Graduate Student Immigration Information
The information listed here is additional information specific to graduate students, however it is important to follow all F-1 and J-1 visa requirements.
F-1 and J-1 General Immigration Requirements
Full-time Study
Graduate students on an F1 or J1 study visa must study full time – 9 credits – with no more than one online course per semester.
Thesis or Dissertation Students
If you have completed all your coursework and have only thesis or dissertation remaining, you can enroll in less than 9 credits.
Request to be less than full time
Final Semester
If it is your final semester then you can request to be in less than 9 credits.
Request to be less than full time
Summer Sessions
You do not have to enroll in classes during the summer, unless summer is your first or final semester of your program. If summer is your first semester in a program, then you must be in at least six (6) credits. Three of those credits must be from coursework other than thesis, dissertation, research or independent study credits. If summer is your first session in a degree program then you also cannot work on campus more than 20 hours per week.
If summer is your final session then you must be enrolled in at least one credit in-person course, such as thesis, dissertation or project credits. Please note that internship credits cannot fulfill this final semester minimum credit enrollment requirement.
Optional Practical Training
Graduate students in F1 status completing dissertations or pursuing thesis-based master’s degrees can begin post-completion OPT once all formal coursework is completed and only the thesis or dissertation is remaining. This can be an excellent option while finishing your degree. OPT applications must be filed as early – as much as three months in advance of starting work.
We encourage students to consult with an International Student Advisor in the Center for Global Engagement about employment authorization options in advance of any job or internship search, so that all options remain open. It is not always possible to use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) near the end of your graduate degree program.
Graduate students in J1 exchange visitor status can utilize Academic Training work authorization to participate in internships or work both during or after their degree, although the work authorization is not unlimited.
Graduate Assistantships & Social Security Numbers
If you have been awarded a graduate assistantship then you will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) before you start working on campus (if you do not already have an SSN).
Upon arrival at Boise State University, please check in at the Center for Global Engagement with your passport, visa and I-94 form (see below for links to the Check-In Form and the I-94 page). You will also need to have your contact information and local address, so that our team can register your arrival in the SEVIS database. You can request an SSN support letter as part of the check-in process, if you already have an on-campus job such as an assistantship. This will take 3-5 business days to complete and the support letter will be emailed to you. Please note that you cannot apply for an SSN until after your arrival has been registered in the SEVIS database.
New Student Arrival Check-In Form