Overview
Immigration regulations require J-1 students to be enrolled full time during the academic year. A Reduced Course Load (RCL) is requested when a student wishes an exception for the full-time enrollment requirements.
Reasons for a RCL include:
- Academic reason
- Graduate student engaged in research
- Final semester
- Concurrent enrollment
- Medical reason
Non-Degree Eligibility
Non-degree students may only request an RCL based on an illness or medical condition.
Full-Time Enrollment
| Terms | Undergraduate | Graduate without Assistantship | Graduate with Assistantship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall/Spring | 12 credits | 9 credits | Determined by department |
| Summer (If Summer is first or last semester at ISU) | 6 credits | 4.5 credits | Determined by department |
| Summer (If continuing student) | Enrollment is not required (check with Graduate College if on assistantship) | ||
Summer Enrollment
- First semester at ISU (initial or reentry students)
- First semester in new academic level
- Final semester in program
Online Enrollment
Online courses cannot count toward full-time enrollment for J-1 students. Students who are enrolled full time on campus may enroll in additional online courses.
Online Enrollment Exceptions
- Graduate students on assistantship
- Online course required for program of study (requires approval)
Contact isso@iastate.edu to verify if additional online enrollment meets immigration requirements.
Other Course Restrictions
- Online courses
- Audited courses
- Courses dropped after the semester begins (X or W grades)
Reasons for an RCL
- Academic Reason: Valid academic reasons include:
- Initial difficulty with the English language
- Initial difficulty with reading assignments
- Difficulty with American teaching methods
- Improper course level placement
- Graduate Student Research: Engaged in research (must be enrolled in 599/699 or 681B)
- Final Semester: Less than full course load required to complete program
- Concurrent Enrollment: Half of enrollment must be on-campus; total must be full-time
- Medical Reason: Requires physician documentation
Unacceptable Reasons for RCL
- Financial difficulties
Limitations on RCL
| RCL Type | Usage Limit |
|---|---|
| Academic Reason | Only one per education level |
| Creative Component | Available multiple times |
| Thesis/Dissertation | Available multiple times |
| Final Semester | Only one per education level |
| Concurrent Enrollment | Available multiple times |
| Medical Reason | Up to 12 months per education level |
Minimum Enrollment Requirement for RCL Type
| RCL Reason | Academic Term | Minimum Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Reason | Undergraduate Graduate (no assistantship) Graduate (with assistantship) | 6 credits 4.5 credits Determined by department |
| Thesis/Dissertation/Creative Component | N/A | Min. 1 credit (department decision) |
| Final Semester | Undergraduate Graduate (no assistantship) | Min. 1 on-campus credit |
| Concurrent Enrollment | Undergraduate Graduate (no assistantship) Graduate (with assistantship) | 6 credits at ISU (12 total) 4.5 credits at ISU (9 total) Department decision |
| Medical Reason | N/A | 0 credits (if supported by physician) |
Cystart Request
Timeline
Students may submit RCL requests once registered. Approval should be obtained by end of week 1.
Process
Submit request through Cystart via the ISSO website using NetID credentials.
ISSO Processing
Processing takes up to 10 business days after form completion. For status, email isso@iastate.edu.
On-Campus Employment and RCL
Students may work on campus while on RCL unless enrolled in 0 credits.
Tuition and Fee Adjustment
Review Registrar’s Tuition Adjustment Deadlines for details.
Required Documentation
- Concurrent: Proof of enrollment elsewhere
- Medical: Physician documentation
- Research abroad: Faculty support letter
Concurrent RCL, Proof of Enrollment
- Course name and credit hours
- Instruction method
- Grading method
Medical Reason, Letter from Medical Provider
Must be from a U.S. licensed MD, DO, or clinical psychologist and include:
- Typed on official letterhead
- Diagnosis date and reason for RCL
- Recommended semester
- Expected return date
- Provider’s license type
Immigration Consequences
- Loss of J-1 status
- End of on-campus and off-campus work eligibility
- Loss of immigration benefits and status change options
Disclaimer
This FAQ is general guidance. For specific questions, consult an ISSO advisor.