Medical Leave
Reduced Course Load Due to Medical Reasons
If you are unable to attend your program on a full time basis due to a temporary illness or medical condition, you may be authorized for a reduced course load for a period of time not to exceed a total of 12 months. You must provide a letter on official letterhead signed by an appropriate medical official in order to request a Reduced Course Load for medical reasons.
The official letter must:
Once a valid doctor’s note is submitted, an international student advisor may approve an Authorized Reduced Course Load which allows the student to maintain F-1 status during the approved period of time for a reduced course load.
If you do not submit a valid letter from a medical provider within the U.S. and receive an approval notice for a reduced course load, any absences you earn will impact your F-1 status with our school.
If you are unable to attend your program on a full time basis due to a temporary illness or medical condition, you may be authorized for a reduced course load for a period of time not to exceed a total of 12 months. You must provide a letter on official letterhead signed by an appropriate medical official in order to request a Reduced Course Load for medical reasons.
The official letter must:
- Include the student’s full name
- Be signed and dated by a licensed Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, or a Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Be on official letterhead and include doctor’s contact information
- Recommend the student take a reduced course load (or, if necessary, no course load) due to medical reasons
- Must specify the start and end date for the recommended reduced course load
Once a valid doctor’s note is submitted, an international student advisor may approve an Authorized Reduced Course Load which allows the student to maintain F-1 status during the approved period of time for a reduced course load.
If you do not submit a valid letter from a medical provider within the U.S. and receive an approval notice for a reduced course load, any absences you earn will impact your F-1 status with our school.
