Can international students study part-time in the USA?

I'm thinking about studying in the USA but might need to study part-time due to other commitments. Is it allowed for international students to enroll part-time, and if so, what should I keep in mind?

International students enrolled on an F-1 visa are usually required to study full-time to maintain their visa status. The U.S. government defines full-time enrollment as a minimum of 12 credit hours per academic term for undergraduate students, and a specific number of credit hours for graduate students, depending on the university's definition of full-time enrollment.

However, there might be some exceptions in certain scenarios. The Designated School Official (DSO) at your school can authorize a Reduced Course Load (RCL) in certain situations. This can be due to academic difficulty, medical conditions, or if you're in your final term and do not need a full course load to meet graduation requirements.

In all these cases, you would need to maintain a specific status and meet certain obligations, including frequently reporting to your DSO and maintaining an appropriate course load for your situation. You cannot decide to study part-time without receiving a Reduced Course Load authorization from your DSO, as this would be a violation of your F-1 visa status and could result in severe consequences, including deportation.

Remember, it's really important to speak with your college's International Student Services office or your DSO to understand the rules and restrictions that apply to you. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date guidance for your specific situation.