Attention, students: how to verify whether a university is authorized to accept F-1 students

In recent months, there has been an increase in institutions offering hybrid programs that do not follow SEVP/SEVIS regulations, putting international students at immigration risk without their knowledge. Because of this, it is essential that all students know how to verify whether a university is truly authorized to accept F-1 students and whether the program offered meets the legal requirements for physical attendance.

This guide was created to inform, protect, and guide you before making any transfer or enrollment decisions.

1. Check whether all addresses where you will attend classes are authorized by the SEVP

Some institutions claim that students can study online and attend only occasional in-person meetings in another state, saying that the address is “authorized.”

How to verify?

• Visit the official Study in the States website and look up the institution.

• Review all campuses and locations authorized for in-person classes.

• If the address where the school says the classes will take place is not listed, that location is not approved by the SEVP.
  
  

Why does this matter?

Attending classes in an unauthorized location is considered a violation of F-1 status, even if the school claims it is allowed.

2. Understand the rules regarding in-person course load for F-1 students

Federal SEVP regulations regarding full course of study require:

• Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester.

• Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 9 credits per semester.

• F-1 students may count only 1 online course (up to 3 credits) toward the minimum required course load.

• All remaining credits used to meet the full course of study requirement must be in-person or hybrid, requiring regular physical participation on campus.
  
  

How “in-person” is defined

For F-1 status, SEVP does not measure attendance by total hours, but by course type:

• In-person courses: require scheduled physical attendance.

• Hybrid courses: include mandatory in-person meetings and are considered in-person.

• Fully online courses: can only be counted within the limit of 1 course (up to 3 credits).

Academic credit equivalency

According to U.S. Department of Education standards:

• 1 credit = ~15 hours of classroom instruction + ~45 hours of total academic effort

While this helps explain course structure, DHS/SEVP requirements are based on course modality (in-person vs. online), not the number of contact hours.

When a course does NOT meet SEVP standards

If an institution offers only:

• occasional in-person meetings,

• weekend classes once a month,

• or infrequent physical attendance,
  

then the course does not meet the requirement for regular in-person participation, even if it awards academic credits.

This means:

❌ the student does not meet the full course of study
❌ the student is violating F-1 status
❌ even if the school claims the format is allowed

3. How to protect yourself before accepting a transfer

Before changing institutions, ask essential questions such as:

1. Is the location where in-person classes will be held listed on the SEVP website?
   Request the official link or documentation directly from SEVP.

2. How many in-person hours are actually provided per semester?
   Compare with the minimum requirement (90 hours for graduate programs and 135 for undergraduate programs).

3. How many courses can be taken online?
   If the school says you can take more than one online course, this is already a warning sign.

4. How does the institution ensure that students meet the low-residency or in-person participation requirement?
   Ask for concrete details—not vague answers.

4. “But is the final decision mine?”

Yes. But make it with full awareness!

The student is responsible for maintaining F-1 status.

A poorly guided transfer can result in:

• Immigration violations

• Loss of status

• Requirement to leave the U.S.

• Future difficulties when applying for visas or reentry

• Ineligibility for future immigration processes

Before making any decision:

✔ Verify SEVP information
✔ Check schedules and locations
✔ Ensure all SEVIS rules are being followed
✔ Request everything in writing

The best protection is information.

5. If you have questions, always contact your DSO (Designated School Official)

Your DSO is trained to interpret SEVP/SEVIS regulations and guide you correctly.

If something seems confusing, contradictory, or “too good to be true,” consult your DSO before signing any document.

Before enrolling or requesting a transfer, verify everything.
Do not put your F-1 status at risk due to lack of information.
👉 Always consult official sources, speak with your DSO, and make informed decisions with confidence.