INTENT TO PAY FILING FEE IN THE FINAL QUARTER: GRADUATE STUDENTS

A final quarter RCL is authorization for Graduate international students who are eligible to enroll in 0 units during their final, graduating quarter, based on filing fee in lieu of registration status. Students must apply and receive RCL authorization from the UC San Diego International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) before dropping to less than 12 units. Review all steps below to understand how to request RCL and how it may affect your status.

STEP 1: CONFIRM ELIGIBILITY

You must be defending your thesis or dissertation or taking a comprehensive exam during your final quarter.
You must meet with your Graduate Coordinator for the General Petition form to determine eligibility to pay the filing fee instead of registering in any units.
You must submit your iPortal request by end of the 2nd week of the quarter.
You must apply for Optional Practical Training (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students) by the end of the 2nd week of the quarter.
Filing fee status is limited to one quarter only, if unable to complete degree during the filing fee status, you must register during the following quarter.
You will NOT be eligible for on campus employment, including GSR and TAs.
You will NOT be eligible for off campus employment, including CPT (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students).
You will NOT be eligible for on campus housing.
You must contact Student Health Services regarding eligibility for voluntary student health insurance.

STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST IN iPORTAL

Log in to iportal.ucsd.edu .
Go to "Services" tab.
Select "Reduced Course Load Request".
Complete your request.
Choose your "Document Delivery Preference".
"Submit" your request.
This iPortal RCL request is not the same as the General Petition to pay the filing fee in lieu of registration.

Paying the filing fee in lieu of registration/tuition fees

In order to pay the filing fee in lieu of registration/tuition fees, you must meet the eligibility requirements and submit a separate request using the General Petition to pay the filing fee in lieu of registration.
This process is fully handled by the UC San Diego Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs. If you have any questions about the General Petition and paying the Filing Fee, make sure to contact the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs directly.

STEP 3: LEARN WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

If your final quarter RCL is approved, an updated I-20/DS-2019 reflecting your RCL authorization will be issued within 5 business days.
Your I-20/DS-2019 end date will be shortened to the date of your defense or comprehensive exam
You can check the status of your request anytime by logging in to iPortal and clicking on "My Requests" tab.
A notification email will be sent to you when your document is ready.
Sign your updated I-20/DS-2019 when you receive it, and keep your previous I-20/DS-2019 for your records, do NOT throw it away.
If you are unable to complete your program by the end date on your I-20/DS-2019, you must submit an "Extension I-20/DS-2019 Request" prior to this date. Visit this page to learn more: Extension of I-20/DS-2019 Program End Date.
Submit your OPT (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1) request no later than the Friday of Week 2 of the final quarter.