OSU Registration
Registration Requirements
Change of Major, Degree or Funding
Program Extension
Completion of Program
Transfers
OSU Registration Handbook 2007-2008
Registration Requirements
As an international student, you must register for and complete a full course of study each term during the academic year. Full-time status for graduate students is 9 credits per term (12 or 16 credits for graduate students with assistantships). Summer and vacation periods normally do not require registration as long as you are a continuing student. It is very important NOT to withdraw from or audit any classes that will result in less than a full course load. If you have serious academic or medical concerns, you will need to make an appointment with an international student advisor for possible exceptions prior to dropping below full-time status. Undergraduate students may apply for a "reduced course load" at the start of their final term if they have less than 12 credits remaining to complete their degree. Graduate students who have completed all required coursework and all requirements listed on their specific graduate program of study may apply for a "reduced enrollment." Reduced enrollment may be approved for up to 4 terms for a master's student or 6 terms for a doctoral student. Both forms are available on the ISFS website and in the International Program's reception lobby.
Vacation Term: Students on an F-1 or J-1 visa are allowed to take one vacation term during the year in which no registration is required. Most students choose summer as their vacation term. Students who wish to take a term off other than summer term should make an appointment with an international student advisor to determine eligibility.
- Registration Requirements - GRADUATE Students (PDF)
- Registration Requirements - UNDERGRADUATE Students (PDF)
- Reduced Courseload Request Form - Final Term Only (PDF)
- Reduced Enrollment Request Form (PDF)
Change of Major, Degree or Funding
If you change your major or degree level or have a significant change in funding at any time during your studies at OSU, please contact International Student and Faculty Services (ISFS) to request a new I-20 or DS-2019.
Program Extension
If you are unable to complete your program of study by the end date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019, you may request a program extension. You will need to show funding for the duration of the extension as well as compelling academic or medical reasons for your request. You must apply for an extension of program prior to the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019 in order to maintain your student status.
Completion of Program
After you complete your degree program (and final term of registration), immigration regulations allow you a 60-day grace period (F-1 visa holder) or a 30-day grace period (J-1 visa holders) in which you may remain in the U.S. The grace period begins from the last day of the term for which you were last registered and not from the expiration date on the I-20 or DS-1029.F-1 visa holders a 60-day grace period and J-1's a 30-day grace period in which you may remain in the U.S. (60 or 30 days from the last day of the term, not 60 or 30 days from the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019).
We ask that you submit a Notice of Departure Form if you will be departing from the U.S. or changing to a new visa status. You do not need to submit the Notice of Departure Form if you plan to:
- apply for Optional Practical Training or Academic Training
- transfer to a new school
- start a new degree program at OSU
Notice of Departure Form (PDF)
Transfers
If you will be transferring to OSU from another U.S. school or from OSU to another U.S. school, you will need to initiate the release of your SEVIS record from the old to the new school and check to see that your transfer is completed within the first 15 days of your first term at the new school. This includes English Language Institute (ELI) students who are transferring to OSU.