Overview
A Reduced Course Load (RCL) allows eligible F-1 and J-1 students to enroll in fewer than full-time units in limited situations.
You must receive authorization from ISSS or your IEP Immigration Advisor before dropping below full-time enrollment.
Important Information
- You must be enrolled full-time until RCL is approved
- RCL authorization must be granted before you drop or withdraw from courses
- Unauthorized enrollment changes may result in a violation of your immigration status
Leave of Absence (LOA) and RCL
A Reduced Course Load is not the same as taking a semester off.
- RCL allows you to remain enrolled with fewer units
- A Leave of Absence (LOA) may require you to temporarily leave the United States or take additional steps to maintain status
- This question is addressed in our "Common Situations" FAQ
If you are considering taking a semester off, you must contact ISSS before the term begins or before dropping your courses.
How to Request RCL
To request RCL authorization:
- Submit a service request to ISSS
- Indicate the reason for your request (academic, medical, or final term)
- Upload required documentation (if applicable)
- Medical RCL requires documentation from a licensed medical provider
- Wait for ISSS review and approval
👉 Do not make enrollment changes until your RCL has been approved
Processing Time
RCL requests are reviewed by ISSS or your IEP advisor and may take several business days, depending on volume and documentation completeness.
Students are responsible for submitting requests before applicable deadlines.
Final Reminder
RCL authorization is not automatic. You must receive approval from ISSS before making any changes to your enrollment.
Failure to follow this process may result in the loss of your immigration status.
| ACADEMIC LEVEL | Minimum course load | Minimum In-Person Unit* |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Program | All Core Classes | All Core Classes |
| SUSA/ APP | 12 units per Semester | 9 units |
| Undergraduate | 12 units per Semester | 9 units |
| Graduate | 6 units per Semester | 3 units |
NOTE: J-1 students may have only one online class per semester to meet full-time requirement.
There are some immigration related exceptions to enroll in less than a full course of study; such as concurrent enrollment, medical conditions, and final term. There is another exception called academic difficulty, students should contact their immigration advisor to discuss if academic difficulty applies to their situation. The ISSS team recommends speaking with an immigration advisor before any student drops below the required course load.
Exceptions to a Full Course of Study
To be used if you have been given permission from the Office of the Registrar to take a class at another school to transfer to your CSUSB transcripts. The ISSS team confirms, but does not approve concurrent enrollment.
Please be ready to upload your registered class schedule at the other school. If you cannot prove that you have 12 units at both CSUSB and your other school, you will need to add additional classes to get 12 units at CSUSB.
👉 Learn more about the Concurrent Enrollment Process with the Office of the Registrar
You will need to have a note that excuses you from the entire term (ex. Excused for Spring 2024 term) from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist.
Please note that these are professional titles. If your doctor is not one of the ones listed above, they may need to have it signed off by their supervisor, who is. If you cannot get a doctor’s note, you will need to add additional classes to get 12 units.
Students graduating at the end of the Summer Session must be enrolled full-time as per the above table with in-person class requirements being met. Failure to do so could affect immigration status and OPT eligibility. Students graduating at the end of the Winter Intersession must speak with an Immigration Advisor to discuss full-time and in-person requirements via a Reduced Course Load Waiver.