What Is a Reduced Course Load (RCL)?
Under F-1 student visa requirements, international students are generally required to enroll in at least 12 credits per semester to maintain full-time enrollment, with at least 9 credits taken through in-person or hybrid courses.
A Reduced Course Load (RCL) allows eligible F-1 students to enroll in fewer than the required 12 credits under specific circumstances authorized by U.S. immigration regulations. An RCL may be authorized for qualifying medical reasons or when a student is in their final semester and needs fewer credits to complete their program of study.
The in-person or hybrid course requirement continues to apply unless an exception is specifically authorized. Review the criteria below to learn about eligibility and the requirements for each type of RCL. Students must receive approval from International Student Services before reducing their course load.
An F-1 student may be authorized for part-time or non-enrollment, if necessary, due to the student's documented temporary illness or medical condition for a period of time not to exceed an aggregate of 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a particular program level.
A student may be authorized to reduce their course load for a reason of illness or medical condition on more than one occasion while pursuing a course of study , so long as the aggregate period of that authorization does not exceed 12 months.
In order to be approved for a reduced course load due to a medical condition, the student must provide the Office of International Student Services medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. This would be a letter from one of the above referenced professionals indicating:
- The specific nature of the illness
- How and for what period of time the medical professional has been treating the student for the illness
- The medical professional's recommendation for either partial reduction of courses or a recommendation for a complete withdraw from classes (please note a partial recommendation is 6 credited hours with an on-ground component)
- The medical professional's prognosis as to when the student will be able to resume full-time studies
The letter must be typed on the medical professional's letterhead and signed by the medical professional. This letter must be accompanied by the RCL Request Form.
If found sufficient, the Office of International Student Services can authorize the student to withdraw from some or all of their registered courses. If the illness continues and the student needs to request authorization for an additional RCL for the upcoming semester, the student must submit the request to the Office of International Student Services before the beginning of the new semester. Please note that RCL request must be submitted within 30 days of the new semester start date. All requests must include a new letter from the medical professional and a new request for the Reduced Course Load Form.
The student should not assume that the request will be approved. Students must register for a full course of study. If the request is approved, the student will be permitted to withdraw. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the paperwork is submitted to International Student Services in time to avoid any College fees associated with a late withdraw.
Please submit your Medical RCL Request documentation here.
F-1 students completing their academic program at Northampton Community College may be eligible to enroll in fewer than 12 credits during their final semester if fewer credits are needed to complete their program requirements.
A final-semester RCL is intended for students who have completed the majority of their program requirements and need only the remaining coursework necessary to graduate. Students must continue to meet applicable F-1 enrollment requirements throughout their final semester.
Final-Semester Enrollment Requirements:
Complete all remaining program requirements.
You must enroll in all remaining coursework needed to complete your program. A final-semester RCL does not permit you to skip required courses or take fewer credits than necessary to graduate.
Maintain the required on-ground component
Approval for a final-semester RCL does not automatically exempt you from NCC's on-ground enrollment expectations. Your schedule must also comply with applicable F-1 requirements for in-person and online coursework. Contact International Student Services if you are unsure whether your planned schedule meets these requirements.
Obtain approval before reducing your course load
You must submit the Final-Semester RCL Request Form to International Student Services and receive approval before enrolling in fewer than the required 12 credits. Do not drop courses or make changes that reduce your enrollment below the required course load before receiving approval.
Meet With Your Academic Advisor
Before requesting a final-semester RCL, you must meet with your academic advisor to review your program requirements and remaining coursework. Your advisor will review your academic progress to confirm that you are on track to complete all program requirements and graduate at the end of the semester.
This meeting helps ensure that you are not missing any required courses or other program requirements that could delay your graduation. After meeting with your advisor, have them complete the Final-Semester RCL Request Form and submit it to International Student Services for review.
I-20 Program End Date
Your I-20 program end date and expected completion date should be considered when planning your final semester. If you anticipate that you will not complete your program by the end date listed on your I-20, contact International Student Services as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances.
Important Reminders
- A final-semester RCL is not automatic. You must request and receive approval.
- A final-semester RCL is available only when fewer than 12 credits are needed to complete your program.
- You must continue to meet applicable F-1 enrollment requirements, including the on-ground component.
- Meet with your academic advisor to confirm that you are on track to complete your program before submitting your request.
- Contact International Student Services before making enrollment changes if you have questions about your eligibility or course schedule.
Please submit your Final Semester RCL request here.
