Reduced Course Load (RCL)
International (F-1/J-1) students are required to enroll and complete a full course load each semester in order to maintain valid non-immigrant student status. There are only a few exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement for the fall and spring semesters. Each exception (category) has its own criteria, which are outlined below.
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- Read RCL Categories carefully and follow the instructions
- Allow 10 business days for the ISSO processing
The request MUST be completed BEFORE the end of add/drop period.
RCL Categories
The ISSO may authorize a final semester RCL for students who are in their final semester of study and only have a few units remaining to meet academic program requirements. Students may request an RCL due to final semester only once per degree level.
NOTE: Your I-20 program end date will be shortened to your final semester.
Complete Final Semester Notification Form to request a RCL
The ISSOmay authorize a medical RCL due to a temporary health (physical or mental) condition(s) with an appropriate doctor’s letter recommending the RCL for medical reasons.
Requirements:
- Letter from licensed medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), or licensed clinical psychologist that recommends student to take less than the minimum units required for full time enrollment
- Receive prior approval from the ISSO and academic department before dropping classes
- No more than 12 months (3 semesters) total of Medical RCL is permitted per degree level. The 12 month aggregate total includes semesters in which a student has taken a Leave of Absence (LOA) for medical reasons and remained in the US to receive treatment
The ISSO may authorize a RCL for graduate students who register for thesis, project or qualifying exams.
