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International Student Services

Full Course Exception

» Full Course Exception

Immigration regulations require an F-1 student to maintain full-time enrollment. A student enrolled in their final semester or dissertation/thesis at the university may request a full course exception and must receive approval by an international student advisor. 

To receive approval for a course load that is less than full-time (less than 12 credits for UG and 9 credits for GR) , fill out one of the following requests depending on your academic level:

Undergraduate

Class schedule must be final at the time of request submission.

  • Register for the final courses you plan to take during your last semester at Chapman. Your schedule must be final.
  • Schedule a Graduation Review appointment with an Academic Advisor to confirm you are on track for graduation for the term you are applying for the exception.
  • Apply for graduation (degree conferral) through your Student Portal.
  • Submit Full Course Exception request.

Exception Deadline: End of week 2 (University enrollment deadline for the semester)

 

Graduate and Doctoral Students

Graduate and thesis/dissertation enrollment

The Office of the Associate Vice President for Graduate Education outlines the enrollment policies and requirements for students completing a thesis or dissertation. Review the Graduate Student Full-Time Enrollment and Continuous Enrollment Policies to know if a student is enrolled appropriately.

Additionally, guidelines specific to enrollment as a graduate international student should be reviewed. The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) enrollment requirements for recognition in a "full course of study" for international graduate students at Chapman are found here. Please read the policies in their entirely, complete the form (only if applicable), email the completed Graduate Student Enrollment Exception Form to GradEd@chapman.edu


International Student Services provides general guidance. Any advice provided to you by the ISS should not be construed as legal advice.

Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, government agencies such as USCIS/ICE/CBP may change their interpretation of immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. We will do our best to provide the most current guidance.

Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.