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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Reduced Course Load Request