J-1 students are generally required to maintain a full course of study each fall and
spring semester. In limited circumstances, however, U.S. Department of State regulations
permit exceptions to this requirement. Before reducing your course load or enrolling
concurrently at another institution, you must obtain approval from Visa and Immigration
Services. Explore the options below to determine your eligibility, understand the
requirements, and learn how to request authorization while maintaining your J-1 immigration
status.
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Academic Reduced Course Load
Learn when you can reduce your course load due to academic challenges, including eligibility,
limitations, and how to request approval while maintaining J-1 status.
Understand how to request a reduced course load due to a temporary medical or mental
health condition, including required documentation and approval steps to maintain
your J-1 status.
Find out how to enroll below full-time in your final semester if you need fewer credits
to complete your program, including key rules and approval requirements.
Explore how you can take courses at another institution while maintaining full-time
enrollment, including eligibility requirements and how credits must apply to your
program.
