Per U.S. immigration regulations, all F-1 and J-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Undergraduates (Bachelor's) = 12 units. Graduates (Master's/Doctoral) = 9 units. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security allows less than full-time enrollment (called a Reduced Course Load) under certain circumstances, but it must be PRE-APPROVED by the International Student Center or you will be in violation of your immigration status.
Before completing the ISC's Reduced Course Load Request Form, review the reasons below to determine if you are eligible to study less than full-time. If you are unsure, please contact the ISC and ask to meet with an ISC advisor.
Only the reasons below are legally eligible to be approved. Note that some reasons may only be used one time, while others may be used more than once.
You must meet with an ISC Advisor for Reasons #1 - 4 before completing the ARCL Form to determine eligibility. Students are rarely able to qualify for Reasons #1, 2, and 4.
Meeting with an ISC Advisor is not required and Academic Advisor signature is not required for:
The following classes are considered full-time according to SDSU Graduate Studies; therefore, an ARCL is not required when enrolled in:
Meeting with an ISC Advisor is not required for:
Please follow the steps below to be considered for a reduced course load:
Deadline: Submit the form as soon as you know you would like to take a reduced course load and after you are enrolled in your class(es) for that semester. The deadline to complete the Reduced Course Load Request Form is the Friday of the second week of classes.
Notification of Decision: An ISC Advisor will evaluate each ARCL request and documentation, if applicable, to determine if the reason given adheres to U.S. immigration regulations. You will receive an email within 7 business days after completing the request form. The email will notify you of approval or denial of your request for a reduced course load.
It is your responsibility as an international student to submit the ARCL form each semester you wish to request 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 immediately and discontinue your studies. This could also result in problems with a future visa application and/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.