These immigration rules only apply to the following visa types:

  • F-1 visa (degree seeking, or in the University’s Intensive English Program)
  • J-1 visa (non-degree seeking, usually exchange student and faculty)

These federal regulations do NOT apply to students who are legal permanent residents, or who are here on other visa types.

Full-time enrollment
International students must be enrolled in a “full course of study” in fall and spring semesters (students are not required to take summer classes).

  • A “full course of study” for undergraduate students is a minimum of 12 credit hours.
  • A “full course of study” for graduate students is 8 or 9 hours.

Online courses
Only ONE online course may be taken per semester towards the “full course of study” requirement.

  • If a student is taking 12 undergraduate credits, only one 3 credit online class may be taken per semester.
  • However, if an undergraduate student takes more classes than required by the “full course of study” requirement, that student may be enrolled in more than one online class. For example, if a student takes 15 credit hours, that student can enroll in two 3 credit hour online classe
  • Please note that government scholarship students from Saudi Arabia also have rules regarding online classes through the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) that are more stringent than the U. federal government requirements. Those students are individually responsible for following SACM requirements. We also have a number of government sponsored students from other countries who are individually responsible for meeting their scholarship requirements. The ISS is the University’s point of contact for government sponsoring agencies.

Dropping or withdrawing from classes
If a student drops or withdraws from classes at any point during the semester and falls below full time (i.e. no longer meets the “full course of study” requirement), that student is automatically “out of status” and risk losing their student visa.  Therefore, contact or notify the International Student Services immediately if this is under discussion.  International Student Services places an IS holds on students’ accounts during the semester to help prevent this problem.  The IS hold is automatically lifted the day before early or pre-registration begins for the next semester.

Communication tips
When working with international students, communication is key.  Here are some important things to remember:

  • Actively listens, and understand the questions, concerns, or issues for a cultural context or perspective.  Find out the underlying concern.  Students talk/learn from other students, and unfortunately, the information may be wrong, a myth, or not applicable at Missouri Western.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for clarification if you do not understand the message the student is trying to say or convey.  The miscommunication could be due to doubt with American English pronunciation, or the use of the English word.  It is acceptable to tell the student you are trying to understand him/her and ask if the student could provide additional information, provide examples or give explanation.
  • Understand that international students are total strangers to the American culture and norm.  University internal bureaucracy, “the way we do things,” critical thinking, or even, the “way we think” may not be the norm around the world. Often, international parents are also strangers to the U.S. education system, and are therefore, unable to provide any guidance to the student.  International students appreciate hand-outs, printed materials, to-do lists, etc., to read or absorb in a less stressful time (yes, meeting an advisor or faculty can be stressful).
  • An international student’s activities, actions, or future career may be limited by the U.S. immigration regulation and policies.  For example, students are expected to maintain “good academic standing” at all times, cannot work off-campus without written authorization, and cannot drop enrollment below full time without prior approval.
  • International students are not all the same!  Many studies, research articles have been published regarding effective cross-cultural communication.

Working on-campus
F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to apply and accept employment on-campus up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters. During school breaks and summer, students may work up to 37.5 hours.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students who have been in valid F1 status in the U.S. for at least nine months or two academic semesters and are in good academic standing may be eligible to apply for CPT.

  • Per 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(f)(10)(i)“Curricular practical training. An F-1 student may be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum.”
  • A student may begin CPT only after receiving his or her Form I-20 with ISS office endorsement.
  • The student must continue to be enrolled for a full-time course of study during the internships or cooperative education UNLESS they are in their last semester and have been approved for less than full-time enrollment.
  • CPT or internships that are optional (not required for degree completion) cannot interfere with the normal progress toward graduation.
  • Internships during fall/spring semesters may be taken on a part-time basis (up to 20 hours/week); internships may be part-time or full-time during summer or university breaks.
  • There is a risk a student will have their OPT application (post-completion employment authorization) denied if they cannot prove to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that the CPT was an integral and required part of their program necessary to graduate with the chosen degree.
  • Students should complete and submit the CPT application form with a signature from the academic advisor to the DSO/PDSO at the International Student Services.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
It is an opportunity for F-1 visa students to work off campus and gain relevant work experience in the major field of study, for a limited period of time after graduation. The ISS offers regularly scheduled workshops each fall or spring semester to provide information and guidance on the timely OPT filing process.

Please note: The rules regarding international students are ever changing. This document is a work in progress.

If you have any questions, please contact Fumi Matsumoto Cheever, Primary Designated School Officer (PDSO), Assistant Director of International Student Services in Blum Union 210.  Email fcheever@missouriwestern.edu or call 816-271-5998.

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