A Reduced Course Load (RCL) is a permission from an ISS Advisor to enroll below the full-time requirements for a given semester. Federal regulations provide limited circumstances when an F-1 student may be authorized for an RCL. These include medical reasons, academic reasons, and completion of studies during the final term.
A reduced course load for a medical condition can be granted for a period of time not to exceed an aggregate of 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a particular program level.
Full
AnswerWho is eligible for reduced course load?
Copied to clipboard. If it is your final semester at CCA, and you need fewer than 12 credits (for undergraduates) or fewer than 9 credits (for graduate students) to finish your degree, you can apply for a final semester reduced course load.
Does reduced course load affect financial aid?
For example, pursuant to federal regulations, federal financial aid will be reduced for students carrying less than twelve hours regardless of the reduced course load accommodation.
Is reduced course load?
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.Jan 26, 2022
What are the three types of reduced course loads?
There are three circumstances when an F-1 student can be enrolled less than full-time: Academic difficulties. Medical condition. Completion of course of study (final semester)
How many units do you need for financial aid UC Berkeley?
Maintaining Your Eligibility Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units in the academic term, unless on the degree list for the term. For financial aid purposes, 12 units per semester is considered full-time enrollment. Enrollment for less than 12 units per term may reduce your eligibility for certain types of aid.
Can you be a part time student at USC?
Undergraduate students are considered full-time when enrolled for 12 or more units and half-time when enrolled for 6 or more units.
Can F-1 students work on campus?
An F-1 student has three main employment-related guidelines: May work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR. May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation)Nov 16, 2020
How many online classes can you count for Immigration's requirements of full-time enrollment?
Online courses and “Distance Learning” Only one online or distance learning class can count toward a full course of study for an F-1 student during each term or semester. No online or distance learning classes may count toward an M-1 or ESL student's full course of study requirement.
What does improper course level placement mean?
If the reason is “improper course level placement,” the letter should explain the missing prerequisite courses or skills that prevented the student from being academic successful.
What are the requirements for opt?
To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must: (1) have been in full-time student status for at least one academic year by the requested start date of your OPT, (2) be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and (3) have not used OPT at the same degree level previously.
Can international students take less than 12 credits?
Federal student immigration regulations only allow for one 4-credit class to count towards the minimum full-time enrollment requirement of 12 credits. Therefore, F-1 and J-1 students must be careful when registering for online coursework.
Overview
International students in F-1 and J-1 status are required to maintain full-time enrollment during the school year. If you cannot or will not meet this requirement, you must request a reduced course load.
Academic Difficulties
You may apply for reduced course load due to academic difficulties if an academic advisor to verifies your situation. Immigration regulations specify four academic difficulty reasons for which a reduced course load may be approved:
Medical Conditions
A student must apply for RCL if, due to a temporary illness or medical condition, he/she is unable to be enrolled full time (or, if necessary, no course load).
Completion of Course of Study
A student must apply for RCL in his/her final term if fewer courses (i.e. less than full time) are needed and required to complete the course of study.
How to Apply for a Reduced Course Load
Meet with your academic advisor or licensed medical professional physician (DO, MD or licensed clinical psychologist) and request a letter. The letter must be printed on official letterhead and contain contact information of the person who signed the letter.
Reminders
Always sign your name on the I-20 and keep a record of all I-20s issued to you.
What is RCL in college?
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.
Do non-F-1 students need to submit an RCL?
They do not have to submit an RCL form.
Does SEVP have RCL?
The current SEVP guidelines do not make any exceptions to the RCL categories based on COVID-19. Therefore, unless you meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three categories mentioned above, you are expected to maintain a full course load.
Can OIS give final semester RCL?
OIS 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.
What happens when you get approved for a final semester RCL?
When a student is approved for a Final Semester RCL, the student’s I-20 is shortened to the last day of the semester in which they will finish their degree requirements. After the RCL is approved in Cystart, the student will receive an email notification of the RCL approval and that the new, shortened I-20 is ready for pickup.
How many credits can you take for online classes?
If summer is your first or final semester, you must be enrolled full time (see chart above), and only one course, not to exceed 3 credits, can count toward your full-time enrollment.
What is SEVP in F-1?
Due to COVID-19, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may release guidance that provides additional enrollment flexibility for F-1 students. ISSO will provide additional information on exceptions for F-1 Students on our COVID-19 Updates webpage .
When do you have to be enrolled in F-1?
Immigration regulations require F-1 students to be enrolled full time every Fall and Spring Semester. Summer is a vacation period and enrollment is not required unless it is your first or final semester. If it is your first or final semester, you must be enrolled full time during the summer.
How long does it take for ISSO to send an email?
It will take ISSO up to 10 working days after there is a check mark in all boxes on the Cystart Reduced Course Load page. ISSO will send an e-mail to the student's ISU e-mail address when processing is complete. ISSO recommends sending an e-mail to [email protected] if an e-mail has not been received within 10 working days.
What is graduate student research?
Graduate Student Research: Graduate student is engaged in the equivalent of a full course load while working on research for a creative component, thesis or dissertation. This reason cannot be used by students in coursework only master’s degree programs.
Overview
Academic Difficulties
Medical Conditions
- A student must apply for RCL if, due to a temporary illness or medical condition, he/she is unable to be enrolled full time (or, if necessary, no course load). 1. The student must provide medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist, to the DSO to substantiate the illness or medical condition. 2. The letter from the …
Completion of Course of Study
- A student must apply for RCL in his/her final term if fewer courses (i.e. less than full time) are needed and required to complete the course of study. The student must obtain a letter from his/her academic advisor to verify that the current term will be the final term for the student to complete his/her academic program. Source: [8 CFR § 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C)]
How to Apply For A Reduced Course Load
- Meet with your academic advisor or licensed medical professional physician (DO, MD or licensed clinical psychologist) and request a letter. The letter must be printed on official letterhead and con...
- Compile and submit the following documents:
- If you are requesting RCL for “Completion of Course of Study” because this is your final seme…
- Meet with your academic advisor or licensed medical professional physician (DO, MD or licensed clinical psychologist) and request a letter. The letter must be printed on official letterhead and con...
- Compile and submit the following documents:
- If you are requesting RCL for “Completion of Course of Study” because this is your final semester of required courses, you may drop off your request form at the International Center's front desk or...
- If you are requesting RCL for “Academic Difficulties” or “Medical Condition”, you must meet with an International Student Advisor by virtual appointment. If you are requesting an RCL for Completion...
Reminders
- Always sign your name on the I-20 and keep a record of all I-20s issued to you.
- Ensure that you have health insurance coverage. Your request for RCL will not be processed until the U-M International Center verifies that you have health insurance.
- Update your address in Wolverine Accesswithin 10 days of any change.
Quick Navigation
RCL General Information
- OIS 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 the final semester only once per degree level. OIS may authorize a medical RCL due to temporary health (physical or mental) condition(s) with an appropriate doctor’s letter recomm…
Spring 2022 Update
- The current SEVP guidelines do not make any exceptions to the RCL categories based on COVID-19. Therefore, unless you meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three categories mentioned above, you are expected to maintain a full course load. Students who are currently abroad and are enrolled in online classes as non-F-1 students are not required to maintain a full …
RCL Application Process
- Student completes OIS Reduced Course Load form.
- RCL form is automatically routed to academic advisor for review and approval.
- OIS will automatically receive completed form after signed by academic advisor. Submission does not automatically grant approval. If your request is approved, you will not receive any additional co...
Spring 2022 Update
Overview
Full-Time Enrollment
Reasons For An RCL
Cystart Request
- Timeline
Students can submit an RCL request as soon as they have registered for classes. Students should have a reduced course load approved by the end of the first week of classes. - Process
RCL requests can be submitted through an electronic process in Cystart. Students can log in to Cystart using their ISU NetID and password. Complete the Reduced Course Loade-form under the F-1 Student Services tab.
Required Documentation
Immigration Consequences
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