Hi guys,

I want to take less units this semester. I have TPS and I am a student but can I take less units and maintain my status? Please let me know

I think you would lose your F1 status if you did that. In case TPS were to end next year, you would not be able to go back to F1 because you failed to maintain the minimum credits requirement for F1 status.

You might hear people saying you already lost your F1 because you went on TPS. That would be incorrect, you don't lose your existing immigration status as long as you do what's required to maintain it. You can be on F1 and TPS at the same time. Similarly with H1B, you can be on both status as long as you are NOT using TPS EAD. Just possessing TPS status is allowed along with your existing status. Only if you proceed to use TPS status (use TPS EAD, take fewer credits) will you lose your current status (F1, H1B).

Please consult with a lawyer as well since I'm not one. Just sharing my thoughts from what I understand.

Nope..No..Never...Not!! TPS does not help in this matter. YOU NEED TO MAINTAIN YOUR F1 STATUS.This is coming from a lawyer!

thanks for the suggestions. Can I use TPS EAD just to work and maintain my status being a full time student?

@Sajh_member
Yes you can take less than full time course load to maintain the F1 status while you are in TPS. by using TPS EAD you can also work full time and get instate tuitions (depends on state and school). you can find all the information on the USCIS website and federal notice.

here is the link to help you out.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/27/2016-31158/extension-of-employment-authorization-for-nepali-f-1-nonimmigrant-students-experiencing-severe

I would suggest to complete your college while you are in TPS to save some $$(if you get instate)

@ captainB , thank for the link. I heard if a TPS f-1 student wants in-state then he/she will lose the f-1 status. My adviser said she doesn't suggest me to use TPS for that. Do you know the states which allow in-state and f-1 status doesn't have to be compromised? And any university to get admission easy and fast?

Yes you can. You should apply for "Reduced Course Load" to DSO. May be it depends upon the school too. Contact your school.

@Sajha_menber
It does not matter what you heard. The only thing that matter is the fact that is stated on federal notice released by DHS. It is clearly mentioned in the title that it is for F1 student from Nepal. Do not just scan the documents, read throughly and you will have the clear understanding of the privilege provided. 

Here is the piece of information from federal notice.  

Below is the exact copy paste from the federal notice
Why is DHS taking this action?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took action to provide temporary relief to F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Nepal and experienced severe economic hardship as a direct result of the earthquake in Nepal in April 2015. See 80 FR 69237. It enabled these F-1 students to obtain employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school was in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 student status.

What is the minimum course load requirement set forth in this notice?

Undergraduate students who receive on-campus or off-campus employment authorization under this notice must remain registered for a minimum of six credit hours of instruction per academic semester.[1] A graduate-level F-1 student who receives on-campus or off-campus employment authorization under this notice must remain registered for a minimum of three credit hours of instruction per academic semester. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v).

Show this to your school official they will help you out.

you can transfer to any of the Texas university or community college whatever your situation is. rest about compromising your F1 , please read above.

NOTE CAREFULLY.

thanks everyone for all the info....