FTE Information

International students must enroll full-time to maintain their international student status. In certain circumstances, students may request an authorization to under-enroll by requesting a Full-Time Equivalency authorization.

Review the information below for FTE requests. For more information regarding full-time enrollment, see our enrollment requirements webpage.

Types of Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) Requests

  • Authorized participation in full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - allows international students engaged in full-time CPT (21+ hours/week) to be considered full-time. Student must be enrolled in at least one credit related to their internship to qualify.
  • Concurrent enrollment - allows international students to be enrolled in two different SEVIS-approved schools at the same time as long as the combined enrollment amounts to a full-time course of study.
    • This is required if a student will be taking below full-time credits at St. Cloud State University in semesters where full-time enrollment is required.
    • The majority of credits for the semester (over half) must be taken at St. Cloud State University.
  • Masters/Doctoral students working on a culminating project/dissertation/starred paper/thesis/capstone - allows international masters/doctoral students completing all coursework and working on their culminating project/dissertation/starred paper/thesis to be considered full-time. Must be enrolled in at least one credit to qualify.

Eligibility

  • Student is currently in valid F-1 status.
  • Student meets all necessary requirements for the requested category, including enrollment requirements.
  • Student is enrolled in the course(s) listed on the FTE application.
  • Reasons for ineligibility:
    • Student is not enrolled in required credits at St. Cloud State University according to FTE option selected.
    • Student in their final semester needing to under-enroll to complete remaining required courses must apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) rather than an FTE authorization.

Key Points

  • FTE requests should be submitted no later than 1-2 weeks before the semester begins.
  • Speak with your academic advisor prior to submitting your request to discuss how it may affect progress and to register for appropriate courses.
  • International students may not drop below full-time or enroll concurrently at another institution without receiving PRIOR authorization from International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS).
  • Full-Time Equivalency authorizations are granted per semester. Students must resume a full course of study or apply for another authorization next semester to maintain F-1 status.
  • Students may continue on-campus employment while on approved FTE authorization as long as it does not interfere with studies and enrollment meets FTE requirements.
  • An approved FTE authorization does not result in any changes to the SEVIS record or I-20.

Application Procedures

  1. Discuss your plan to request a Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) with your academic advisor and register for the appropriate courses.
  2. Complete the Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) Request Form
    • Alternatively, access the form at forms.stcloudstate.edu and sign in with your student Office365 account. Select the “Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) form” in “Forms I can Submit.” Track your request via the forms dashboard.
    • Read through our step-by-step user guide (PDF)
    • This form allows requests for:
      • Authorized participation in full-time CPT
        • Use this if an FTE request has not been included in your online CPT request form. Full-time CPT request (21+ hours/week) must be approved or pending for the same semester.
        • Enroll in at least one credit for the related CPT course.
      • Concurrent Enrollment
        • Enroll in courses at St. Cloud State University and a secondary institution. Registration at St. Cloud State University must be less than full-time; majority of credits (over half) must be at St. Cloud State University.
        • Upload official proof of registration at the second institution within the form.
      • Masters/Doctoral students completing culminating projects/dissertation/starred paper/thesis/capstone
        • Enroll in the course(s) listed on the request form prior to submission.
  3. Once submitted, the review process begins. You will receive e-mail updates at each stage. FTE requests require review by:
    • Academic Advisor
    • ISSS Review (options 1-2)
    • International Student Advisor (DSO) Final Review
      • Processing takes 5-7 business days once with a DSO; delays may occur during peak times.
  4. If approved, the DSO will authorize FTE for the semester and notify you via final e-mail.

If you need general assistance, reach out to our office by e-mail at international@stcloudstate.edu or call 320-308-4287.

For questions/concerns after submission, contact International Student & Scholar Services by e-mail at isss@stcloudstate.edu.

FTE Submission and Processing Guidelines

  • FTE applications must be submitted before the semester begins.
  • Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
  • Final review/approval does not begin until a complete application is submitted and recommended by approvers prior to the international student advisor (DSO) step.