Clarification of the Eligibility Requirements (5)

5. Full-time Enrollment is Needed During Required Academic Terms Despite Concurrent CPT Authorization.

 

Full-time enrollment & physical presence

F-1 students must continue to maintain on-campus physical presence in Ann Arbor, and enroll in a full course of study, during every fall and winter semester, regardless of any CPT opportunities. The Department of Homeland Security considers engaging in a full course of study, physically attending classes in person on-campus, and making normal progress towards degree completion to be the foundation of maintaining a lawful and valid F-1 status. 

If a student qualifies for a Reduced Course Load because they're in the final term and do not need to be enrolled in a full course load to complete their program requirements, they must still comply with the on-campus physical presence requirement.

An exception to the physical presence requirement may apply to Ph.D. dissertation candidates since they have completed all required academic coursework for their degree program. Candidates are expected instead to conduct research, analyze data, and write their dissertations. In some cases, it is necessary for Ph.D. students to engage in training outside of the local area in order to obtain the necessary data for the completion of their dissertations.