International students at UNO on F-1 or J-1 visa status are required by law to maintain full-time student status—12 credit hours for undergraduate or nine credit hours for graduate students.
Students may submit a request for a reduced course load for specific academic or temporary medical reasons. If you are planning to request a reduced course load, review the approved reasons to ensure you can apply, and follow the steps below to submit an official request.
Academic Reasons for a Reduced Course Load
Below are the officially approved academic reasons for a reduced course load from U.S. immigration.
Undergraduate Students
- You are experiencing initial academic difficulty with the English language, American teaching methods, reading requirements, or improper course-level placement. A reduced course load for one of these reasons is permitted only once in your first two semesters.
- You do not need a full-time course load in your final semester to complete your degree.
Graduate Students
- Research or teaching fellowships.
- Graduate assistantships.
- Working on a thesis or dissertation after completing all required coursework.
How to Request a Reduced Course Load for Academic Reasons
- Speak with your academic or faculty advisor about your situation. They may have advice or resources if you need help with courses.
- Submit the reduced course load request via e-form in iGlobal. On the form, you will be asked for your academic or faculty advisor’s name and email address for their review and possible approval.
- International Student Advising will review and approve or deny your request.
- Withdraw from the approved course(s).
How to Request a Reduced Course Load for Medical Reasons
- Download and print the request form for Medical Reduced Course Load (page 2 of the form).
- Work with the medical professional to fill out the form. Approved professionals who can sign the form must be a U.S. licensed:
- Medical Doctor (MD);
- Doctor of Osteopathy (DO);
- Psychiatrist;
- Clinical Psychologist (CP); or
- Psychologist.
- Upload the completed form to iGlobal.
- International Student Advising will review and approve or deny your request.
- Withdraw from the approved course(s).