A Division of the International Studies Office
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CPT NOTICE
Effective immediately, UVA is suspending the authorization of non-required, course-credit CPT requests. This includes opportunities tied to academic credit, which are integral to the program of study but not required for degree completion. Visit CPT Update | International Students & Scholars Program for the latest information.
Duration of Status & Academic Mobility
On September 14, 2026, a nationwide preliminary injunction was issued, which blocks the Elimination of Duration of Status rule from taking effect and prohibits DHS and USCIS from implementing it. The government is expected to appeal the injunction. Please continue to monitor our FAQ page, which we will continue to update with any developments as the case continues.
The Department of Homeland Security's rule introduces significant changes to regulations governing F and J visa holders, including:
- The elimination of Duration of Status
- Restrictions on academic mobility
For more information visit FAQ: Elimination of Duration of Status & Academic Mobility | International Students & Scholars Program
Course Selection and Registration
All exchange students, undergraduate and graduate, must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Exchange students admitted to the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering may take any courses in those schools, so long as you meet any prerequisites for the course and/or receive instructor permission. Exchange students admitted to these schools may not take courses in the professional schools, such as the School of Law, Darden, the Batten School, the School of Medicine, etc. Courses offered through the McIntire School of Commerce are restricted to McIntire students only unless the course description states that it is open to non-Commerce school students.
If you have been admitted to the Darden School of Business, McIntire School of Commerce, or the School of Law, you will receive separate instructions directly from those schools on course selection and enrollment procedures.
Course syllabus
If you need a syllabus before the start of the course in order to receive approval from your home institution, please contact the instructor directly. You can find the course instructor in the Student Information System or on Hoos' List.
Choosing courses
You can find a complete list and description of all courses offered at UVA here, and Hoos' List also allows you to look at offerings from current and past semesters. The course catalog is usually updated about six months before fall semester classes begin, and three months prior to the start of the spring semester.
Exchange students are eligible to enroll in any courses from the 1000-5000 level. Courses with restrictions or prerequisites require permission from the instructor in order to enroll. Please note that UVA cannot guarantee that an exchange student will be able to enroll in any specific course offered.
You are not limited to choosing courses only in your major field of study and, in fact, we encourage you to consider classes outside your major during your exchange semester or year if your home institution allows it.