International Students: Dropping A Semester And Its Complexities

International students in the US who are considering taking a semester off need to be aware of the possible consequences for their immigration status. F-1 and J-1 students on a student visa must be enrolled in a full course load or have a pre-approved reduced course load for medical or academic reasons. Students who take time off without prior approval will be considered out of status and may face visa denials. To take a semester off, international students must submit an Immigration Leave of Absence Form to the CIS office and apply for an official Leave of Absence from their university. Students must also be outside the US during their time off.

Can an international student drop a semester?

International students must seek approval from the International Student Advisor before dropping a semester

If an international student drops below full-time enrolment without proper authorisation, they will be considered "out of status". To avoid this, students must submit a Reduced Course Load (RCL) request to the Designated School Official (DSO) or International Student Advisor. The DSO can authorise an RCL for one term and may extend it to the following term if the student is still eligible. Students can request an RCL for academic difficulty, but only once per degree level. Academic difficulty could include struggling with English language or reading requirements. Students may also be authorised for a medical RCL due to a temporary medical condition with an appropriate doctor's letter recommending the RCL.

International students must also be aware that they may not take a semester off and remain in the US. If they will be gone for fewer than five months, they must log in to their university account and contact their advisor to ensure their account is up-to-date and that they are able to enrol in classes when they return. If they will be gone for more than five months, they must re-apply to the university.

It is important to note that, as of May 2014, the US Department of Homeland Security has stated that retroactive withdrawal is not permissible under any circumstances. This means that an international student cannot receive permission to have registration for a previous semester removed. Any withdrawal request must be approved by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and must occur before the end of the existing semester or the start of the next semester.

Students on F-1 visas can take a leave of absence for medical reasons

International students on F-1 visas can take a leave of absence for medical reasons. However, they must follow specific procedures to ensure they maintain their visa status and are eligible to return to their studies. Firstly, students must consult their designated advisor, such as the HIO or CIS advisor, to discuss the immigration impact of the leave. This step is crucial, as taking a leave of absence can affect the student's visa status and their ability to remain in the US during their leave.

To obtain permission for a medical leave, students typically need to submit a request along with supporting documentation. This usually includes a letter from a licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist recommending a reduced course load or zero course load for a specific semester due to a temporary illness or medical condition. Once the request is approved, students will receive an updated I-20 or DS-2019 form reflecting their new status. It is important to note that F-1 students are generally allowed up to 12 months (approximately 3 semesters) of medical leave, and this leave is typically authorized only one semester at a time.

If students need to extend their medical leave beyond one semester, they must submit a new permission request with supporting documents at the beginning of the next semester. Additionally, they should be mindful of the impact on their visa document (I-20) and consult the relevant office if it requires an updated travel signature. If students plan to travel internationally and re-enter the US during or after their medical leave, they must ensure they have all the required travel documents, including a recent travel signature. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials may question the reason for their return to the US, especially if they are not enrolled in any courses at that time.

Finally, when students are ready to return to their studies after their medical leave, they should notify the relevant office (such as the International Center or HIO) a few months in advance to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 visa document. They may also need to obtain clearance from their Academic Dean or department, and there may be requirements to complete any outstanding courses or registration processes.

Students on F-1 visas should not drop below full-time enrolment without DSO authorisation

International students on F-1 visas need to enrol as full-time students, which is 12 credit hours per semester or term. This means that dropping below full-time enrolment without prior DSO authorisation can result in a violation of your student visa status. DSO stands for Designated School Official, and they are responsible for creating your Form I-20, keeping you informed of federal rules and regulations governing your student visa status, and facilitating your interactions with US officials.

If you are an international student on an F-1 visa and you drop below full-time enrolment without DSO authorisation, you may face serious consequences, including the termination of your student visa status and even removal from the country. Your DSO is required to report your violation to the US government, and this could place the university in danger of losing the privilege of hosting international students. Therefore, it is essential to seek permission from your DSO before dropping any classes that would put you below the 12-hour requirement.

There are, however, some exceptions to the 12-hour requirement. For example, F-1 students whose schools follow a quarter or trimester calendar can shift their summer vacation to another season, as long as they study for a whole academic year first. Additionally, exam periods and school vacations spent in the US are not considered to break your F-1 status, as long as your course of study extends into the next school term.

If you are considering dropping a semester, it is crucial to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of your decision. The consequences of dropping below full-time enrolment without DSO authorisation can be severe, and you may be required to re-apply for your student visa or even face removal from the country. Therefore, consulting with your DSO and seeking their guidance before making any decisions is of utmost importance.

Students must submit a Reduced Course Load request to the DSO/International Student Advisor

International students who plan to be enrolled for part-time studies must submit a Reduced Course Load (RCL) request to the Designated School Official (DSO)/International Student Advisor. The deadline for submitting the request is the last day to add/drop for that semester and it must be approved by the student's academic advisor. F-1 students should not drop below full-time enrolment until they have received authorization from the DSO. Students who drop below full-time enrolment without proper authorization will be considered out of status.

Students may request an RCL due to academic difficulty only once per degree level. Academic difficulty could be due to difficulty with English language or reading requirements. Students who receive an academic difficulty RCL must resume a full course of study in the next available semester to maintain their status.

Students may also be authorized for a medical RCL due to a temporary medical condition with an appropriate doctor's letter recommending the RCL for medical reasons. No more than 12 months (3 semesters) total of medical RCL is permitted per degree level. For illness or medical cases, a DSO may excuse a student from all classes for up to 12 months for an F-1 or five months for an M-1. During this time, they remain in F-1 and M-1 status.

The International Student Advisor may authorize a final semester RCL for students in their final semester of study with only a few units remaining to meet academic program requirements. Students may request an RCL due to the final semester only once per degree program. F-1 international students who wish to take a semester off during the academic year (fall and spring semesters) and not enrol in courses must receive authorization for a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the International Student Advisor. Students considering an LOA must be in good academic standing and must be outside the U.S. during the LOA.

Students on F-1 visas must be enrolled full-time or have pre-approved reduced course load

International students on F-1 visas have specific requirements they must meet to maintain their visa status. One of these requirements is maintaining full-time enrollment in a course of study. However, there may be instances when a student needs to reduce their course load or take a leave of absence (LOA). In such cases, it is crucial to follow the proper procedures to ensure compliance with visa regulations.

To remain in compliance with visa requirements, F-1 students who need to reduce their course load must obtain prior approval for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). This approval typically comes from the Designated School Official (DSO) or the International Student Advisor. The DSO can authorise an RCL by completing the "Authorize to Drop Below Full Course" action in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This action allows F-1 students to attend classes part-time or, in cases of illness or medical conditions, to be excused from all classes for up to 12 months while maintaining their F-1 status.

To obtain an RCL, students must submit a timely request, usually before the end of the existing semester or the start of the next semester. The request must be approved by the student's academic advisor, and the DSO must enter the RCL reason and start and end dates in the student's SEVIS record. Students with medical reasons for an RCL must provide a letter from a licensed medical professional recommending the reduced course load. It is important to note that students who drop below full-time enrollment without proper authorisation will be considered out of status, which can have negative consequences for their visa.

In addition to RCL, F-1 students may also take an LOA, which involves not enrolling in any classes for a semester. This option is typically available for medical reasons or during the final semester of study when only a few units remain. To take an LOA, students must receive prior approval from the International Student Advisor and, in the case of a medical LOA, the Office of International Student Services. Students considering an LOA must be in good academic standing and must meet with their international advisor to complete the necessary processes. During an LOA, students may choose to return to their home country or remain in the US for treatment, but they must understand the specific requirements and potential impacts on their visa status.

It is important to note that the specific procedures and requirements may vary between educational institutions and countries. Therefore, international students considering dropping a semester or reducing their course load should carefully review the policies of their host institution and seek guidance from the relevant offices, such as the International Student Advisor or the Office of International Student Services.

Frequently asked questions