Walk a new path
Students on F-1 status are required to take full-time course load in order to maintain their status (12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduate students). There are three (3) exceptions to the rule:
- Students having academic difficulties
- Students in last semester of study
- Students experiencing illness or medical conditions
Special permission is required prior to changing from full-time status to part-time status; you must notify and submit the required documents to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the Registrar’s Office. Once approved, a new Form I-20 will be issued to you authorizing reduced course load.
Reason for Reduced Course Load
- Per immigration regulations academic difficulties are specified as:
- Initial difficulties with the English language
- Initial difficulties with reading requirements
- Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods
- Improper course level placement
- Submit Reduced Course Load form along with Registrar’s Change of Status Form to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Note: Reduced Course Load due to academic difficulty can only be authorized once, and for only a semester.
- F-1 students can attend school part-time in their last semester of study.
- Submit Reduced Course Load Form along with Registrar's Change of Status Form to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
If you have an illness or medical condition that prevents you from enrolling as a full-time student, you must:
- Submit a signed letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist.
- Letter must be printed on official letterhead and briefly explain the medical reason why you are not able to attend class or can only attend part-time.
- Submit Reduced Course Load form along with Registrar’s Change of Status Form to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Note: Reduced Course Load for medical conditions may be approved for no more than 12 months in total during your academic program.