F-1 Reduced Course Load

Students in F-1 and J-1 status are required to maintain full-time enrollment each required semester to properly maintain their immigration status. Students may not drop below full-time enrollment PRIOR to receiving authorization from the International Services Office (ISO).

Full time enrollment at TCU:

Undergraduate = 12 credits
Graduate (Including Artist Diploma)= 6 credits

Note: Only 3 online credits or 1 online course can be counted towards full time enrollment requirements to maintain your immigration status.

The exceptions to the “full course of study” requirement are limited, but very important. The ISO may allow an F-1 student to engage in less than a full course of study. Except as otherwise noted, a reduced course load must consist of at least six semester hours, or half the clock hours required for a full course of study. A student who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the ISO will be considered out of status.

Exceptions to the full course of study:

  1. Academic Difficulties due to a student’s initial difficulty with the English language/reading requirements or unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods. This reason may only be used during the student’s first semester of study.
  2. Academic Difficulties due to improper course level placement.
  3. Medical Condition: A reduced course load (or, if necessary, no course load) may be authorized due to a student’s temporary illness or medical condition for a period of time not to exceed an aggregate of 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a particular program level. In order to authorize a reduced course load based upon a medical condition, the student must submit this form completed and signed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist to substantiate the illness or medical condition.
  4. Final Term: A reduced course load can be authorized in the student’s final semester if fewer courses are needed to complete the course of study.

To request a Reduced Course Load (RCL), please navigate the ISO Gateway and complete the RCL Request eform.

Note: RCLs are approved on a semester basis so a new form/request must be submitted each semester.