The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all F-1 and J-1 students to maintain a full course of study every semester. Undergraduates must take a minimum of 12 units. Graduate students must take a minimum of 9 units, and be enrolled every semester. The ISC is required to transmit student enrollment information to the DHS each semester.
DHS regulations allow a reduced course load under certain circumstances, but it must be pre-approved by an SDSU International Student Advisor or you will be in violation of your immigration status.
Before you enroll in a reduced course load, review the reasons below to determine if your reason is eligible for approval for a reduced course load:
All F-1 and J-1 students are required to maintain a full course of study every semester. Undergraduates must take a minimum of 12 units. Graduate students must take a minimum of 9 units. ISS is required to transmit student enrollment information to DHS each semester. The DHS allows for specific exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement, but they must be PRE-APPROVED by ISS. You must be enrolled in the appropriate class(es) before ISS can consider your ARCL for approval.
Only the reasons described on this page are legally eligible to be approved. Note that some reasons may only be used 1 time, while others may be used as needed.
Some students might be able to request a reduced course load for the following reasons. If approved, these reasons can be used for 1 semester only while studying at SDSU. You must meet with an ISS Advisor to discuss your situation and see if you are eligible for this reason.
If you are an undergraduate, you may take less than full-time classes in your last semester.
You may only use this reason for a total of 12 months while studying at SDSU.
The ISC has developed the following process for you to be considered for a reduced course load.
It is your responsibility as an international student to submit the ARCL form each semester you will enroll in a reduced course load. You will not be contacted or reminded to submit the form.
If you do not submit the ARCL form, or if your ARCL form is not approved, your SEVIS immigration record will be terminated, and you will become ineligible for any benefits of the F-1 or J-1 status. It is possible that you will have to depart the United States and discontinue your studies. This could also result in a problem with a future visa application or entry to the U.S. To ensure that you are maintaining proper enrollment status, you must submit the ARCL form to the ISC by the deadline and receive approval by the ISC.