ISS Virtual Office Assistant – Reduced Course Load (RCL)

Reduced Course Load (RCL) for F-1 Students

Carefully read the instructions listed below, then use the button at the bottom of this page to start your Reduced Course Load (RCL) application.

Overview

International (F-1/J-1) students are required to enroll and complete a Full course load each semester in order to maintain valid non-immigrant student status. There are only a few exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement for the fall and spring semesters. Each exception (category) has its own criteria, which are outlined below. Part-time enrollment is allowed for students in their last semester. No Reduce Course Load (RCL )request or approval is required.

RCL General Information

Category 1: Academic Difficulty

NOTE: In order to be eligible for RCL, students must be registered in a minimum of 6 credits (undergraduate), 9 credits (graduate)

  • Improper course level placement
  • Initial difficulty with reading requirements (1st semester only)
  • Initial difficulty with the English language (1st semester only)
  • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods (1st semester only)

These reasons can only be used during the student’s first semester and once per degree program. (i.e. Ming was having a difficult time with the English language requirements in several of his classes in his first semester. He applied for an RCL and it was approved. Ming is expected to register full-time for the remaining duration of his degree program. He may not apply for another RCL based on academic difficulty.)

Definition of Academic Difficulty Reduced Course Load per Study in the States.

You need to include this Academic RCL Form along with the request: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/academics/iss/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2023/06/RCL_Academic.pdf

Category 2: Medical Reasons

If students have a temporary health condition, they may be able to take a break from their studies (i.e. not enroll in any classes) or reduce their course load for the specified semester. ISS may authorize a medical RCL due to temporary health (physical or mental) condition(s) with an appropriate doctor’s letter recommending the RCL for medical reasons.

You need to include this Medical RCL Form along with the request: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/academics/iss/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2023/06/RCL_Medical-Rev.-6-7-23.pdf

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must remain in the U.S. for medical treatment.
    • Students may remain in the U.S. on an expired F-1 visa if they have a valid Form I-20/DS-2019
    • Students who are receiving medical treatment outside the U.S. must apply for a Medical Leave with the admissions office instead of a medical RCL.
  • Be in continuous treatment with a qualified U.S. doctor.
  • Attach a letter of support from the U.S. doctor to the ISS RCL Request
    • Must be from a licensed medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathy (OD), licensed clinical psychologist.
    • Must be on official letterhead, dated, and signed by the doctor (digital signatures are acceptable);
    • Specify the semester you are being recommended for the medical RCL; and
    • State you will remain in the U.S. to receive treatment.
  • Intend to resume their program at USC in a future semester.
  • Not exceed three semesters (12-month aggregate total) of medical Reduced Course Loads (RCLs) throughout your program and per degree level
  • Students who remain in the U.S. without obtaining prior approval for a medical RCL from ISS will be considered out of status.
  • Receive approval from their academic department and ISS.

Final Semester Exemption

Students who are in their final semester of study and only have a few credits remaining to meet academic program requirements are exempt from the full course load requirement. For example, if you only have 3 credits remaining in your degree program, you do not have to enroll in additional units to maintain your immigration status. You will be considered as being in status despite only being enrolled in 3 credits. Students who are in their final semester and are taking less than a full course load must Complete graduation reporting plan using the ISS Virtual Office.

RCL Application Process

  • Students submit completed RCL request form and upload supporting documents.
  • RCL form is automatically routed to DSO for review and approval.
  • DSO will review the complete completed form and supporting document and will contact the student if something else is needed.
  • If your request is approved, you will receive your I-20 with the RCL notation withing 5 business days any additional confirmation from OIS. If your request is not approved, you will receive an email from ISS with further instructions.

Important Notes:

  • Submission of RCL Request Form to ISS does not automatically grant approval. If additional information is needed, ISS advisor will contact the student for clarification.
  • F-1 students should not drop below full-time enrollment until they have received authorization from ISS. Students who drop below full-time enrollment without the proper authorization from ISS will be considered out of status.
  • Students who will have on-campus employment during the semester they wish to be authorized for RCL should review On Campus Employment for F-1 – International Students and Scholars (cuny.edu)
Click Here to Request Reduced Course Load (RCL)