Important Message!

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) may affect the amount of time needed to complete an academic program. While these authorizations are permitted under F-1 regulations when properly approved, it may impact your ability to remain in the U.S. to continue your academic program in the future. Although F-1 students are currently admitted for Duration of Status (D/S), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has previously proposed replacing D/S with a fixed period of authorized stay. Under this updated policy, students needing additional time to complete their degree—including those who have taken an approved RCL or who remain enrolled under FTE—could be required to request an extension of stay from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before their authorized stay expires.

Current regulations continue to admit F-1 students for Duration of Status (D/S), and the Office of International Student Services will notify students if federal immigration regulations change.

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 prior to the 5th day of classes to be considered.
  • 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 in Terra Dotta by signing in with your student Office365 account. Select "Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) Form" in "Control Center Track Your Request" in the forms dashboard.
    • 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.