Dear International Students,
Remember that all international students must study full time if you are on a student visa (F-1) or exchange visitor visa in a student category (J-1 Non Degree, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral Student).
Full time =
Bachelor’s students = 12 credits/semester
Master’s/PhD students = 9 credits/semester. Exceptions: You are considered full time with 6 credits if you have a GA, or if you are enrolled in a 3 credit GRAD defined as full time.
JD = 12 credits/semester
UCAELI = Enroll and attend all IEP courses.
If you are graduating in December, and will need fewer credits than those listed above to complete your program, you may apply for permission from ISSS to study on a part time basis.
How to apply:
1.
Complete a
Reduced Course Load Authorization Request Form with your academic advisor. You fill out section A, and ask your academic advisor to complete Section B.
2.
Submit the Form by the first day of the semester. If you are unsure what your final schedule will be, you may submit later, during the Add/Drop period (up until 10th day of the semester). Submit the form in person at ISSS
Storrs,
Stamford or Hartford, or if you are unable to visit ISSS in-person, email the completed form to
[log in to unmask] .
3.
An ISSS advisor will review your application, and will update your Form I-20/DS-2019 Program End Date to match the last day in the academic term. Remember, you must finish your program by the program end date listed on your Form I-20/DS-2019.
4.
If approved, you will be notified that your application is ready for pick up. If no changes to your Form I-20 are required because your program end date already matches the last day of the semester, the ISSS Advisor will email you with
approval notification. If you are not approved, the ISSS advisor will also email you that notification.
Other Reminders for Students who will complete in Fall Semester:
1)
Meet with an ISSS advisor before the end of the term to discuss your plans and make sure you are aware of all immigration requirements/options. As an international student, it is important to plan ahead.
2)
Don’t forget to
apply for graduation by your deadline.
3)
If you would like to work in the U.S. after graduation in a job related to your field of study, it’s time to review Optional Practical Training (F-1 students)/Academic Training (J-1 students) information. See the ISSS
Employment webpage for further details.
Thanks and please contact us if you have further questions.
Rae Alexander
Director
International Student and Scholar Services
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
2011 Hillside Road, U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855 |
EMAIL:
[log in to unmask]
ISSS Walk-In Advising: MON - THU: 1:00 - 3:30 pm