Lori Meadows
International students' visas are tied to their enrolment status, which means that dropping a semester can have serious consequences for their immigration status. Students in their first semester in the US may be eligible to drop credits during the semester if they are struggling with the language or teaching methods, but this requires written support from the instructor. Students with medical conditions may also be able to obtain approval for a reduced course load. In all cases, international students must seek approval from their academic advisor and the International Student Advisor before dropping a course or taking a leave of absence.
Characteristics and values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students taking a semester off | Must be enrolled for a full course load or pre-approved reduced course load |
| Must have prior approval from the DSO/International Student Advisor | |
| Must meet with their international advisor and complete the LOA process | |
| Must be outside the U.S. during the LOA | |
| Must confirm eligibility to return to their academic program after the LOA | |
| Must have a letter from a licensed medical professional recommending the LOA | |
| Must have prior approval from the Office of International Student Services | |
| No more than 12 months total leave is allowed per degree level | |
| Must be gone for fewer than 5 months and return on the same SEVIS record and I-20 | |
| Must log in to Truview and contact their advisor to ensure their account is up-to-date | |
| Must submit official transcripts of any coursework completed during time away from the university | |
| Must re-apply to the university if gone for more than 5 months and returning on a new SEVIS record | |
| Must be in good academic standing when requesting an LOA | |
| Must resume a full course of study in the next available semester to maintain status | |
| Must be gone for fewer than 5 months and not enrolled in classes at the University of Iowa |
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What You'll Learn
- International students must consult with the Center for International Students before taking a semester off
- Students must receive prior approval from the DSO for a medical RCL
- Students must be outside the US during a Leave of Absence
- Students may request an RCL due to academic difficulty
- Students considering a Leave of Absence must review eligibility to return to their academic program after
International students must consult with the Center for International Students before taking a semester off
Additionally, international students need to be mindful of the impact on their visa status. Students who will be gone for fewer than five months and will return on the same SEVIS record should ensure their accounts are up-to-date and that they can enroll in classes. However, if a student will be gone for more than five months and needs to renew their visa before returning, they must consult with the Center for International Students 30 days before their visa appointment. The Center can assist in submitting a request to return the student to "Active" status before the visa interview.
Furthermore, students should be aware of the deadline for dropping courses or withdrawing from a semester. Each semester has a withdrawal deadline, typically before the final four weeks of classes, and any withdrawal request must be approved before the end of the existing semester. Late withdrawals may carry issues associated with immigration status and can result in visa denials.
It is also important to note that international students in F or J status cannot retroactively drop or withdraw courses once a semester has ended. Any course drop or reduction in semester hours must be approved while the semester is still in session, and permission from the International Student and Scholar Services may be required if the change affects full-time enrollment or involves online courses.
In conclusion, international students must consult with the Center for International Students before taking a semester off to ensure they follow the correct procedures, maintain their visa status, and are aware of any deadlines or restrictions related to their specific situation.
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Students must receive prior approval from the DSO for a medical RCL
International students on an F-1 visa are required to be enrolled full-time. However, in certain circumstances, they may be permitted to drop a semester. Firstly, it is important to note that international students on an F-1 visa cannot take a semester off and remain in the US. If an international student wishes to take a semester off, they must apply for a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the university and receive authorization from the International Student Advisor. If the student will be gone for fewer than 5 months, they should log in to Truview and contact their advisor to ensure their account is up-to-date. If they will be gone for more than 5 months, they must re-apply to the university.
In the case of medical reasons, students may request a Reduced Course Load (RCL) due to a temporary medical condition. Students must receive prior approval from the Designated School Official (DSO) for a medical RCL. To do so, they must submit a request and provide appropriate documentation from a licensed medical professional. This can include a letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist, recommending a reduced course load or no course load due to medical circumstances. The letter must be dated no more than 30 days before the start of the term for which the RCL is requested and specify the semester for which the RCL is recommended. The DSO will then review the request and approve the RCL if all requirements are met.
It is important to note that the medical RCL is typically granted for a period of up to 12 months per degree level, and students must have health insurance coverage for their request to be processed. Additionally, students must provide current medical documentation for each new term, and the DSO must authorize the drop below full-time enrollment for each term. If students drop below full-time enrollment without proper authorization, they will be considered out of status.
The DSO plays a crucial role in facilitating the RCL process for international students. They review and approve requests, ensuring that students can maintain their visa status while dealing with temporary medical conditions. It is important for students to carefully consider their options and seek advice from their university's international student services before making any decisions regarding a leave of absence or reduced course load.
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Students must be outside the US during a Leave of Absence
International students on an F-1 visa must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. However, they can take a break from their studies by applying for a Leave of Absence (LOA). During an LOA, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they are no longer authorized to work on-campus or through any other F-1 authorization.
If you are an international student in the US considering a Leave of Absence, it is important to note that you must be outside the US during your approved leave period. Here are some key points to consider:
- Duration of Leave: The duration of your leave will impact your ability to return on the same SEVIS record. If you will be outside the US for 5 months or fewer, you may be able to return on the same SEVIS record. However, if your leave is longer than 5 months, your current I-20 will become invalid, and you will need to obtain a new one with a new SEVIS ID number to re-enter the US.
- Documentation: To re-enter the US after a leave of more than 5 months, you will need to obtain a new I-20, pay a new I-901 fee, and acquire a new visa. You must enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record.
- Timing of Return: When planning your return to the US, keep in mind that you cannot enter more than 30 days before classes begin, even if your visa is still valid. Calculate your return date carefully, factoring in the 5-month rule to ensure you do not exceed the allowed duration of your leave.
- Reactivation of Record: The process of reactivating your SEVIS record can take 1 to 4 weeks. Start the process well in advance of your return, and regularly check your email for any updates or requests for additional information. Failing to reactivate your record before your travel will result in a refusal of entry into the US.
- Financial Considerations: Ensure that you do not have any outstanding balances or unpaid tuition, fees, or loans before your planned leave. Any amounts owed must be paid off before your SEVIS record can be reactivated or a new I-20 issued.
- Academic Standing: Consider your current academic standing and any potential impact on your GPA when deciding to take a leave of absence. If you are on probation, you will remain on probation during your first semester back. Discuss any academic concerns with your academic advisor before deciding to take a semester off.
Remember, maintaining your status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is your responsibility. Familiarize yourself with the pertinent regulations to ensure you can maintain your legal status and avoid any complications with your studies or visa.
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Students may request an RCL due to academic difficulty
International students considering dropping a semester should be aware of the potential impact on their immigration status. While it is possible to take a leave of absence, careful planning and consultation with the Center for International Students are crucial to ensure a smooth process.
Firstly, international students on F-1 and J-1 visas must maintain their full-time student status by enrolling in a full course load. However, they may be allowed to take a reduced course load (RCL) with appropriate documentation for allowable reasons, such as medical or academic difficulties. If an international student is experiencing academic difficulty and wishes to request an RCL, they should follow the necessary procedures at their institution. This may include providing relevant documentation and seeking approval from the appropriate academic or administrative department.
The process of requesting an RCL due to academic difficulty typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation and Documentation: Students should meet with their academic advisor or a designated department to discuss their situation. They may be required to provide documentation supporting their academic difficulty, such as transcripts, course evaluations, or letters from professors.
- Approval and Registration: After reviewing the student's request and documentation, the institution will determine whether to approve the RCL. If approved, the student will be allowed to register for a reduced number of courses or credit hours for the upcoming semester.
- Maintaining Status: During the semester with the RCL, international students must continue to maintain their immigration status. This includes ensuring that their SEVIS record remains active and complying with any other visa requirements, such as maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
- Academic Planning: Students on an RCL should work closely with their academic advisor to adjust their course of study accordingly. They should carefully select the remaining courses to ensure they still meet the requirements for their degree or program.
It is important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for requesting an RCL due to academic difficulty may vary depending on the institution and the student's individual circumstances. Students should refer to their institution's policies and guidelines and seek guidance from the relevant departments to ensure they follow the correct process. Additionally, students should be mindful of the potential impact on their academic progress and graduation timeline when considering an RCL.
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Students considering a Leave of Absence must review eligibility to return to their academic program after
International students considering a Leave of Absence (LOA) must review eligibility to return to their academic program after the LOA. Students must meet with their international advisor and complete the LOA process. Students must also be in good academic standing when requesting an LOA.
International students with F-1 or J-1 status who wish to take a semester off and not enroll in courses must receive authorization for an LOA from the International Student Advisor. Students who are in their final semester of study and only have a few units remaining to meet academic program requirements may be authorized for a final semester Reduced Course Load (RCL). Students may request an RCL due to final semester only once per degree program.
Students may also request an RCL due to academic difficulty, but only once per degree level. Academic difficulty could include difficulty with English language or reading requirements. Students must receive approval from their academic advisor before dropping any courses. Students who drop below full-time enrollment without proper authorization will be considered out of status.
If an international student will be gone for fewer than five months and returns on the same SEVIS record and I-20, they should log in to Truview and contact their advisor to ensure their account is up-to-date and that they are able to enroll in classes. If a student will be gone for more than five months and returns on a new SEVIS record, they must re-apply to the University by submitting an online application and official transcripts of any coursework completed during their time away.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can drop a semester, but they must follow certain procedures. Students in their first semester in the US can be eligible to drop credits if they are struggling with the language or teaching methods. Students must obtain approval from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and their academic advisor before the end of the existing semester.
Students must first initiate the course drop online. They must then obtain approval from the ISSS and their academic advisor. If the student is taking a semester off for internships or study abroad, they should select 'Planned Professional Leave'. If the reason is personal, they should select 'Personal Leave'.
Yes, there are a few restrictions to be aware of. International students in F or J status cannot retroactively drop or withdraw courses once a semester has ended. Students must also be mindful of the withdrawal deadline, which is typically before the final four weeks of classes. Late withdrawals may carry issues with immigration status and could result in visa denials.
If you will be gone for fewer than 5 months and return on the same SEVIS record, you should log in to Truview and contact your advisor to keep your account up-to-date. If you will be gone for more than 5 months and need a new SEVIS record, you must re-apply to the university and submit the necessary documentation.
Full refunds are typically only given for a short period at the beginning of each semester and decrease incrementally over the first 2 weeks. By the end of the Schedule Adjustment period, no refund is provided. It is important to refer to the refund schedule for specific deadlines.
