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News & Alerts
Fixed Admission Rule Temporary Pause

On September 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on the published rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for F and J students. This order temporarily pauses the implementation of the rule until the court issues a further decision. The visa status of F&J visa-holders remains unchanged. ISS is closely monitoring this situation and will provide more information and guidance as it becomes available.

Reduced Course Load

Immigration regulations require that J-1 students maintain a full course of study. 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. 

Learn about the types of Reduced Course Loads by choosing from the pages below.

  • Academic Reduced Course Load
    9/17/26
    An Academic Reduced Course Load permits J-1 students to reduce their course load below full-time (to a minimum of 6 credits) if they are experiencing academic difficulty.
  • Final Semester Reduced Course Load
    7/23/26
    A Final Semester Reduced Course Load permits J-1 to reduce their course load below full-time (i.e. at least one credit, but fewer than 12 credits) if it is the final semester of their degree program and they need fewer than 12 credits to graduate.
  • Medical Reduced Course Load
    7/23/26
    A Medical Reduced Course Load permits J-1 students to reduce their course load below full-time (or, if necessary, not enroll in any courses) due to a student's temporary illness or medical condition.