Academic Reduced Course Load

Overview

Immigration regulations require that F-1 and J-1 students maintain a full course of study (minimum of 12 credits each semester for most students; 9 credits for Graduate Students with an Assistantship; 1 or more credits for Graduate Students approved by the Graduate School for Full-Time Certification). However, the regulations do permit a "Reduced Course Load" in very limited situations. If a student cannot enroll full-time, they must be approved by International Student Services for a Reduced Course Load before dropping below full-time.

An Academic Reduced Course Load permits F-1 and J-1 students to reduce their course load below full-time (to a minimum of 6 credits) if they are experiencing academic difficulty.  An Academic Reduced Course Load can be used only one time per degree level.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an Academic Reduced Course Load, a student must be experiencing academic difficult in one of the following areas:

Possible Only During the First Year of Study at UB*

  • Initial difficulties with the English language 
  • Initial difficulties with reading requirements 
  • Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods

*Not applicable for students who are continuing their studies at UB at a new degree level.

Possible throughout the Program of Study

  • Improper course level placement (for example: there was a miscommunication regarding course level selection)

Eligible students must also:

  • Enroll full-time until the Reduced Course Load is approved by ISS.
  • Not have used an Academic Reduced Course Load in the past. Only one Academic Reduced Course Load per degree level is permitted.
  • Maintain enrollment in at least 6 credits after the Reduced Course Load is approved by ISS.

Application Deadlines

The Reduced Course Load application must be signed by an Academic Advisor AND approved by ISS BEFORE a student is permitted to drop or resign below full-time or before someone is administratively withdrawn from a course(s).

The completed Reduced Course Load form must be submitted to ISS before the end of the Add/Drop period.

If the add/drop period has passed and it is necessary to resign a course due to academic difficulty, then submit a complete Reduced Course Load E-form. If ISS approves the Reduced Course Load then the student may resign below full-time.

Students who drop or resign below full-time without an ISS approved Reduced Course Load are considered out of status. This immigration violation could result in SEVIS termination and other serious consequences.

If the Reduced Course Load is approved by ISS, it is the student's responsibility to drop or resign the appropriate courses by the university deadlines to drop or resign courses.  Specific drop/resign dates can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.  It is also important to consider financial liability deadlines (i.e. fees charged when a course is resigned) when deciding if resigning a course is appropriate.

Application Process

The Academic Reduced Course Load application form requires an Academic Advisor's signature. Therefore, students should plan to discuss their situation with an Advisor. If an Academic Advisor is supportive of the application, please complete the Academic Reduced Course Load Form and follow the directions below: 

  1. Log in to myISSS.  Click on the blue “LOGIN” button, and enter your UBIT Name and Password.  Note: Do NOT click on “Administrative Services for University Departments”.
  2. Click on “F-1 Student Services” and then “Request for an Academic Reduced Course Load”. Complete the entire E-form and upload a copy of this form (pages 1 and 2; saved as a PDF or JPEG). Both the student and the academic advisor must sign the form. 

REMEMBER: Do not drop or resign below full-time until ISS approves the Academic Reduced Course Load request. ISS will make a decision on the request (approve or deny), and will notify the student of our decision via email within 5-7 business days of submission.

Once approved by ISS, a Reduced Course Load cannot be canceled.