F1 students are required to maintain full-time status during the Fall and Spring semesters. Failure to take full-time classes will result in termination. SEVP allows for students to take less than full-time hours but students must have DSO approval before doing so. There are 3 exceptions that allow for less than full-time enrollment:
- Academic reason
- This only includes improper course placement, initial difficulties with the English language and/or reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with American teaching methods.
- This must be approved by an academic advisor or the course instructor before it would be considered by the ISS office.
- F1 students can only do this for one semester during their degree program.
- Final Semester
- Students that do not have enough required courses to maintain full-time status during their last semester can apply for a reduced course load.
- Students must graduate at the end of the semester
- Cannot enroll only in online courses. Classes must be face-to-face courses.
- Medical Reasons
- For physical or mental health reasons students can apply for reduced course load
- Must have a recommendation from a medical physician.
- Students are limited to no more than a cumulative 12 month period during their degree program.
To request a reduced course load you will need to complete the form below. You will need to have the appropriate signatures before it will be reviewed by our office.
