Janice Lozano
International students in the US on an F1 visa can defer their admission to a later semester or year, usually within one year of their original application. The process involves contacting the university admissions office and the International Student Advisor or Designated School Official (DSO) to request a deferral. Students may need to provide valid reasons for their request and may be asked to pay a fee or an enrolment deposit. It is important to note that the rules and requirements for deferring admission can vary across institutions, and some universities may not offer this option to international students.
Characteristics and values table for international students in the US deferring admission
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Deferring Admission | Delaying the start of a course to a future semester or year |
| Process | Contact the University admission office or Graduate school to defer applications. Also, contact the International Student Advisor or the DSO (Designated School Official) |
| Timeframe | Typically, universities allow deferral for the next term or within one year of applying |
| Fee | No extra fee required in most cases, but some schools may charge a fee for reserving admission |
| Visa | If a visa has been issued, it can be used for a later date as long as it has not expired. A new I-20 will be required for any F1 Visa stamping process |
| SEVIS Fee | If the same Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) number is kept, a new SEVIS fee is not required |
| Valid Reasons | Providing a valid reason is necessary for deferral. Acceptable reasons may vary, but relevant documents must be submitted to support the request |
| Limitations | Deferral requests may not be accepted for certain subjects, such as medicine. The duration of deferment and whether it is granted is at the institution's discretion |
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What You'll Learn
What does 'deferring admission' mean?
Deferring admission means that a student chooses to postpone their enrolment at a college or university for a specified period, typically one year. This is different from a rejection, as the student's application will go into the Regular Decision pool of applicants, where it will be reviewed again.
Students who apply for early admission may receive one of three decisions: accepted, denied, or deferred. A deferral is not a rejection, nor does it mean that there is something wrong with the application. Instead, it means that the college wants to review the application again with the Regular Decision pool of applicants.
Students who are accepted to a college and have paid the enrolment commitment deposit can then start the deferral process. This varies depending on the college or university, so students must actively look up the information and work with the admissions team. Typically, universities let students defer for the next term or up to one year since they applied. Some schools may require students to pay a fee to reserve their admission.
Students should plan ahead if they want to defer admission and have a purpose and a plan for the time out of school. This could include exploring career interests, completing service projects, taking a break after high school, focusing on mental health, or volunteering abroad.
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How to defer admission?
Deferring admission is a viable option for prospective international students who have been accepted to a university but wish to postpone their enrolment. This option is particularly relevant for those considering taking a gap year. It is important to note that deferring admission does not mean giving up your acceptance; rather, it entails delaying the start of your academic programme at the university.
- Research and Apply: Begin by researching universities that align with your academic and career goals. Once you have identified your top choices, proceed to submit your applications.
- Acceptance and Confirmation: After receiving acceptance letters from the universities, carefully review their policies on deferring admission. Confirm your intention to attend one university of your choice. It is essential to accept an offer of admission before requesting a deferral.
- Understand the Deferral Process: Familiarize yourself with the deferral process and requirements of your chosen university. Some universities may require you to submit a letter explaining your reasons for deferring and your plans for the gap year. Others may have specific deadlines and documentation requirements.
- Contact the University: Reach out to the relevant departments within the university, such as the admissions office, international student office, or the designated school official (DSO). They will guide you through the specific steps and requirements for deferring your admission.
- Submit Deferral Request: Prepare and submit your deferral request according to the university's guidelines. Provide any necessary documentation, such as a letter explaining your reasons for deferral or any supporting evidence. Ensure that you meet the deadlines specified by the university.
- Wait for Evaluation: After submitting your request, wait for the university to evaluate and process your deferral application. They will inform you of their decision and provide further instructions if your request is approved.
- Address Visa-Related Matters: If you are an international student, pay close attention to visa-related matters. Contact the DSO and relevant authorities to understand the implications of deferring on your visa status and I-20 form.
- Consider Financial Implications: Deferring admission may have financial implications, including the potential impact on scholarships, grants, or financial aid. Discuss these matters with the university to understand whether your financial package will remain the same or if there are any adjustments.
Remember that policies on deferring admission can vary across universities, so it is crucial to consult with your chosen institution directly to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific processes and requirements.
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What are the fees and consequences?
International students in the US on an F1 visa who wish to defer their admission typically follow a standard process: contacting the relevant university admissions offices and the International Student Advisor or Designated School Official (DSO). While some universities may not require additional fees for deferring, others might charge a fee or require payment to reserve the admission. Therefore, it is essential to check with the specific university.
The consequences of deferring admission may include the following:
- Visa-related implications: Deferring admission can impact the student's visa status. For example, a student with a single-entry F1 visa who leaves the US before the expiration date and wishes to defer their admission until a later semester would need to consider the visa's validity and the possibility of obtaining a new visa for re-entry.
- SEVIS ID and I-20 expiration: Deferring admission may have consequences related to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ID and I-20 form. Students should maintain the same SEVIS number to avoid paying an additional SEVIS fee.
- Financial considerations: Universities may require updated documentation of financial support within the past six months when requesting a deferral.
- Timing and deadlines: There are specific deadlines for requesting admission deferrals. For instance, J-1 students must request a deferral by the 11th day of classes in the original intended semester.
- Availability of courses and programmes: The availability of courses and programmes at the university may change during the deferral period, which could impact the student's chosen course of study.
- Competition for places: Deferring admission may result in increased competition for places in the desired programme or course, potentially affecting the student's chances of securing a spot when they intend to enrol.
It is important to note that the specific fees and consequences of deferring admission may vary depending on the university and the student's individual circumstances. Students should carefully review the policies and procedures of their intended university and seek guidance from the relevant university offices and international student advisors to understand the potential fees and consequences of deferring their admission.
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What are the rules for international students?
International students in the US who want to defer their admission will need to follow a few important steps and keep in mind that the rules and requirements may vary depending on the educational institution. Here are the general rules and guidelines for international students seeking to defer their admission:
Understanding Deferment:
Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between deferring an application and deferring admission. When an institution defers an application, they require more time to decide on the candidate, perhaps needing additional information or wanting to assess the applicant's level of interest. In contrast, deferring admission means delaying the start of your course to a future semester or year.
Valid Reasons:
To be eligible for a deferred admission, you must provide a valid reason for your request. Acceptable reasons may vary but generally, you will need to supply a satisfactory explanation and relevant supporting documents.
Timing and Duration:
The timing of your request is crucial. The allowed duration for deferment varies across institutions, with some offering deferment by one admission intake (e.g., from August/September to January of the following year), while others may allow deferral only within the same academic year. Institutions like UA Little Rock specify that J-1 students must request an admission deferral by the 11th day of class in the original intended semester.
Fees and Scholarships:
Some institutions may require an enrolment deposit for deferred admission, typically ranging from US$150 to US$250. Scholarships for students with deferred admission are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of the university and the scholarship awarding body. It is essential to check with the relevant authorities regarding scholarship availability for the deferred semester or year.
Visa and Documentation:
If you have already been issued a visa, you can generally use it for a later date, provided it has not expired. However, if your visa was denied, you may need to schedule another interview and provide improved documentation. When your deferral request is granted, you will receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 form, which is crucial for visa stamping and entry into the country.
Communication:
Contacting the relevant university departments is essential. Email the International Students Office or International Admissions Office, and don't forget to mention if you have already completed your F1 visa stamping. You may also need to communicate with the Designated School Official (DSO) who issued your I-20.
Confirmation:
Finally, you should receive official confirmation from the university stating that your admission has been deferred to the desired semester or year. Ensure that your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record is updated, as this will be reflected in your new I-20 form.
It is important to remember that the rules and processes for deferring admission may vary between institutions, and some universities may have more stringent requirements than others. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with your chosen university's admissions office and seek specific guidance from their international student support services.
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What are the visa requirements?
To answer the question, 'Can an international student already in the US defer their admission?', the process is the same as for prospective international students. You must contact the University admissions office or graduate school to defer your application. You will also need to contact the International Student Advisor or the DSO (Designated School Official) who issues you the I-20. The DSO will send you a new I-20 with their signature, which you will need for any F1 visa stamping process.
Now, for the visa requirements:
To study in the US, international students must obtain a visa. The type of visa depends on the nature of your studies, and there are three types of student visas:
- F-1 (Student Visa) - this is the most commonly used visa for bachelor's and graduate degree programs.
- J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa) - for exchange students.
- M-1 (Vocational Student Visa) - used for trade and vocational schools and limited to one year in total duration.
The F-1 visa is the most common, so the process will be focused on this visa type.
Visa Requirements:
- A valid passport - this must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry to the US.
- A photograph - this should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm), showing your full face against a light background.
- The visa processing fee.
- Proof of sufficient funds - you must provide evidence that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your course. This includes the cost of travel and living expenses, not just tuition. The financial documentation must include a certified bank letter and an affidavit of support.
- Medical insurance - you must have medical insurance for the duration of your studies.
- Form I-20 - this is the 'Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status'.
- Valid visa - your visa must reflect your intended academic activities in the US.
- Immigration documents - this includes Form I-20 for F-1 students, Form DS-2019 for J-1 students, and I-797B for H-1Bs.
- Letter of admission - a letter of acceptance from your US college or university.
It is important to note that the visa application fee is separate from the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. Also, while most countries require a few blank pages in your passport, the US requires your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
Upon arrival in the US, a US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) officer will ask you questions about your reasons for entering the country. They will also ask about your funds, so be prepared to show financial documents. If your documentation is incomplete, you may be issued a Form I-515A and a date-specific passport stamp, which grants temporary admission to the US for 30 days.
The visa process can be complex, so it is always best to check with the specific university and the US embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, an international student in the US can defer their admission. They must submit an application for "Leave from Study – Intermission for International Student Visa Holders". This can be due to unforeseen and difficult circumstances to avoid unsatisfactory results, subject failure, or student visa cancellation.
The process of deferring admission involves contacting the University admissions office or Graduate school. Additionally, it is necessary to reach out to the International Student Advisor or the DSO (Designated School Official) who issued the I-20 or DS-2019 form. A written request for deferral must be submitted by the 11th day of class in the original intended semester, along with updated financial documentation.
Typically, there are no extra fees involved in deferring admission. However, some schools may require an additional payment or a fee for reserving the admission. It is important to note that failing to remain enrolled without an approved leave of absence may result in visa cancellation. Students should also be aware of the time restrictions on deferrals, which typically range from 6 to 12 months.
