International Student Guide: Changing Majors & Credit Adjustments

Are you currently stressed about your academic path, searching for an "international student change of major ISSS approval tutorial" or wondering about the "reduced course load medical proof requirements for DSO 2026"?

For F-1 and J-1 students, changing your academic trajectory is not as simple as filling out a form. Your major and your full-time enrollment status are tied directly to your visa. Making a change without the proper authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) at the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office can have serious immigration consequences.

Whether you are overwhelmed by a course load that is affecting your mental health, or you need to switch majors because your current path is causing severe anxiety, you need a strategy. You need to align your academic desires with federal regulations.

This guide will walk you through the assessment phase of changing majors, the strict DSO review process for credit adjustments, and how to integrate campus resources like the Academic Skills Centre. We will also reveal how modern solutions like Havellum can provide the professional, verifiable medical documentation you need to secure ISSS approval seamlessly—saving you from the risks of a denied application.

Part 1: Assessment Phase – Eligibility & ISSS Consultation

Before you drop a class or declare a new major, you must understand the rules. The ISSS office is your first stop.

1. Change of Major Eligibility

Search Keyword: "F-1 visa change of major SEVIS update process"
Changing your major is generally permitted for F-1 students, but it requires a SEVIS update.
* The Rule: You must be in valid F-1 status. You cannot change your major if you have already been terminated for unauthorized drop-outs.
* The Process: You typically need approval from the new academic department first. Once accepted, you submit this proof to your DSO, who will issue a new Form I-20 with the updated program information.

2. The "Medical Reason" Factor

Sometimes, the need to change majors is driven by health.
* Scenario: A student in a high-pressure Architecture program develops severe depression and needs to switch to a Graphic Design program.
* The Risk: If the student is failing current classes due to health, they might need a Medical Reduced Course Load (RCL) before the major change is processed to protect their GPA and status.

Authoritative Resource: Learn about the regulatory process for program changes at DHS Study in the States: Changing Educational Levels or Programs .

Part 2: Application Steps – Credit Adjustment & Medical RCL

This is the most critical technical step. If you need to drop classes (reduce your credits) while you transition or recover, you must get DSO approval first.

Search Keyword: "International student reduced credit load DSO guide"

The Only Valid Reasons for RCL

DSOs are strict. They can only approve a Reduced Course Load for:
1. Academic Difficulties: (e.g., Improper course level). Valid for one semester only.
2. Medical Conditions: Valid for up to 12 months per degree level.
3. Final Semester: If you need fewer credits to graduate.

The DSO Review Process

To approve a Medical RCL, your DSO is legally required (under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)(B)) to see specific documentation.
* The Requirement: A letter from a licensed Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
* The Trap: Letters from academic advisors or general counselors are not sufficient for medical RCLs. If you submit the wrong proof, your request will be denied, and dropping the class will terminate your visa.

Authoritative Resource: Review the strict documentation standards at University of California Berkeley International Office .

Part 3: Integrating Support Services – ASC & Student Welfare

You don't have to navigate this alone. Your campus has resources to support the academic side of your transition.

1. Academic Skills Centre (ASC)

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If you are changing majors because of academic struggle, the ASC can help you prove to your DSO that you are taking steps to improve.
* Support: They offer time management workshops and writing tutoring.
* Role in Appeals: Showing that you are attending ASC workshops can strengthen an appeal for reinstatement if you fell out of status due to academic failure.

2. Student Welfare / Counseling (CAPS)

They provide emotional support during the transition.
* The Limitation: While they can recommend a leave of absence, campus counselors often cannot write the specific medical letter required by the ISSS for visa purposes due to policy limitations or license types (e.g., if they are LCSWs).

Part 4: The Havellum Solution – Bridging the Documentation Gap

This is where many international students get stuck. You have the support of your Academic Advisor, and you have the sympathy of the Student Welfare office, but you lack the medical certificate from an MD or Clinical Psychologist that the DSO requires to click "Approve" in SEVIS.

Havellum solves this problem. We provide the ISSS-compliant medical documentation you need to facilitate your major change or credit adjustment.

Why Students Use Havellum for ISSS Requests:

1. "ISSS DSO denied credit reduction appeal strategy"

If your RCL was denied because your medical note was "insufficient," you need a new one immediately.
* The Solution: Havellum’s Custom Medical Certificates allow our providers to draft letters that specifically address the DSO's feedback, using the precise regulatory language required for approval.

2. Speed for Add/Drop Deadlines

University deadlines are rigid. Campus health centers often have a 3-week wait time.
* The Solution: With Havellum, you can consult with a provider and receive a digital certificate often within 24 hours. This ensures you can submit your RCL request before the Friday 5 PM deadline.

3. Mental Health Verification for Major Changes

If you are switching majors due to "international student mental health transfer application," you need proof that your current environment is detrimental to your health.
* The Solution: Our Mental Health Certificate Services connect you with Licensed Clinical Psychologists who can evaluate the impact of your current program on your mental health, providing the evidence needed to support a medical withdrawal or program change.

4. Physical Illness Support

If a physical condition (like chronic migraines or post-surgery recovery) is forcing you to reduce your credits, you need a doctor's validation.
* The Solution: Use Havellum’s Physical Medical Certificates to get a verifiable letter from a licensed medical doctor, satisfying the DSO's requirement for an MD/DO signature.

Part 5: Success Story – A Strategic Transition

The Situation:
"Elena," a Sophomore in Engineering, was failing two classes due to severe anxiety and insomnia. She wanted to switch to Psychology but risked academic probation (and visa termination) if she didn't drop the Engineering classes immediately.

The Obstacle:
Her DSO told her she could only drop the classes with a Medical RCL. The campus counseling center had a 4-week waitlist for a psychiatrist. Her academic advisor couldn't sign a medical form.

The Havellum Strategy:
1. Elena visited Havellum Service Details and requested a mental health consultation.
2. She spoke with a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who evaluated her anxiety.
3. She received a signed Medical Certificate recommending a reduced course load for the current semester.
4. She submitted this to her DSO.
5. Result: The DSO approved the Medical RCL in SEVIS. Elena dropped the Engineering classes (saving her GPA), maintained her visa status, and successfully transferred to the Psychology program the following semester.

Conclusion

Changing your major or adjusting your credits as an international student is a high-stakes legal process. Your academic dreams must be supported by rigorous compliance with F-1 regulations.

Do not let a "documentation gap" force you to stay in a major that is hurting you, or push you out of status. Leverage your campus resources for advice, but trust professionals for your proof.

Navigate your academic transition with confidence.
Visit Havellum.com today. Secure the fast, compliant, and verifiable medical documentation you need to get your ISSS and DSO approval, so you can pursue the educational path that is right for you.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information regarding F-1 visa regulations and academic procedures. It is not legal advice. Always consult with your university’s Designated School Official (DSO) before dropping classes or changing majors.