Students in F-1 immigration status are required to maintain full-time status. They are required to obtain approval from the PDSO in the Center for Global Education office prior to dropping below a full course load, in order to maintain their status. If you are uncertain if you qualify for a reduced course load, please schedule an appointment via BatesReach, with the PDSO.

F-1 students who experience a medical emergency or event and need a break from their studies, should work with the PDSO to request a reduced course load (RCL) for medical conditions.

Students may apply for a reduced course load (RCL) if they have a temporary medical condition or illness that would require them to enroll in less than full-time courses or no courses at all. They must provide medical documentation issued within the past 30 days from their licensed professional holding one of the following credentials: medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), or licensed clinical psychologist (PhD or PsyD) who is practicing in the United States. The documentation is usually in the form of a letter and should specify if it is recommended that the student enroll in a part-time course load or in no credits. The PDSO may authorize an RCL for up to 12 months during the course of study at that program level.

Remember: You must always talk to the PDSO before you stop attending classes, otherwise you risk having your SEVIS record terminated by the PDSO for unauthorized withdrawal and must depart the United States immediately.