Can I pursue a part-time PhD with an F-1 visa?

The F-1 visa was created to ensure that international students are dedicated to a full-time academic program in order to allow a complete educational experience in the United States. Therefore, it is common for visa maintenance rules to require enrollment in a minimum number of credits or courses, as defined by the educational institution.

In the case of a PhD program, universities generally require students to be enrolled full-time to maintain F-1 status. This means that pursuing a PhD on a part-time basis – that is, with a reduced course load compared to the required one – may not be compatible with the F-1 visa requirements unless there is special authorization for a “reduced course load” in very specific situations.

These exceptions are usually granted under circumstances such as documented medical difficulties or other unforeseen situations, and require approval from the institution”s Designated School Official (DSO) and, in some cases, even a review by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

It is essential to remember that properly maintaining F-1 status is crucial to avoid future problems, such as losing the right to remain legally in the country or difficulties in potential immigration processes. Therefore, if you are considering pursuing a PhD on a part-time basis, it is very important to talk to your institution”s DSO and, if necessary, seek advice from reliable immigration experts. Be wary of promises of miraculous results or approaches that are not aligned with current laws and regulations.

Staying well informed and always acting in accordance with immigration rules is the safest path to academic success and future steps in your career.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.