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

• You must be defending your thesis or dissertation or taking a comprehensive exam during your final quarter.
• You must meet with your Graduate Coordinator 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.
• "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. Your program’s graduate coordinator will mark the filing fee check box on the Final Report Form for your degree.
• This process is fully handled by the UC San Diego Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs. If you have any questions about the Filing Fee, make sure to contact the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs directly.

• 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.