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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.