If you are a designated school official (DSO) we want to remind you that under certain circumstances you can authorize your students to take a reduced course load at any time of the year and allow them to maintain their status. Acceptable circumstances include

• Medical condition or illness.
• Certain academic difficulties.
• Being in the final term or semester.
• Being a part-time border commuter student.

You should receive certain documentation from the student to support the authorization. Students should communicate with your office before withdrawing from classes and dropping below a full course of study. Also, a reduced course load authorization can only apply to one term or semester at a time.

You must use the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to officially authorize a reduced course load on a student’s record. Visit the SEVIS Help Hub to find out more about how to do this. 

Contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program with specific cases or questions about authorizing a reduced course load.