All students on F-1 or J-1 visas with a visa document from ODU who enroll for fewer than the required credit hours (12 undergraduate; 9 graduate) in the fall and spring semesters must submit this form by the Wednesday of the first week of classes and receive an approval e-mail from VISA to maintain their visa status. If you do not submit this form when needed, you will be IN VIOLATION OF YOUR VISA STATUS AND MAY HAVE TO LEAVE THE U.S. ___________________________________ Steps to complete this form: 1) Complete and Sign this form 2) Upload you signed REDUCED COURSE LOAD (RCL) APPROVAL REQUEST form * Form Link: https://www.odu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/reduced-course-load-request.pdf 3) Upload all other required documents 4) Allow VISA processing time up to 3-5 weekdays ___________________________________ IMPORTANT REMINDERS: For all students using option "D" (graduating this semester) RCL request, you MUST submit your graduation application to the Registrar's office. This form does not automatically drop/withdraw you from classes. It is your responsibility to do so. ODU VISA will not add, drop, or withdraw you from courses. It is your responsibility to do so. You MUST complete an add-drop form and submit it to our office for approval prior to the deadline to drop classes with no grade or financial penalty, and/or the deadline to register or add classes. If you no longer have an assistantship or your major has changed, a new Form I-20 must be issued; Request for New I-20 / DS-2019.
(Please select the option that best fits your current situation) A. I have a medical condition for which I am currently receiving treatment. A signed letter from the doctor or licensed psychologist treating you with the recommendation for part time or no enrollment. Students can only obtain a medical RCL for a total of 12 months per degree level. No advisor's signature is required for this reason. **NO advisor signature is required for this reason. ***UPLOAD REQUIRED. B-i. I have difficulties with adjustment to education in US English or the US educational system. Is my first semester at AUS institution in university level classes. No advisory signature is required for this reason. CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE PER ACADEMIC PROGRAM. **NO advisor signature is required for this reason. B-ii. I would like to drop a course because of improper course level placement. An example would be if you are registered for a class but not have a prerequisite. CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE PER ACADEMIC PROGRAM. * UPLOAD REQUIRED. **Your advisor must attach a letter on university letterhead with an explanation of the situation. ***Your GPD (GR/PHD) or Academic Advisor/UPD must sign your REDUCED COURSE LOAD (RCL) APPROVAL REQUEST form. C. I am a master's/doctoral student and will ONLY enroll in thesis/dissertation credit(s). *UPLOAD REQUIRED **Your GPD (GR/PHD) must sign your REDUCED COURSE LOAD (RCL) APPROVAL REQUEST form. D. I will graduate from ODU this semester. If you find you will not graduate please notify visa by sending an email to IntlStu@odu.edu. *Your GPD (GR/PHD) or Academic Advisor/UPD must sign your REDUCED COURSE LOAD (RCL) APPROVAL REQUEST form. E. I'm a master's/doctoral student with a GA that permits fewer than non credits. *UPLOAD REQUIRED - assistantship offer letter **Your assistantship supervisor must sign your REDUCED COURSE LOAD (RCL) APPROVAL REQUEST form.