International Student Services

Enrollment Requirements

Full Course of Study

You must pursue a full course of study each quarter to maintain lawful status. A student must make normal progress towards their program of study every quarter.

  • Undergraduate student minimum: 12 credits
  • Graduate student minimum: 10 credits

Online & Hybrid Courses

Online: You can only take one online course per quarter and the majority of your enrolled credits must be in-person.

Hybrid: Hybrid courses are currently classified as in-person.

Final Quarter

In your final quarter you may take as few credits as required to complete your degree as long as you register for at least one credit and receive authorization for a reduced course load from ISS in advance. An online class cannot be the only class on your final quarter schedule.

Reduced Course Load

You may enroll part-time due to valid academic/medical reasons during a quarter if you obtain a Reduced Course Load authorization from ISS. The RCL must be received and approved within the first 30-days of the quarter you wish to apply the RCL.

Do not register for fewer than the required number of credits or withdraw from a course without first receiving permission from ISS.

Cross Campus Enrollment

UW Bothell F-1 students must take the majority of their required minimum credits at UW Bothell: at least 7 credits of the required 12-credit minimum for undergraduates, or for graduate students, at least 6 of the 10-credit minimum.

You also must not overload in online credits. You’re only allowed one online course per quarter.

Undergraduate students must also follow the policies on the UWB Registrar’s website.

Do not attempt to enroll in full degree programs on another campus.

If you enroll in certificate programs or online programs at another UW campus (including the Foster School of Business), ISS cannot help you with program extensions or practical training related to your work in that program.

Concurrent Enrollment

To enroll in courses at another SEVP certified school, follow these steps:

  • Contact your academic advisor via email to tell them about your plan and confirm the credits will transfer to your degree.
  • Enroll in the majority of your credits at UWB.
  • Enroll at the other school and ensure that the credit total is equal to your full course of study minimum.
  • Start the concurrent enrollment request on the international student portal
    • Upload proof of enrollment at the other school.
    • Include your academic advisor’s name and email as the “approver” and submit the request.
  • Wait for ISS approval before beginning classes at the other school.
  • After completing the classes, submit your transcript to UWB admissions so your credits are transferred.

Note: If you drop the course at the other school and cannot find a replacement at UWB, your SEVIS record may be terminated.

Important to consider

S/NS Grading Option

S/NS does not affect your F-1 status.

Academic Deficiency

It is better to receive a grade of “F” in a class than to drop the class and fall below full-time status. That being said, you must maintain “good” academic standing while studying in the United States. Meet your Academic Advisor and/or ISS if you are having difficulty in your courses. If you are dropped from the university, your SEVIS record will be terminated.

Withdrawal from Courses

To withdraw from all courses in the middle of a quarter, you must complete an Official Withdrawal form through the office of the Registrar, and meet with ISS. Before withdrawing from classes you must request a Leave of Absence or termination request on the international student portal. Once your request is approved, you must depart the US within 15 days.