UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON|ISSS
Student Center North, Room 203, Houston, TX 77204-3024 Phone: (713) 743-5065 Fax: (713) 743-5079 http://issso.uh.edu
Online or Distance Education Course Policy for J-1 Students
The regulatory definitions of full course of study and prescribed course of study reference only "classroom" study. The
Department of State has verbally communicated to stakeholder groups its interpretation that because of this, classes
that are delivered through online and distance education modalities cannot be used to satisfy the full course of study or
full-time prescribed course of study requirements for exchange visitors in the J-1 college and university student category.
This is not an absolute prohibition on taking online classes, but rather a determination that such classes cannot be
counted toward the full course of study or full-time prescribed course of study requirements. A student who is already
fully meeting the in-person classroom study requirements could presumably take an online course in addition to his or her
classroom courses.
Source: NAFSA: Association of International Educators
G:\Handouts\Finished\ Online or Distance Education course policy for F1 students.doc