Dear international students,

 

We would like to remind you that all international students must study on a full-time basis every semester. Full-time generally means you are taking a minimum of:

• Bachelor’s: 12 credits/semester
• Master’s/PhD, with graduate assistantship: 6 credits/semester
• Master’s/PhD, no graduate assistantship: 9 credits/semester or a 3-credit GRAD course that carries full time weight
• JD students: 12 credits/semester
• UCAELI – participate full-time in your ESL program.

 

For students who started their programs after March 9, 2020 and have maintained an active I-20 or DS-2019 form since then, you must have at least one in-person course to keep your visa status active.  

 

Reminder: Check your I-20/DS-2019 program end date!

In addition to taking the full-time amount of credits, remember you must also complete your program requirements by the program end date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. If your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date falls within spring 2022 semester and you will not be able to complete this semester, you must request an extension of your form. ISSS cannot extend your program end ate after it has passed.

 

Reduced Course Load for last semester:

If you will graduate in May and you need fewer than full-time credits to complete your program, you may request permission from ISSS to take a Reduced Course Load for last semester. Submit this request by January 24. Link: Reduced Course Load for Last Semester request. Your academic advisor will complete a recommendation as part of the application- be sure to discuss your plans for completion with them. You will need to upload an enrollment verification with your request.

 

Reduced course load for academic or medical reasons:

If you have attempted a full-time course load but you are finding it too difficult due to academic difficulty or mental and physical health reasons, you might be eligible to drop your course load to part-time. Please email [log in to unmask] or make an appointment with your ISSS advisor to discuss your eligibility. Not sure who your advisor is? This is determined by your campus and academic program. Check here. Do not drop to a part-time course load before getting permission from ISSS as this is a violation of your visa status and could lead to a cancellation of your I-20 or DS-2019 form.   

 

Best wishes,

 

 

 

Rae Alexander

Director, International Student & Scholar Services

UConn Global Affairs
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
337 Mansfield Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

 

Location: Arjona Building, Room 109

https://isss.uconn.edu

Facebook: @uconn.global | Instagram: @uconn.global