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L&S International Student Credit Load Requirements
Federal regulations require all undergraduate students on an F-1 or J-1 visa to be enrolled full-time during the Fall or Spring term AND to be enrolled in on-campus courses during the first or last term of their degree program. Any visa-sponsored undergraduate student who wishes to be enrolled in fewer than 12 credits during the Fall or Spring term must obtain special permission from International Student Services (ISS). This process can be time-consuming, and students are advised to contact ISS as soon as they believe they may need to seek a Reduced Course Load.
Students who wish to take fewer than 12 credits in a Fall or Spring Term must secure the necessary permissions as noted below:
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On or before the drop deadline: ISS approval for Reduced Course Load required
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After the drop deadline:
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ISS approval for Reduced Course Load required
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L&S approval for late drop required from Academic Deans’ Services
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Phone: (608) 262-0617
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Email: lsdeans@saa.ls.wisc.edu
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Permission to take fewer than 12 credits in a given term is only valid for the semester/term indicated on the application.
These regulations do not typically apply to Summer Term, unless it is the first or last term of enrollment in a visa-holding student’s degree program.