Full-Time Exceptions for F-1 Students

• If you are in your final term and do not need a full course load to graduate 
• Online course rules still apply in the final term (for example if you need 6 credits, only 3 credits can be online and 3 must be in person) 
• You cannot be online only in your final term 
• Using the last term Reduced Course Load exception does not impact your OPT

Next Steps: Submit the Reduced Course Load request online (no additional documentation required).

Academic Difficulty Reasons:

• Improper course level placement (first year only) 
• Initial difficulty with English language (first term only) 
• Initial difficulty with reading requirements (first term only) 
• Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods(first term only) 

 
Documentation Required: 

• Signed letter on letterhead from your academic/faculty advisor  
• Letter must indicate the term you need the Reduced Course Load 
• Which course(s) you need to drop 
• The reason(s) why you need to drop it 
• How many credits you will be enrolled in after your drop these courses 

Next Steps: Submit Reduced Course Load request online. If approved, you must still enroll in at least 6 credits. Online course rules still apply.  

A medical condition or illness that supports a reduction in course load (a written recommendation from UHS, CCPH, or Disability Services is preferred).  This option is only available for a total of 12 calendar months at each degree level. 

Medical Reduced Course Loads permit: 

• Enrollment in as few as zero (0) credits 
• Ability to remain in the U.S. and receive medical treatment 
• If you will leave the U.S. for medical treatment, a medical reduced course load is not an option and your immigration record will be terminated. Please reach out to your ISSS advisor.  

Documentation Needed 

• Letter on letterhead from a U.S. based doctor (UHS, CCPH, and Disability Services preferred)
  • Signed by the appropriate medical staff member (a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed psychiatrists, or licensed psychologists) per federal regulations. 

• Letter must include
  • Your name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your SPIRE ID
  • That a reduced course load is medically recommended
  • The term and year the Reduced Course Load are recommended 

• We cannot accept letters with a medical diagnosis due to privacy regulations.  

Graduate students who need a medical reduced course load should discuss a continuous enrollment with full-time override with their department first.