what medical conditions qualify for reduced course load for f-1 students

by Lue Adams 5 min read

If you are an F-1 student experiencing a temporary medical condition that prevents you from studying full-time, you may request permission for a medical reduced course load (medical RCL

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International, also known by its former name Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, is a cruise line brand founded in 1968 in Norway and organised as a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. since 1997. Based in Miami, Florida, United States, it is the largest crui…

). A medical RCL allows you to remain in the US for a term while enrolled only part-time or, if medically necessary, not enrolled at all. To qualify for a medical RCL:

Full Answer

What is medical reduced course load authorization for F-1 students?

F-1 students must present your I-20 with Medical Reduced Course Load Authorization. Both F-1 and J-1 students should also carry a copy of your medical letter recommending you take a reduced course load/full leave due to your medical condition.

Can I take a reduced course load due to medical reasons?

Consult with your medical provider to determine if you need to take a reduced course load for a semester due to medical reasons. A reduced course load can mean taking only part-time classes or no classes if medically warranted.

Are you eligible for a reduced course load (part time enrollment)?

The following are situations in which you may be eligible for a reduced course load (part-time enrollment or no enrollment): 1. Annual Summer Vacation Graduate students who begin their program in the spring may take their first summer as a vacation if allowed by their academic programs

What is the minimum course load required for an M-1 student?

Student must maintain a minimum six-credit course load, or half the clock hours required for a full course of study Find the regulations addressing reduced course loads for M-1 students at: Title 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 214.2 (m) (9) (v)- (vi)

Which are valid reasons for reduced course load?

Qualifying circumstances for a regular F-1 student to receive a reduced course load authorization include:Medical condition or illness.Certain initial academic difficulties, including: Improper course level placement. Initial difficulty with the English language. ... Being in your final term or semester.

What reason can an F-1 student be allowed to enroll less than full-time?

RCL allows F-1 and M-1 students to attend classes part-time. In addition, for illness or medical cases, a DSO may excuse a student from all classes for up to 12 months for an F-1 or five months for an M-1.

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)

What is a reduced course load?

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.

Can F-1 student take a semester off?

IMPORTANT: F-1 and J-1 students International students may NOT take a semester off and remain in the US. present in the US must be enrolled for a full course load or pre-approved reduced course load with appropriate documentation for one of the allowable reasons (medical or academic).

Can an international student 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.

Can international students be part time in last semester?

International students in F-1 immigration status are required by immigration law to be enrolled full-time during the regular semesters (Fall and Spring).

How many credits should a medical student complete per semester?

A college student is considered to be enrolled on a full-time basis for student financial aid purposes if they are enrolled for at least 12 credits a semester. Since a class typically requires at least three credits, 12 credits will require four classes per semester.

What is improper course level placement?

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.

How many credits do you need for student visa?

Undergraduate students are required to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. Graduate students must generally be enrolled for at least 9 credit hours. Some students may be eligible to enroll for less than full-time or be considered full-time with fewer hours than stated above.

How many credits are required for academic difficulty?

Students must maintain half-time enrollment (at least 3 credits for graduate and 6 for undergraduate students) during the semester of reduced course load. Limited to 12 months of reduced course load per degree level.

How many times can you request an RCL?

Failure to contact your advisor may cause serious delays in processing your request. A student should request an RCL only one time per semester.

Do you have to get ISSS approval before dropping off?

You must receive ISSS's approval BEFORE you drop below a full course of study. You should not withdraw from the credits until you are approved. Failure to enroll full-time without an approved reduced course load results in the Accrual of Unlawful Presence and the loss of eligibility to maintain on-campus employment.

Can I get a RCL based on academic difficulty?

If a student fears the possibility of doing poorly in a course but their situation is not reflected by one of the four reasons listed above, they are not eligible for a RCL based on academic difficulty. Academic difficulty may be used one time (one semester) per degree level.

Can I request a reduced course load?

A student may request a Reduced Course Load (RCL) if they meet the criteria outlined by immigration regulations. Acceptable reasons are listed below. A request must be supported by a student’s academic advisor and pre-approved by ISSS before it takes effect. You must receive ISSS's approval BEFORE you drop below a full course of study.

How many SHUs are required for F-1?

As an F-1 student, you must register full-time (a minimum of 12 SHUs for undergraduate students, 9 SHUs for graduate students) every fall and spring term. Failure to study full-time is considered a serious violation of F-1 regulations. However, you can request a reduced course load in certain situations as described below. Unless otherwise indicated, you must get authorization from the International Center BEFORE you drop below full-time enrollment.

What does reduced course load mean?

A reduced course load can mean taking only part-time classes or no classes if medically warranted. Please note: under F-1 regulations, only a written recommendation by a medical doctor, a licensed clinical psychologist, or doctor of osteopathy can be accepted for purposes of authorizing a reduced course load.

How many SHUs are there for part time?

Initial Academic Difficulties. You can request permission to reduce to part-time enrollment (no fewer than 6 SHUs for undergraduates or 5 SHUs for graduates) if you are in your first academic year of degree study and are having initial academic adjustment difficulties.

What doctor should I write a recommendation letter for F-1?

Please note: under F-1 regulations, only a written recommendation by a medical doctor, a licensed clinical psychologist, or doctor of osteopathy can be accepted for purposes of authorizing a reduced course load. The letter should be written on the doctor's letterhead and indicate the doctor's NPI or other identifying number.

How many semesters are you allowed to take in a summer?

Annual Summer Vacation. You are allowed a summer vacation as long as you have completed two consecutive semesters of full-time study (normally fall and spring) and will continue full-time studies in the following fall semester after the summer is over.

What is an exception for improper course placement?

An exception may be made for the Improper Course Placement reason, which allows for a reduced course load whenever a student is incorrectly advised to take or placed in a class that was too advanced, and should have been placed in a more fundamental class level instead.

What happens if you are approved for a final term of study?

If you are approved for a final term of study, you are expected to finish your requirements in that semester. 4. Medical Reduced Course Load. You can request permission to drop some or all of your classes if you have a medical illness or condition that prevents you from maintaining full-time enrollment.

What are the qualifying circumstances for a F-1 student to receive a reduced course load authorization?

Qualifying circumstances for a regular F-1 student to receive a reduced course load authorization include: Medical condition or illness. Certain initial academic difficulties, including: Improper course level placement. Initial difficulty with the English language.

What is the F-1 and M-1 program?

F-1 and M-1 students studying in the United States must enroll in a full course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. However, under certain circumstances, F-1 and M-1 students may be eligible to maintain student status while enrolled in a reduced course load.

Can you reduce your course load at one time?

This is because a reduced course load authorization can only apply to one term or semester at a time.

Completion of Study

Undergraduate Students in their last semester to complete the remaining required courses for their program of study at SF State.

Medical Condition

Students that have a temporary illness which prevents them to maintain full-time study.

Academic Difficulty

RCL due to academic difficulty is only available for students who are attending school in the U.S. for the first time. This is a one-time-only exception.

How long can you stay on a J1?

Only twelve months (approximately 3 semesters) of medical leave ...

How many months of medical leave can you take at OGS?

Only twelve months (approximately 3 semesters) of medical leave or reduced course load is allowed, and OGS can only authorize this type of leave for one semester at at time. The deadline to request permission for medical leave or reduced course load is 1 week prior to the last day of the semester since OGS cannot grant permission retroactively.

What is the NYU Public Safety number?

Last, we recommend that you keep the NYU Public Safety phone number (212-998-2222) with you so that you are able to contact NYU and OGS in an emergency situation.

Do I need a new DS-2019?

Students in J-1 status do not need a new DS-2019 to reflect the medical leave or reduced course load. Please note: If you will need more time to finish your degree because of your leave of absence or reduced course load, you will also need to apply for an extension before your I-20 or DS-2019 expires. If you need to extend your medical leave of ...

Do I need to use my I-20 to return to the US?

If you are returning to the US from abroad, then you must use your most recent I-20 or DS-2019 to return to the US with a valid travel signature. If the signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 will be more than a year old by the time you reenter the US, you need to get a new signature before you travel.

Why are academic difficulties important for international students?

Academic difficulties — allows international students to engage in a less than full-time course of study for the following reasons (only allowed the student's 1st semester in the U.S.): Initial difficulties with the English language. Initial difficulties with reading requirements.

What are the difficulties of international students?

Initial difficulties with reading requirements. Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods. Improper course level placement. Completion of course of study — allows international students to only take the required courses, not additional, to satisfy the requirements of graduation during their final semester.

Can an international student be an RCL?

If authorized an RCL, international students must resume a full course of study at the next available semester, excluding the summer session, in order to maintain F-1 student status. An international student authorized an RCL for academic difficulties while pursuing a course of study at a particular program level may still be authorized an RCL due ...