International Students Taking a Leave of Absence

SEVIS Medical Leave of Absence

Contact [email protected] directly to request a Leave of Absence (LOA) due to medical reasons. If you receive permission from OIS, you will be permitted to maintain your F-1 status active and remain legally in the U.S.

Academic Leave of Absence

Important Considerations:

  • You cannot remain in the U.S. during your leave. You will need to depart the U.S.
  • CPT and OPT employment eligibility. If your absence is less than 5 months, you may retain your eligibility if USCIS approves the reactivation request. If your absence is more than 5 months, your employment eligibility clock restarts and you must be registered full-time for two terms to become eligible for CPT or OPT.

Steps to Request an Academic Leave of Absence:

  1. Talk to your academic advisor regarding the process and the academic consequences of taking a LOA.
  2. As per your academic advisor’s instructions, receive confirmation that your LOA has been approved and is reflected in the University System.
  3. Contact OIS to inform us of the LOA.
  4. OIS will terminate your SEVIS record for Authorized Early Withdrawal.
  5. Receive confirmation from OIS that your SEVIS record has been terminated.
  6. If you haven’t yet, depart the U.S. within 15 days of the termination.

Returning After an Academic Leave of Absence

If Absence is Less than 5 Months (Reactivation Request)

  1. Contact OIS at least two months prior to your expected return to the U.S. to request a reactivation of your SEVIS record.
  2. Submit an updated AFCOE.
  3. OIS will submit the request to USCIS for approval.
  4. If USCIS approves your reactivation, your terminated record will return to Active status.
  5. OIS will issue a new I-20 with the same SEVIS ID number.
    1. You will retain your CPT and OPT eligibility.
  6. Prepare for travel. (If your F-1 visa is still valid, you may use the same visa).

If Absence is More than 5 Months (Initial I-20 Request)

  1. Contact OIS at least three months prior to your expected return to the U.S. to request an Initial I-20.
  2. Submit an updated AFCOE.
  3. OIS will issue a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number.
    1. Your employment eligibility clock will restart and you must be registered full-time for two terms to become eligible for CPT or OPT.
  4. Pay the $350 SEVIS fee.
  5. Prepare for travel. (If your F-1 visa is still valid, you may use the same visa).