Reduced Course Load (RCL)

F-1 international students are normally required to maintain full-time enrollment. If you need to enroll in fewer units due to an eligible academic difficulty, a medical condition, or because you are in your final semester, you may request authorization for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). Approval from International Student Services is required before dropping below full-time enrollment.

Submit this request and receive approval before dropping below full-time enrollment. Full-time enrollment is only required in fall and spring semesters and, if the student is starting in summer, in that first summer term.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible F-1 students to gain temporary employment authorization in a position directly related to their major field of study. To request OPT, complete all required forms and learning modules in your ISC Portal, upload proof of program completion, and schedule an OPT advising appointment with the International Student Center. During the advising appointment, an advisor will review your eligibility, discuss important deadlines and reporting requirements, and issue an updated I-20 with an OPT recommendation if appropriate. Final approval is granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and students may not begin employment until they receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and their approved OPT start date has arrived.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment, internship, practicum, or cooperative education experience that is directly related to your major field of study and is an integral part of your academic program.

Use this form to request CPT authorization and provide information regarding your employer, position, work location, and academic course associated with the training experience. CPT authorization must be approved by the International Student Center (ISC) and reflected on your Form I-20 before you begin any employment, internship, or training activity. Students may not begin employment prior to receiving an updated Form I-20 with CPT authorization.

Transfer Out (I-20 Release) Request

If you plan to transfer to another U.S. institution, use this request to have your SEVIS record transferred from Citrus College to your new school. You must provide information about the receiving institution, your final term of enrollment at Citrus College, and, if applicable, request an earlier SEVIS release date. Once your SEVIS record is released, Citrus College cannot retrieve or reactivate it. The receiving institution will use your transferred SEVIS record to issue your transfer-pending Form I-20.

Other Student Requests

For information on other student requests and forms, please go to this International Help Center article.