Reduced Course Load Request Form
Office of International Student Services, University of Portland
Student’s Name ____________________________________________ ID ____________
Requested term for reduced course load _______________________
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires all F-1 and J-1 students to maintain a full course load at the
institution they have been authorized to attend. A full course load is defined as 9 credit hours per term for Graduate students and 12
credit hours per term for Undergraduate students.
According to USCIS regulations, students on F-1 and J-1 visas who wish to enroll in a reduced course load are required to receive
prior approval from an international student advisor.
Part 1: Reduced Course Load for Academic Reasons
To be completed by an international student advisor:
____ Student is requesting permission for reduced load during final term of study. The student has ____required credits remaining
and is expected to complete studies on ________________ (last date of attendance).
____ Student is requesting permission for reduced course load due to academic difficulties. The student will enroll in the required
minimum of 6 credits. A student is permitted no more than 1 term with a reduced course load for academic reasons per academic
program.
____Initial difficulties with English ____Improper Course Placement
____Initial difficulties with Reading Requirements ____Initial difficulties with American teaching methods
Advisor’s signature __________________________________ Date ______________________
Part 2: Reduced Course Load for Other Reasons
To be completed by the student requesting permission to reduce course load (if applicable):
____ Medical Leave: Student is requesting permission for reduced course load for medical reasons. The student is permitted to no
more than 12 months, in total, of reduced course load based on medical conditions during an academic program. (Additional
written statement is required from a medical professional in this case. Please attach letter.)
____ Concurrent Enrollment: Student is requesting permission for reduced course load due to concurrent enrollment at another
institution. The student will enroll in the required minimum of 6 credits at University of Portland. (Proof of registration or transcript
from other school is required in this case. Please attach.)
____ Vacation Term: Student is requesting permission for reduced course load due to eligibility for vacation term. There is no
minimum enrollment required.
Part 3: Student Statement
To be completed by all students requesting permission to reduce course load:
I understand that
____a. This request for approval of a reduced course load is for the specified term only. Any future requests will require additional
approval by an international advisor.
____b. Reducing my course load may affect my eligibility for an International Student Scholarship for the specified term.
Current scholarship amount is $__________/per semester.
I verify that all the above information is correct to the best of my knowledge.
Student’s signature______________________________________________ Date_______________
Email_________________________________________________________ Phone______________
Entered in SEVIS:___/___/___ Initialed:______________ Requested Term:______________
(Revised 12/8/03 kk)
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