Tuesday, November 4, is the last day an undergraduate student can withdraw from the university or drop a class, with the dean’s approval. It is also the last day that an undergraduate student may change registration for a class to a pass/fail basis. If you’re thinking about dropping a class, don’t forget about the impact it could have on your immigration status. All F-1 and J-1 students must be enrolled for a full-time course load in order to maintain a valid immigration status. Undergraduates must be enrolled for 12 credit hours and graduate students for 9 hours in the fall and spring semesters. Dropping below full-time hours would cause you to lose your immigration status.
Under very special circumstances, a student could be allowed to drop to less than full-time without an effect on his or her immigration status. If you believe that you might qualify, then schedule an appointment to see an international student advisor to discuss your case. You will need to get the permission of an international student advisor before you drop the class.