International student visa status: F-1 explained 

The Office of International Education offers support and guidance to international students holding F-1 visa (Academic Student) status.  

According to U.S. federal regulations, being under the F-1 visa status entails: 

• Full-Time Enrollment: Enrollment in a program or course of study at ɫ�ش�ý leading to a degree or diploma. Xavier is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.  
   

Full-time enrollment consists of at least 12 credit hours during the Fall and Spring semesters for undergraduate and College of Pharmacy students, with no more than 3 credit hours taken online. For graduate students, a minimum of 6 credit hours constitutes full-time study. There are no credit hour requirements during summer sessions. 
 

• English Proficiency: Proficiency in English at the time of admission into Xavier. 
   

• Sufficient Funds: Possession of adequate funds for self-support throughout the entire course of study at Xavier, which may include scholarships and personal finances. 
   

• Residence Abroad: Maintenance of a residence abroad that is not intended to be given up. 

 

F-2 Dependents 

F-1 students can also bring their spouses and minor children under 21 years of age to the U.S. under the visa. Below are some regulations that F-2 dependents must abide by.  

• Legal Immigration Status: Maintain legal immigration status as long as the F-1 student maintains status throughout the program of study. 
   

• Departure and Re-entry: Permitted to depart from and re-enter the U.S. with proper documentation. 
   

• Employment: Not allowed to work. 
   

• Social Security Numbers: Not eligible for Social Security Numbers. 
   

• Study Opportunities: Permitted to engage in study at a SEVP-certified school, although enrollment should be less than a full course