COVID Temporary Changes to F-1 Status Maintenance

Anticipated enrollment requirements for Fall 2023
Note: Any future updates will be posted on this website as soon as possible. 

It is anticipated that the COVID temporary changes will end with the completion of the 2022-2023 academic year. You should make your fall 2023 enrollment plan based on the following enrollment requirements.
 
Full-time enrollment requirements for an international student:

• Undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 credits each fall and spring semester.
• Graduate students must enroll in at least 8 credits each fall and spring semester.
• Graduate students with an assistantship employed at 33% or greater must enroll in at least 6 graduate credits each fall and spring semester. The Graduate Program may require a higher minimum.
• Graduate students in Prelim status must enroll in at least 1 credit each fall and spring semester. 
• Graduate students in Dissertator status must enroll in at least 3 credits each fall and spring semester.
• Summer and WinteriM semesters are optional unless they are your first semester at UWM. 

Online course enrollment allowances:
F-1 visa regulations allow one online course to count towards full-time enrollment each semester. Sponsored students may have additional restrictions based on sponsor allowances. 


Updated Temporary Guidance Requirements for Spring 2023 UWM will continue to be fully operational for the spring 2023 semester by offering a combination of in-person, hybrid, and online courses. Current guidance indicates that the temporary changes to enrollment requirements for F-1 visa status maintenance will remain in place for the spring 2023 semester. Review the information below to determine your F-1 visa course enrollment requirements for the spring 2023 semester.

Information for students who were not in their current Active F-1 status in March 2020: 

• In-person coursework is required: Enrollment in as many in-person courses as possible is recommended and a minimum of 3 credit hours is required.
• Presence in the U.S. is required.
• Full-time enrollment is required.
  *Students graduating in the spring 2023 semester can apply for Less than Full-Time Enrollment Authorization through their ISSS Connect portal. 
  *Students not graduating spring 2023 who will not enroll full-time for spring 2023 should leave the U.S. and complete an Authorized Early Withdrawal request through their ISSS Connect portal.
• Students who will not meet these requirements should contact isss@uwm.edu for assistance.

 
Information for students with an Active F-1 record who were in their current Active F-1 status as of March 2020: 

• In-person coursework is not required but is recommended.
• Presence in the U.S. is not required for most students.
  *For students from Iran: Presence in the U.S. is required.
• Full-time enrollment is required.
  *Students graduating in the spring 2023 semester can apply for Less than Full-Time Enrollment Authorization through their ISSS Connect portal
  *Students not graduating spring 2023 who will not enroll full-time for spring 2023 should leave the U.S. and complete an Authorized Early Withdrawal request through their ISSS Connect portal.