Enrollment Requirements
The US immigration regulations require international students to be enrolled full time each semester. SDSU students must fulfill the full time enrollment requirement during the Fall semester and the Spring semester each academic year. SDSU students are not required to enroll in Summer session to maintain status. Full time enrollment consists of a minimum of 12 units each semester for Undergraduate students, and a minimum of 9 units each semester for Graduate students. With the SEVIS system in place, it is more important than ever that students enroll in a full course load each and every semester as required.
Reduced Course Load
Students taking less than the required number of units are considered to be taking a reduced course load. The SEVIS regulations allow a reduced course load under certain circumstances, and require that any reduced course load be pre-approved by the school's International Student Advisor.
Application for Reduced Course Load (ARCL)
The SDSU International Student Center has developed strict procedures students must follow to receive approval of a reduced course load. Students are required to submit the Application for Reduced Course Load (ARCL) before the reduced course load will be approved. It is your responsibility as an international student to remember to submit the ARCL form each semester you will enroll in a reduced course load. You will not be contacted or reminded to submit the form. You can download the ARCL here, or pick it up at the ISC front desk.
Before enrolling in a reduced course load, review the following reasons to determine if your reason is eligible to be approved as a reduced course load. Some reasons may only be used once, while others are used as needed. Only the following reasons are approvable under the law.
ARCL approvable reasons
You may use one of these reasons during one semester only while studying at SDSU.
This reason below is for undergraduates who take less than full time their last semester:
You may only use this reason below for a total of 12 months while studying at SDSU:
These reasons may be used as needed.
Important ARCL Deadline
The deadline to submit the ARCL form to the ISC is the Friday of the second week of classes. Students are encouraged to submit the form as soon as they know they will be taking a reduced course load in a semester. It may be mailed, faxed to 619 594-1973, or returned in person.
The International Student Advisors will evaluate each form to determine if the reasons given adhere to the immigration regulations, and will approve or deny the application. Students will receive email notification of the decision within 3 working days after submitting the form.
Approved ARCL Required for the SDSU Cashier's Office
Students enrolling in 6 units or less at SDSU must submit a copy of the approved ARCL form to the SDSU Cashier's office in order to pay the 0-6 units reduced registration fee. A copy of the approved ARCL will be available for you to pick up at the ISC Front Desk as soon the form has been approved.
Consequences for Failure to Submit the ARCL
Students who do not submit the ARCL form, or whose form is not approved, will be terminated from the SEVIS system, will become ineligible for any benefits of the F-1 or J-1 status, and face possible deportation. To ensure that you are maintaining proper status, submit the ARCL form to the ISC by the deadline as required.
Leave of Absence
Concurrent Enrollment
F-1 visa students are allowed to enroll concurrently at more than one academic institution provided the combined enrollment equals a full course of study. SDSU students usually utilize concurrent enrollment with community colleges in San Diego County. The course work at the other institution must be acceptable toward the degree and the other institution must be authorized by DHS to issue the I-20 Form. The majority of the coursework for each semester should be taken at SDSU.
You will need a letter from the ISC to enroll at the college. To be issued the letter, complete the Community College Request Form and submit to the ISC Front Desk. You will be issued the letter within 2 working days. If concurrent enrollment causes you to have a reduced course load at SDSU, submit the ARCL form to the ISC with a copy of the enrollment verification from the college. Failure to do so will result in termination from the SEVIS system.