them of your plan to take a temporary break.
2. Notify the ISSS office of your plan to take a break and for approximately how long. We recommend students speak with an advisor to understand all available options.
3. Students should submit a copy of their departure itinerary from the United States to ISSS and confirm departure from the United States.

Students must talk to their ISSS advisor at least two months in advance before returning to the United States in order to reactivate their SEVIS record. Please note that students must be fully enrolled for the semester they intend to return.

The required documentation varies depending on the particular situation of the student:

1. Out of the US for fewer than 5 months:
   • ISSS advisors will submit a request to reactivate the student’s SEVIS record and the same I-20 can be used to reenter the US if approved by SEVP. Check page 2 for a valid travel signature. If there is no valid travel signature, contact ISSS prior to your return.
   • Only return to the US AFTER receiving confirmation the SEVIS record was successfully reactivated. An attempt to return before successful reactivation will result in denial of entry at the port of entry.
   • Check-in with ISSS upon arrival to the United States, as this is required so that ISSS can register the student’s record in SEVIS.
2. Out of the US for more than 5 months:
   • An ISSS advisor will need to create a new SEVIS record and issue a new initial attendance I-20. The required documents you must submit to ISSS for a new I-20 are:
     • Scanned copies of
       • Passport (biographic page)
       • F-1 visa
     • Scanned original bank letter dated within the last six month in English OR
     • Financial Guarantee or Financial Support Letter
     • If a family member or organization will assist with finances, submit the NAU Financial Support Form signed by the sponsoring family member or person
     • Original letter on NAU letterhead signed by an academic advisor indicating the following:
       • authorization to return to resume studies and date of the return term
       • confirmation that the student is in good standing
       • degree program (level and major(s) and any minors)
       • number of credits completed
       • number of credits remaining
       • the exact date of program completion
     • After receipt of the new I-20, if you need a new visa, contact the nearest US consulate in your home country or country of residence before attempting to return to the US.
     • Pay SEVIS I-901 fee
     • Check-in with the ISSS upon arrival back to the United States, this is required so that ISSS can activate the student’s record in SEVIS

F-1 students must be enrolled full-time every required semester, and withdrawing from Northern Arizona University will impact your F-1 status.

To withdraw from NAU, complete the Withdrawal and Reimbursement Petition. Students who withdraw with approval from ISSS have a 15-day grace period to leave the United States before falling out of status. No employment is permitted during this grace period.

If ISSS does not authorize the withdrawal, no grace period is granted to leave the United States and the student is immediately out of status.

If and when students are ready to return to the US to continue academic studies at NAU, a request for a new I-20 is needed 60 – 90 days prior to the date intended for return. Contact your ISSS advisor to plan your return to NAU.

To transfer out of Northern Arizona University and begin a degree at another institution in the US, students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status. Please complete the following steps:

• Apply to the transfer school. You must work with the new school for details on their admissions process.
• Obtain the admission letter from that institution. The institution must be SEVP-certified.
  • NOTE: NAU is only able to initiate the transfer of your record AFTER you have been admitted by the new SEVP-certified school and if that program begins within 5 months of your last day of class and in the next consecutive semester.
• Once admitted to the new institution, complete the Transfer-Out e-form on iNAU. When the e-form is approved, the SEVIS immigration record is transferred electronically to the new institution on the SEVIS release date indicated on the e-form by the applicant.
• Upon receipt of the SEVIS record, the new institution is able to issue a new I-20 for transfer. Contact the new institution to confirm that they are processing the I-20. Please note that the department of Homeland Security requires that a transferring student contact a designated school official at the new institution and register for classes within 15 days of the program start date. You can find more information on special circumstances and about starting classes at your new institution on the US Department of Homeland Security website. Some universities require a transfer-in form to be submitted when the SEVIS record is approved for transfer by ISSS. If required, submit this form to ISSS when applying for the transfer on iNAU. Your ISSS advisor will complete the form and email it directly to your transfer institution.
• Please note that transferring the SEVIS record does not transfer any credits for completed courses at NAU. Please coordinate with the admissions office at your new institution to complete the transfer of any credits.