Monday, December 10, 2018 is the last day a graduate student may withdraw from the university or drop a class with required approvals. 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 full-time to maintain a valid immigration status. To be considered a full-time student, undergraduates must be enrolled for 12 credit hours and graduate students for 9 hours in the fall and spring semesters. The only exception to being enrolled full-time applies when students are approved for a reduced course load. Dropping below full-time without approval would result in losing your immigration status and have a negative impact on your ability to remain and study in the United States.
If you believe that you might qualify for a reduced course load, please schedule an appointment to speak with an International Student Advisor to discuss your situation. You will need to get the permission of an International Student Advisor before you drop the class.