International Students: Failing A Class And Its Consequences

Failing a class is a common occurrence for many students, and international students are no exception. While it is not ideal, failing a class as an international student does not automatically result in deportation or visa cancellation. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential consequences and how they may impact your specific situation. These consequences can vary depending on factors such as the country you are studying in, the type of visa you hold, and the specific policies of your educational institution. Understanding these factors is essential for making informed decisions and planning your academic journey.

Impact on student visa status

Failing a class can have serious consequences for international students' visa status, and it is important to understand the potential impact on their ability to remain in their host country. Firstly, international students are typically required to maintain a full-time course load and make "normal progress" towards their degree. This means that failing a class can put students below the minimum threshold for credits or units, potentially jeopardizing their student visa status.

In the United States, for instance, international students in F-1 or J-1 status must maintain full-time enrollment each quarter. A drop below 3 course credits is considered a violation of immigration status, resulting in "Out-of-Status" classification. This triggers the termination of the SEVIS record, leading to immediate consequences such as a ban on working on-campus or engaging in internships. Additionally, daily "unlawful presence" (ULP) begins to accrue, and if it reaches 180 days, the student will face a three-year ban on re-entering the U.S. after departure. While reinstatement applications can be made to USCIS, they are costly, time-consuming, and do not guarantee a return to legal status.

Furthermore, continuous low grades or failing classes can lead to academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from the university. This can directly impact an international student's visa status, as their ability to remain in the host country is often contingent on maintaining good academic standing and making satisfactory progress in their studies. If a student is dismissed from their program, their student visa may be revoked, and they may be asked to leave the country.

The impact of failing a class on an international student's visa status can also depend on the specific policies of their institution and program requirements. Some universities have strict laws and mandatory academic advising for students who fail courses. Failing a required course can delay program completion, requiring students to repeat the course or take alternative measures, which may extend the duration of their studies beyond the standard visa timeframe.

To mitigate the potential impact on their visa status, international students should consult with their academic advisors and international student services as soon as they anticipate or encounter difficulties in their courses. Advisors can guide students on options such as reduced course loads, pass/no-pass grading, or withdrawing from a class, which may help maintain their immigration status while addressing academic challenges.

Academic probation

International students can fail a class, and the consequences of this can vary. Failing a class can impact an international student's visa status if it causes them to fall below the minimum number of full-time units required to maintain their visa. For example, in the US, international students in F-1 or J-1 status must be enrolled full-time each fall, winter, and spring quarter.

Additionally, if a student's academic standing prevents them from enrolling in future quarters, their visa status may be affected. A low GPA typically does not impact an international student's visa status unless it results in academic suspension or dismissal from the university.

To avoid failing a class, international students can consider changing their grading option from a letter grade (A, B, C, D, F) to Pass/No Pass (P/NP). This option is often available up to a certain week of the quarter and may be subject to limitations, so it is important to consult with a college advisor before making any changes.

Now, let's discuss academic probation in detail:

• Registration Hold: The student's school may place a hold on their account, preventing them from registering for subsequent terms until they meet with their academic and international student advisers to discuss their academic standing and the potential impact on their immigration record.
• Academic Warning: Some schools may issue an academic warning before or alongside placing the student on academic probation. This serves as a notification that the student is at risk of not meeting the academic requirements.
• Academic Support Services: Students on academic probation are encouraged to meet with their academic adviser to learn about academic support services available to them. These services can provide resources and assistance to help improve their academic performance.
• Visa Status Impact: Academic probation can potentially impact an international student's visa status, especially if it leads to academic suspension or dismissal. It is important for international students to consult with their school's international student services office to understand how their visa may be affected.
• Academic Suspension and Dismissal: Continued poor academic performance while on probation can lead to academic suspension or dismissal from the university. The specific policies for academic suspension vary across universities. For example, at Western Oregon University, undergraduate students with a GPA of less than 2.0 for three consecutive terms are placed on academic suspension and required to take a term off. After the third academic suspension, students may not be able to re-enroll at the same school.
• Graduate Students: It is important to note that academic probation policies may differ for graduate students. While individual colleges or departments may have their own academic probation policies, there might not be a university-wide policy for graduate students.

Retaking the class

It is important to note that failing a class can have consequences for the student's immigration status and visa. International students must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic progress to keep their visa status. A low GPA or failing grade usually does not impact immigration status, but if it prevents future enrolment or results in academic dismissal, it can affect the student's status. In some cases, the student's visa may be revoked, and they may be asked to leave the country.

To avoid these consequences, international students can consider changing their grading option from a letter grade to a Pass/No Pass system, if their institution allows it. This option is typically only available to students in good academic standing and may be subject to certain limits or policies. Another option is to apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL), which allows students to drop a course while still maintaining their full-time enrolment status. However, this requires approval from an international student advisor or the International Student Services and Programs (ISSP) office.

Failing a class can also impact future opportunities, such as graduate programs that require a minimum GPA. It is important for international students to understand the specific rules and policies of their institution regarding failed courses, as well as the potential consequences for their visa status and future academic prospects.

Reduced course load

International students in the US must be enrolled full-time each fall, winter, and spring quarter to maintain their F-1 or J-1 immigration status. However, under certain circumstances, F-1 and M-1 students may be eligible to maintain their student status while enrolled in a reduced course load. This is known as a Reduced Course Load (RCL).

Qualifying circumstances for a reduced course load:

• Medical condition or illness
• Initial difficulty with the English language
• Initial difficulty with reading requirements
• Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods
• Being in your final term or semester
• Academic difficulties
• Improper course level placement

How to apply for an RCL:

Firstly, meet with an international student advisor to see if you qualify for an RCL. If you do, your designated school official (DSO) will need to authorize the RCL in your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. When you contact your DSO, be sure to provide information and documentation that supports your qualifying circumstances. For example, if you have medical reasons, you must provide a letter from a doctor or similar medical professional.

Important notes:

• A reduced course load authorization can only apply to one term or semester at a time.
• Dropping below a full course of study without the proper authorizations could jeopardize your active student status in SEVIS.
• If you drop a course, you will not receive any credits for it.
• If your total credits drop below full-time enrollment, and you have not received authorization for an RCL from an international student advisor, you will fall out of F-1 immigration status.
• If you fail a course, you are at risk of not being able to complete your program within the standard duration, unless you are able to take this course again (or an alternative course) in a future study period.

Impact on future opportunities

Failing a class can have a significant impact on future opportunities for international students. Firstly, it can affect their ability to maintain their student visa status and remain in the host country. Many countries require international students to maintain a certain academic standard, such as a minimum GPA or specific grades, to keep their visa. If a student fails a class and their overall record drops below the required threshold, they may face visa cancellation or non-renewal and be asked to leave the country. This can disrupt their education and future plans, especially if they intend to pursue further studies or work opportunities in that country.

Additionally, failing a class can hinder an international student's future academic and career prospects. Some graduate or postgraduate programs have minimum GPA or grade requirements for admission. Failing a course can prevent students from meeting these requirements, reducing their chances of being accepted into their desired programs. This can delay their academic progress and limit their options for specializations or research areas.

The financial implications of failing a class can also impact future opportunities. In many institutions, retaking a failed class incurs additional costs, which can be a significant financial burden, especially for international students who often pay higher fees. This may affect their ability to continue their studies, forcing them to seek alternative funding or scholarships, which can be competitive and uncertain.

Furthermore, failing a class can lead to academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from the student's current program. This can have long-term consequences, as some universities may not allow dismissed students to re-enroll in the same or similar programs. It can also impact their academic transcript, which may be considered by future employers or academic institutions, potentially limiting their career and educational opportunities.

To mitigate these impacts, international students should familiarize themselves with their institution's policies on failing classes, academic warnings, and probation. They should also seek advice from international student advisors or support services, who can guide them on maintaining their visa status, academic progress, and future opportunities.

Frequently asked questions