Ibrahim Gardner
International students may be able to leave and re-enter the United States during their studies, but they must take the appropriate steps to ensure smooth re-entry. Students must consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure their SEVIS record is up-to-date and in Active status. Students must also have valid visas and passports, and may need to submit Leave of Absence forms. Failure to take these steps may result in being refused entry into the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required documents | Valid visa, most recent I-20 with a travel signature, passport valid for at least six months after the date of reentry, Form I-94 (recommended for M-1 students) |
| SEVIS record | Must be terminated if the student is not enrolled in a current term; termination reason should be "Authorized Early Withdrawal" to make returning to Active status easier |
| DSO | Students should check in with their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure their SEVIS record is up-to-date and in Active status |
| Leave of Absence | F-1 students cannot take a semester off and remain in the US; they must be enrolled full-time or have a pre-approved reduced course load; a Leave of Absence allows students to take time off from their academic program |
| Time outside the US | Students can only return to the US within 30 days of the start of the next semester if their leave is longer than five months |
| Pending practical training application | It is not recommended to leave the US with a pending practical training application as USCIS will only send requests to a US address |
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What You'll Learn
International travel during study
International students studying in the United States may be able to travel during their studies. However, it is important to take the appropriate steps to ensure a smooth re-entry into the US.
Firstly, international students must consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. The DSO should sign the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", within the last year, and students should not leave the country for more than five months. Students should also obtain the DSO's most up-to-date contact information, including daytime and 24-hour emergency phone numbers.
Additionally, students need to ensure they have valid immigration documents, such as a visa with a matching SEVIS ID number and a recent I-20 with a travel signature. If the leave is for fewer than five months, the student's status can usually be reactivated, allowing them to maintain their eligibility and use the same I-20 and visa (if not expired). However, if the leave is for more than five months, students may need to renew their visa before returning and ensure their record is reactivated before their travel to avoid being refused entry into the US.
For F-1 students, it is important to note that they must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study. A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F-1 students to take time off, but their SEVIS record will be terminated until they return. Students must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year (two semesters) before becoming eligible for an LOA. If the leave is for medical reasons, F-1 students may be authorized for a reduced course load, and their SEVIS record will remain active, allowing them to stay in the US.
Furthermore, students with pending practical training applications should not leave the country, as they may receive a request for evidence while travelling and are expected to respond promptly. Once the practical training application is approved, students will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) at their US address, which is required for re-entry into the US.
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Required documents for re-entry
International students intending to leave the United States and return at a later date must ensure they have the correct documentation to re-enter the country. The documents required for re-entry as an international student are as follows:
- A valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of re-entry to the US.
- A valid visa. The visa stamp in your passport should be valid on the date of your return to the US. The SEVIS ID Number on your visa should match the one on your I-20. If you have an old, expired passport with a valid US entry visa, you will need to carry both passports when you enter the US.
- The most recent I-20 with a valid travel signature on page 2, fewer than six months old. The name of the school on the Form I-20 should match the name of the school.
- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses in the US.
- USC acceptance letter (F-1/J-1 students) or invitation letter (J-1 scholars).
If you are taking a leave of absence, you must submit the Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before your leave. After submitting this form, your SEVIS record will be terminated, and you must depart the country within 15 days of the termination date. If you are taking a leave of absence for fewer than five months, your F-1 status can be reactivated, allowing you to maintain your OPT/CPT eligibility and use the same I-20 and visa (if not expired).
It is important to note that the documentation required for re-entry may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the student and the university they are attending. It is always advisable to consult with an international student advisor or the relevant university office before travelling to ensure you have the correct documentation.
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Effect on immigration status
International students in the United States on F-1 visas must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their programs of study. If an F-1 student wishes to take a break from their studies, they may be eligible for an enrollment exception or a vacation quarter. If not, they will need to apply for an immigration leave of absence.
A leave of absence allows an F-1 student to take time off from their academic program. During this time, the student's SEVIS record is terminated until they are ready to return. When the student is ready to return, their record is reactivated, and they regain their status. To be eligible for a leave of absence, the student must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year (two semesters).
It is important to note that international students cannot take a semester off and remain in the US. They must be enrolled for a full course load or have a pre-approved reduced course load with appropriate documentation for allowable reasons (medical or academic). If an international student chooses not to enroll in classes for a semester, they must make an appointment with the International Student Advisor and submit the necessary forms.
Before leaving the country, international students should ensure that their SEVIS record is up-to-date and in Active status. They should also have their DSO's most recent contact information and ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months after their re-entry date. If a student's leave is for fewer than five months, their F-1 status can usually be reactivated, allowing them to maintain their eligibility and use the same I-20 and visa (if not expired). However, if the leave is for more than five months, the student will need to renew their visa before returning to the US.
It is recommended that international students with pending practical training applications do not leave the US. USCIS will only send requests for evidence and approved applications to the student's US address. If a student's practical training application is approved while they are travelling, they will need to have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in hand to re-enter the US.
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Taking a semester off
International students studying in the United States on an F-1 or M-1 visa can leave the country and return, but there are some important restrictions and procedures to follow. Here are some key points to consider:
- Visa Validity and Re-entry: Your visa allows you to leave the country for short periods, but if you plan to take a semester off, ensure your visa remains valid. Your F-1 or M-1 visa will become invalid if you remain outside the US for more than 5 months. To re-enter after such an extended period, you will need a new Form I-20, a new SEVIS ID, and you'll have to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again.
- Maintain Student Status: Your student status is crucial. Taking a semester off should not detract from your primary purpose of studying in the US. Ensure that you are still enrolled in your program and intend to return to complete your studies.
- DSO and Paperwork: Before taking a semester off, consult your Designated School Official (DSO). They can guide you on maintaining your student status and provide the necessary paperwork. Ensure your Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" is signed by your DSO and remains valid within the last year.
- Travel Documents and Procedures: When travelling, always carry your passport, visa, Form I-20, proof of permanent residence, and financial resources. Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned return to the US. Customs agents may use biometrics (digital fingerprint and photograph scans) to verify your identity, so be prepared for this procedure.
- Timing and Duration: Plan your travel dates carefully. The US Department of Homeland Security does not allow new students to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of their program. Continuing students can enter at any time before classes start. Ensure your absence does not exceed 5 months to maintain your visa validity.
- Practical Training Applications: If you have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended to leave the US. The USCIS may send requests for evidence to your US address, and you are expected to respond promptly.
- Returning to the US: Upon your return to the US, you may be admitted for 30 days with a Form I-515A if you do not have all the required documents or have a SEVIS status issue. However, you must obtain and submit the proper documentation within those 30 days to maintain your student status.
Remember, it is essential to maintain your student status and follow visa regulations when taking a semester off. Consult official government sources and your DSO for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific situation.
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Visa requirements
International students holding an F-1 visa are allowed to travel internationally outside the US and domestically within the US. However, it is important to acknowledge and comply with US immigration regulations, especially when travelling outside the country, to maintain your student status.
- To enter the US as an international student, you must obtain a student (F or M) visa prior to arrival.
- To obtain a student visa, you must first apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the US. If accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- The SEVP-approved school will then issue you a Form I-20, which you must present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
- Wait times for visa interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so it is recommended to apply for your visa early.
- If your spouse and/or children will live with you in the US while you study, they must also enrol in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (without paying the SEVIS fee).
- If you are outside of the US for fewer than five months, you may return on the same SEVIS record. If you are gone for more than five months, you will need a new I-20 issued, a new I-901 fee paid, and a new visa acquired, and you must enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record.
- To re-enter the US, you must have a valid passport and a valid visa. If your visa has expired, you may need to renew it at a US Consulate/Embassy Office before re-entering the US.
- If you are from a visa-exempt country, you do not need a visa to re-enter the US, but you must present your I-20 to be admitted as an F-1 student and not a visitor.
- If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and must apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- If you are an M-1 student, you should consult a Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling outside the US. You must have a current Form I-20 endorsed for travel and your DSO must verify that your SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date.
- If you are an F-1 student, your Form I-20 must be signed by a DSO within the last year, and you should not be leaving the country for more than five months.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can take a break from their studies and return to the US. Students can take a break for reasons such as mandatory military service, family emergencies, or financial challenges. However, they must apply for an immigration Leave of Absence (LOA) and cannot remain in the US during their break. Students must also ensure that their SEVIS record is up-to-date and in Active status before leaving.
International students need to carry their regular immigration documents, including a valid passport, visa, and the most recent Form I-20 with a travel signature. If the break is shorter than five months, students can usually maintain their F-1 status and use the same I-20 and visa (if not expired).
If an international student does not have the required documents, a CBP officer may issue a Form I-515A, which admits the student to the US for 30 days while they obtain and submit the proper documentation.
