Dropping or Withdrawing from Classes

If you are a F-1 student, changing your course schedule can affect your immigration status. Before you drop a class or withdraw from the semester, review the information below and take action early.

Understand the Difference

Dropping a class: You remove one or more courses but remain enrolled in the semester
Withdrawing from the semester: You leave all courses for the term

Both actions may impact your ability to meet the full-time enrollment requirement.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirement

You must be enrolled full-time each fall and spring semester:

Undergraduate students: at least 12 credits
Graduate students: at least 9 credits

If you drop below full-time without prior authorization, you may violate your F-1 status. 

Before You Drop a Class

Ask yourself:

• Will you still be enrolled full-time after dropping the class?
• If not, do you qualify for an approved exception?
• What is the deadline to drop the course?

If dropping the course will reduce your enrollment below full-time, you must request and receive approval from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) before making any changes.

Authorized Exceptions (Reduced Course Load)

You may be eligible for a reduced course load only in limited situations:

• Academic difficulty (usually limited to your first semester)
• Medical condition (requires documentation from a licensed provider)
• Final semester (if fewer credits are needed to graduate)

After the add/drop period, you must receive VIS approval before you drop below full-time.

Withdrawing from the Semester

Withdrawing from all classes is may affect your F-1 status.

If you plan to withdraw:

• Contact VIS before submitting your withdrawal
• You may be required to leave the United States
• Your SEVIS record may be terminated

University approval of your withdrawal does not mean you are maintaining your immigration status.

Taking a Leave of Absence

If you plan to take a leave of absence from Stony Brook University, this will affect your F-1 status. You must:

• Notify Visa and Immigration Services (VIS)
• Complete the required university withdrawal or leave of absence process

Stopping attendance in your classes does not count as an official withdrawal and does not remove your financial responsibility.

PLANNING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE? LEARN HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR F-1 STATUS AND THE STEPS YOU MUST TAKE.

Key Reminders

• Always contact VIS before making changes to your enrollment
• Do not rely only on advice from academic departments regarding immigration impact