Spring 2025 Full-Time Enrollment and Reduced Course Load Updates for International Students

 

As Spring 2025 registration approaches, the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team would like to remind international students at the University of Utah about full-time enrollment requirements and share important updates to the Reduced Course Load (RCL) policy.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

International students on an F-1 visa must maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters to stay in compliance with federal regulations. Summer enrollment is generally optional unless it is a student’s first, last, or returning semester.

Important Updates/Reminders:

• Online Credits Limit: Only 3 online credits can count toward the minimum full-time enrollment requirement. After meeting this minimum, students can add more online credits if needed; however, if a student drops a class later, this could reduce their in-person credit hours below the required amount.
• Remote Real-Time Courses: The new "Remote Real-Time" instruction mode (implemented Fall 2024) counts as an online course and does not fulfill the in-person requirement.
• OPT Requests for Evidence (RFEs): F-1 students applying for OPT may be asked to provide additional proof of on-campus presence, particularly if they are enrolled solely in thesis credits.

For further details on maintaining F-1 status through full-time enrollment, visit theF-1 Policy Webpage on Full-Time Enrollment.

Reduced Course Load (RCL) Policy Update – Effective Spring 2025

The RCL policy allows for a reduction in credit hours under specific circumstances, that include:

• Academic difficulty
• Medical necessity
• Final semester in a degree program

An RCL authorization is only granted if dropping below the full-time credit requirement is necessary. 

To better align with federal regulation, please note the following updates to the policy: 

• Limit on Online Credits While on RCL: Students can only count a maximum of 3 online credits toward full-time enrollment while on an RCL authorization.
• In-Person Requirement in Final Semester: Students must be enrolled in at least 3 in-person credits in their final term.
• If only one course is needed to complete a degree, it must be an in-person course.

For complete information on the updated RCL policy, please see the RCL Policy Webpage.

For questions, please consult our policy pages or reach out to us at international@utah.edu.