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Reduced Course Load

Everyone in F visa status must get prior approval from Molly Heidemann (PDSO) before engaging in a reduced course load (RCL) - less than 12 hours for undergraduates and less than 10 for graduate students. If you start a new semester and did not get prior approval for RCL, then you will be out of status with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, which could jeopardize your legal stay in the U.S. Please review the RCL regulations and procedures below. You must complete the RCL form that explains why you need to register for a reduced course load and give to Molly Heidemann so she can authorize the RCL. You have 30 days after the semester starts to get the RCL approved.

Reduced Course Load form(pdf)

• An F-1 student must get prior approval from the PDSO before engaging in less than a full course of study (before the semester starts). Students must still register for at least 6 semester hours if approved for RCL, unless it is their last semester at Miami.
• Any student who does not get prior approval for RCL will be considered out of status with INS.
• Academic Difficulties: RCL can be authorized if student has initial difficulties with the English language or reading requirements, unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods, or improper course level placement. The student must resume a full course of study at the next available term, excluding summer session, in order to remain in status. A student who had previous RCL approval can not get another RCL approval due to academic difficulties while pursuing a course of study at that program level . However, the student can still be authorized for RCL due to illness or medical reason during that program level.
• Medical Conditions: RCL can be authorized by the PDSO because of a student's temporary illness or medical condition for no more than an aggregate 12 month period, while studying in a particular program level. Student must present to the PDSO, medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. Evidence must be current and medical RCL request and evidence must be approved for each semester. A student may be authorized for medical RCL on more than one occasion while pursuing a course of study, as long as the aggregate period of those authorizations do not exceed 12 months.
• Completion of Course of Study: RCL must be approved by the DSO if fewer courses are needed to complete the course of study in the student's final term. If the student is not required to take courses to complete studies, but continues to be registered for "administrative purposes", the student is considered to have completed the course of study and must take action to maintain status. Such action may include application for change of status or departure from the U.S.