The federal government permits you to be a part-time student in very specific circumstances. You must obtain approval from International Services before you become a part-time student.

International students must take a full-time course load every fall and spring semester. Full-time is 12 credit hours (for graduate students with assistantships, it is 9 credit hours with approval from OGE).

Part-time enrollment (RCL) is only allowed in certain situations.

• These situations require academic approval and International Services approval.
• Students can receive a maximum of two Part-Time Enrollment (RCL) approvals per education level, excluding a RCL for medical reasons (maximum of 12 months).

Do not drop below full-time without first working with International Services for the required approvals. If you drop below full-time without approval from International Services, you are not maintaining your F-1 status and your SEVIS record may be terminated.

Undergraduate students and graduate students have a different process to request to be part-time student, so please review the process which is appropriate for you.

Undergraduate Part-Time Process

• Submit the Part-Time Enrollment (RCL) Request in Via International (VI).

Graduate Part-Time Process

• Graduate students must complete the Graduate Student Request for Change of Status Form, available here.
  • This form must be signed by your Present Graduate Program Director and OGE first.
  • OGE sends to form to International Services for review and approval.
• International Services cannot sign this form and submit it to the Registrar's Office for processing until the academic side has approved your request as noted on the form.
• Graduate students do not submit a request in Via International (VI) to request approval to be part-time.

All F-1 students are required to complete their program by the Program End Date listed on their I-20. If you will not complete your program by this date, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your Program End Date on your I-20.

Extensions filed in an untimely manner may not be processed and the student may have to return home or file for a reinstatement, which can be a costly and timely process.

Program Extension Requirements

To be eligible for a program extension, the student must have:

• Continually maintained full-time F-1 status AND
• Have compelling academic or medical reasons for the delay in completing the program, such as:
  • Change of major or research topic
  • Unexpected research problems
  • Loss of credits upon transfer to RPI
  • Documented illness

Please note: Delays due to academic suspension or dismissal do not qualify for an extension. In this case, you would have to apply for reinstatement.

Application Instructions

• Submit the Program Extension in Via International (VI).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers F-1 students an opportunity for off-campus work experience in their field of study.

International Services recommends you apply for OPT in your final semester before you graduate, to allow time for the work authorization to be issued.

You do not need a job to apply for OPT.

To learn more about OPT, click here.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers F-1 students an opportunity for off-campus work experience in their field of study.

International Services recommends you apply for OPT in your final semester before you graduate, to allow time for the work authorization to be issued. Technically, students can apply up to 60 days after their Program End Date; however, we do not recommend waiting this long.

You do not need a job to apply for OPT.

To learn more about OPT, click here.

When F-1 students finish their program of study, there is a specified grace period of 60 days that begins after your Program End Date on your I-20.

• After International Services is notified you graduate, we will shorten the Program End Date on your I-20 and notify you by email.

During this grace period, you can do any of the following:

• Apply to transfer your SEVIS record to a new school that starts within 5 months of your Program End Date; or
• Apply for a Change of Education Level (COL) I-20 to continue your studies at RPI; or
• Apply for OPT; or
• Travel inside of the U.S. and depart the U.S. by the end of the grace period; or
• Apply to USCIS for a change of status (legal counsel recommended).

If you have applied for OPT, you can stay inside the U.S. in legal F-1 status while your application is pending. In fact, you should NOT depart the U.S. with a pending application. Your 60-day grace period does not apply during this time. Instead, you will receive a 60-day grace period upon completion of OPT.

For students who intend to transfer to another U.S. school, see the Leaving RPI page.

Students who intend to begin a new program of study at RPI will need to request a Change of Education Level (COL) I-20 within 60 days of of their Program End Date or graduation (whichever is sooner). Please keep in mind that you must allow International Services at least 2 weeks for processing, so we highly recommend you submit all your documentation to us in advance of your Program End Date.

To learn more or request the Change of Level I-20, access the Change of Education Level (COL) in Via International (VI).

We recommend that you connect with International Services the semester before you start your new program, so we can provide guidance on travel outside of the U.S. and timing expectations. After your Change of Education Level I-20 has been issued, you are able to be employed on-campus (but not off-campus).